Since it’s ROB ZOMBIE WEEK and I struggle with FOMO, I’m checking out Mr. Zombie’s animated epic, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto, so I can be part of the festivities!
To date, my only knowledge of The Haunted World of El Superbeasto was that it was an animated movie by Rob Zombie and that it sat in my Netflix DVD queue until, much like Egon Spengler, I declared physical media dead and unsubscribed from the disc option. I know, I know, that the actual quote is “Print is dead,” so put away your pitchforks.
Anyways, the powers that be here at Biff Bam Pop! asked if I would be interested in watching cartoons for a change. I was able to clear my normal weekend schedule of watching cartoons to squeeze in an entirely new cartoon. Well, new to me! In point of fact, and in an odd coincidence. The Haunted World of El Superbeasto is exactly TEN YEARS OLD TODAY.
Yes, that’s right, IMDB lists El Superbeasto as receiving a limited theatrical release on this very day! Unfortunately, I was unable to attend as I was at home recovering from a hernia surgery, so the movie got added to my Netflix queue and subsequently forgotten about…until now.
This flick made me realize some things, chief among them being that I don’t challenge myself with nearly enough “adult” animation. Now, when I say “adult” animation, I’m not talking about the stuff you’d normally see on Adult Swim. That’s basic cable amateur hour shit when compared to this cartoon.
That said…it’s not for everyone. However, I can’t rightfully conceive of an unsuspecting person happening across this movie and saying, “Ah yes, a quaint cartoon about a luchador by one Robert Zombie…truly, this shall be as enjoyable as one of the Don Bluth film’s of yore!” I don’t recall much hubbub surrounding the movie’s content upon its release which probably speaks to how different things were a decade ago and only serves to highlight the uproar a movie like this would cause if it were released today.
Maybe there should be a commemorative Tenth Anniversary Blu-ray release? “This movie is sure to offend your delicate sensibilities!” There’s your pull quote for the back of the case, Mr. Z.
The movie is very much in the vein of Ralph Bakshi and/or John Kricfalusi’s later work insomuch that it’s animation that is plugged in, dialed up to 11, and so, so filthy. The movie must hold the record for the largest amount of animated boobs in a single film. It’s truly a sight to behold.
The voice cast for this flick is honestly pretty impressive, with Rosario Dawson, Tom Kenny, Danny Trejo, Cassandra Peterson, Jess Harnell, Harland Williams, Rob Paulsen, Dee Bradley Baker, Paul Giamatti, John DiMaggio, and SO MANY others! The cast list reads like a who’s who of voice acting royalty.
The Haunted World of El Superbeasto is available to rent through most streaming services and is currently free to stream on the Tubi app.
Don’t miss Rob Zombie’s new film, 3 From Hell, screening exclusively in theatres for three nights only, September 16th, 17th and 18th through Fathom Events. Get the details here.
