Chronicle (2012)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Mike S

  
  When three high school friends discover a mysterious source of power, their lives are suddenly turned upside down, as their newfound abilities make their wildest dreams a reality. At first, everything plays out exactly the way you'd imagine a couple of teenagers would use their… More
  When three high school friends discover a mysterious source of power, their lives are suddenly turned upside down, as their newfound abilities make their wildest dreams a reality. At first, everything plays out exactly the way you'd imagine a couple of teenagers would use their powers; as in goofing around with innocent pranks and showing off to the ladies. But like the poster says: it's all fun and games until everybody gets hurt. For as a more darker side begins to emerge along with the discovery of their gifts, their bonds of friendship become ever more strained, leading up to a dire and catastrophic turn of events, where nothing can no longer be controlled and the darkness gets the better of them. If you think this sounds like the premise for a great and awesome movie, it's because that's exactly what it is. Fun-filled and exhilarating, I wasn't bored for a single second, and it kept on topping itself with progressively cooler special effects. The fact that almost every actor in it is completely unknown to me, only benefited the film as it made it feel more genuine. And it's this goosebump-inducing sense of realism, that makes it such a spellbinding watch. My only complaint as far as the visuals go, is that many of the moments where they fly around are too obviously done by wire. You'd think with how much technology has evolved in the past 10 years, that they'd be able to make it more convincing, but unfortunately it doesn't look much better than it did in the "olden days". I was also very annoyed by how they *spoiler alert* killed off one of my favourite characters so early on in the movie. Especially as I considered him the best of the three lead actors *end of spoiler*. In all other regards, however, this was a phenomenally entertaining experience. It was like watching one of my own dreams on screen, in which I've fantasized about having superpowers. And although rooted in familiar themes, found in hundreds of other Hollywood features, the pragmatic execution and natural character behavior, makes you fully invested in everything that's happening. So as far as found-footage fare goes, this was quite the mind-blowing success. A fresh, action-packed and impressively made sci-fi yarn, that treats its audience with dignity, while leaving you with an appetite for more and the hope for a continous sequel.

• Luke B

  
  Mixing two of the most popular genres of the moment, found footage and superheroes, Chronicle has a lot of potential and actually lives up to it. 3 teenage boys discover something strange which eventually gives them telekinetic powers. One of these boys is Andrew, a bit of an oddball,… More
  Mixing two of the most popular genres of the moment, found footage and superheroes, Chronicle has a lot of potential and actually lives up to it. 3 teenage boys discover something strange which eventually gives them telekinetic powers. One of these boys is Andrew, a bit of an oddball, he likes to record everything on film. He starts using his powers to gain popularity, but with a dying mother and an abusive father, it isn't long before his anger takes over. I love both these genres of films, so I was immediately taken in. However, I did feel the found footage gimmick was stretched slightly thin here. I think they should have done a DIstrict 9 and changed to conventional narrative means. The film is very entertaining at first. Imagine Jackass with superpowers. The boys have have so much fun exploring their powers and playing jokes, it's a side most superhero movies don't have time for.DeHaan gives a great performance and clearly captures his character's frustration and anger. He isn't simply a snivelling loser, but it's obvious to see that he has problems before the events of the film. As Andrew has the camera for the whole film, we see his side, which means as we approach the final confrontation, it's a weird feeling of relating more to the villain. The effects are stunning, and sit easily in the format. The flying scenes were simply beautiful, and completely blow away all previous cinematic flying. You could sense the calm and excitement of being among the clouds. The end had one of the most involving smackdowns of any superhero films. It really had scope and seemed epic on a budget.

• Mark H

  
  Chronicle is 2/3 of a really satisfying drama. What starts out as a thoroughly engaging setup devolves into your standard supervillain run amok at the end. The collection of adventures leading up to Andrew's admittance to a hospital in the final act are invariably entertaining. I… More
  Chronicle is 2/3 of a really satisfying drama. What starts out as a thoroughly engaging setup devolves into your standard supervillain run amok at the end. The collection of adventures leading up to Andrew's admittance to a hospital in the final act are invariably entertaining. I appreciated the joy of discovery the three boys had getting used to their newly acquired abilities. The script has a sense of humor. When they purposefully move a woman's car in a parking lot as a practical joke, it's utterly indicative of what real high schoolers would initially do with their powers. The story exhibits a legitimate ambition to cultivate three-dimensional characters with bona fide emotion. That's what makes the eventual devolution of the narrative so depressing. A story about a telekinetic teen outcast with an unsupportive parent, bears more than a passing resemblance to Stephen King's Carrie. Both teens unleash untold mayhem as revenge against their enemies. That was a characteristic weakness in both as well. Despite the familiarity of the plot, Chronicle is still justifiably worth your time based on the character development of its three main stars. A solid debut from 27 year old Josh Trank, a young director to watch.

