The Hyperions is a clear vision from one mind in writer/director Jon McDonald that I want to see more of in the future. There's genuine laughs and heart throughout this superhero/family dynamic that only an indie director could bring with obvious limitations in financing.
Set in the '70s with pseudo-nostalgia, The Hyperions tells a tale of two former superheroes robbing a museum containing their "titan badges" that grant them their powers. However, things don't go to plan, motivations are unclear, and people from the past will be needed to solve the problematic situation. A tale told through flashbacks and stylized animation, pinpoint editing, and the language of film that has been forgotten recently in favor of "exposition through dialogue" and voiceover, Jon McDonald proves to be a director to watch for in the future.
The technicals (5 possible stars) Directing: 1
Acting: .5
Writing: .5
Editing: 1
Cinematography: .5
Personal score out of five: 3
So all-in-all it was a 6.5/10, it's closer to a 7 than a 6 for me.
Set in the '70s with pseudo-nostalgia, The Hyperions tells a tale of two former superheroes robbing a museum containing their "titan badges" that grant them their powers. However, things don't go to plan, motivations are unclear, and people from the past will be needed to solve the problematic situation. A tale told through flashbacks and stylized animation, pinpoint editing, and the language of film that has been forgotten recently in favor of "exposition through dialogue" and voiceover, Jon McDonald proves to be a director to watch for in the future.
The technicals (5 possible stars) Directing: 1
- A clear vision and style that can't be overlooked, McDonald's vision is present throughout the film
Acting: .5
- Cary Elwes and Penelope Mitchell give outstanding performances but Elaine Tan and other minor characters drag down the performances; most notably in waiting on other actors to finish their line to continue their dialogue rather than performing in tandem.
Writing: .5
- A good story that gets a little sloppy towards the end and truly doesn't get the emotional feel it's going for. Honestly felt that a longer runtime would've helped.
Editing: 1
- Wonderfully edited. Fun animations that fit the overall style and clear cuts with purpose.
Cinematography: .5
- Overall good, but there were very few jarring handheld shots that were obvious "oops but we got a good take anyway" moments.
Personal score out of five: 3
- I genuinely laughed along with the film when it was trying to be funny and I loved the style. I just wish that it either got the heartfelt moments it wanted to achieve or go all in on the humor; trying to do both with such a short runtime didn't work fully to me.
So all-in-all it was a 6.5/10, it's closer to a 7 than a 6 for me.