The Hummingbird Project follows cousins Vincent (Jesse Eisenberg) and Anton (Alexander Skarsgård) who work in the world of high frequency trading under the thumb of a cutthroat boss named Eva. Unfulfilled and underappreciated, the cousins part ways and start a company of their own. They intend to build a straight fiber-optic cable and run it from New Jersey to Kansas and bank on its success to make millions. This venture proves to be more difficult than first thought due to the obstacles of both people and the landscape. Then there’s Eva, who won’t let this advancement happen without a huge legal fight. This journey takes more of a toll than anyone could have expected and in the end the question will become, was it worth it?
The Hummingbird Project feels more like a true story than your typical fictional movie. Now this isn’t necessarily a badge of honor since part of the reason it feels this way is due to uninteresting stretches that lack that cinematic flair. You know how when you’re watching a biopic and give it the benefit of the doubt and say something like, “they were trying to stick with the realistic plot”? This has a similar feel without that excuse behind it. There are just too many moments where you’re sitting there and wondering why they decided to include this or that. The premise is interesting enough but what’s presented is not.
Jesse Eisenberg has seemingly found a niche in the types of roles he takes. His character is one that is driven and is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. Alexander Skarsgård goes above and beyond in his portrayal of Anton Zaleski. The physical transformation alone is amazing. He definitely committed myself to the cause. Salma Hayek could have been better if she was given more opportunities to display her talents. She was definitely underutilized here. And Michael Mando holds his own in a supporting role.
Don’t expect big things when seeing The Hummingbird Project because the fizzles before it can ever get started. The story starts off interestingly enough but that’s about it. And if acting is what’s supposed to carry this thriller, let’s just say that they needed more heavy lifting. This is definitely more of a watch at home type of experience where you can multitask while taking things in. You can see this one in theaters right now.