• Pedro H

  
  What are you capable of? Powerful Chronicle is no ordinary found footage film or superhero movie. Chronicle is a deep character driven film that analyzes in all angles the dangers of powers and the responsibilities that come with it. Andrew (DeHaan), his cousin Matt (Russell) and… More
  What are you capable of? Powerful Chronicle is no ordinary found footage film or superhero movie. Chronicle is a deep character driven film that analyzes in all angles the dangers of powers and the responsibilities that come with it. Andrew (DeHaan), his cousin Matt (Russell) and their friend Steve (Jordan) discover a supernatural force that leads them to developing uncanny powers beyond their control and understanding. As the movie progresses these characters experiment their new power and slowly start developing a obsession over it. What is most surprising and amazing about Chornicle, is that this is a new film. Not in terms of time, but it is made my by an entire cast of new actors and directed by a new director, and the result of this is spectacular. Going in to watch the movie I was already excited because a) I love the movie, b) I am a huge fan of found footage films, and c) I loved this new idea of stepping away from horror found footage and making it into an action film. I left the movie not one bit disappointed. Besides being a great action film, one can say, Chronicle is profound in its story and meaning. The movie - with the help of a first person camera - is able to paint a vivid character portrait of Andrew and allows us to really infiltrate his mind. Don't be fooled by this movie, at one point Chronicle develops a Shakespearean plot, and the meaning and message behind this movie is brilliant. Honestly one of the best movies I have seen that deal with the theme of power, because it allows us to get into the characters mind, and see all the pros and cons that power brings. Like previously stated Trank is a surprise. This movie being his big debut, he really proves how talented a director he is. Just point out one of the many things I like about Trank: His idea to use found footage film is phenomenal, because he explores all angles visually and emotionally of the characters. Not only that but he makes a criticism towards the technology revolving modern teenagers. Trank is an absolute genius. The actors are great, not exceptional, but good. All three really show their potential, and although at times they overplay their role, they are still able to develop distinct characters that are important for this film. Overall Chronicle is a spectacular film, it is innovative, and realistic. It is no feel good superhero but a profound cinematic masterpiece that wonderfully portrays the theme of power and desire. Do not miss this one out, it really is one of those films you can talk about it forever. Steve Montgomery: "It's not that I'm good at everything, it's that I give my best at everything I do"

• Manu G

  
  What are you capable of? Great movie! Chronicle was a pleasant surprise. It's the kind of film you hope to walk into. As a fan of comic book films, it was especially pleasing as it really shakes the genre and tries, successfully I might add, to do something very different. It… More
  What are you capable of? Great movie! Chronicle was a pleasant surprise. It's the kind of film you hope to walk into. As a fan of comic book films, it was especially pleasing as it really shakes the genre and tries, successfully I might add, to do something very different. It could have been a complete disaster with typical hand-held filming and a typical story. But the smart and creative take on the genre makes this another in the great beginning of 2012. Andrew is a troubled but creative teen with a keen visual eye and a high-quality HD camera. He is introverted and socially awkward. Along with his friends, Matt and Steve, they make a discovery that leads them all to acquire powerful telekinetic abilities. They're now capable of, well, almost anything. But things take a dark turn.

• Scott G

  
  One of the strongest, most realistic films I have ever seen, truthfully, it blew my mind at how it was able to pull off such stunts and really show how the film industry has revolutionized completely, the film itself had a strong plot and although some names may not be recognised,… More
  One of the strongest, most realistic films I have ever seen, truthfully, it blew my mind at how it was able to pull off such stunts and really show how the film industry has revolutionized completely, the film itself had a strong plot and although some names may not be recognised, they held the characters brilliantly, probably the best film i'm gonna see for quite a while, a pat on the back goes to Josh Trank and Max Landis.

• Kase V

  
  'Chronicle' is a unique form of 'found footage' because its movement with the camera is less restricted, but it is flawed in other aspects. The idea was refreshing, but the story arc is poor. Nothing the characters do seems meaningful enough to carry the story to a… More
  'Chronicle' is a unique form of 'found footage' because its movement with the camera is less restricted, but it is flawed in other aspects. The idea was refreshing, but the story arc is poor. Nothing the characters do seems meaningful enough to carry the story to a purposeful resolution. The climax seems rushed and chaotic, yet entertaining nonetheless. 'Chronicle' is an interesting spectacle, but it feels like it has nothing to say.

• Jason C

  
  "Chronicle" was a pleasant surprise. What I liked most about the movie, is it basically creates the origin of a super villain. The inevitable, and unforgiving outcome of the main character was pulled off very nicely. Since the film wasn't based on already established… More
  "Chronicle" was a pleasant surprise. What I liked most about the movie, is it basically creates the origin of a super villain. The inevitable, and unforgiving outcome of the main character was pulled off very nicely. Since the film wasn't based on already established characters from a comic book, the story was fresh and unpredictable, while not having to follow Hollywood's diluted superhero formula. The movie's main flaw, is of course, the found-footage direction. I'm not a fan of this style, and like usual, it didn't enhance anything in "Chronicle". All in all, this is a movie worth seeing.

• Carlos M

  
  The structure is a refreshing novelty for this kind of story but also the weak point here, with footage obtained from several different sources (which would be impracticable) and people filming even in illogical circumstances. Even so, the characters are well developed and the climax… More
  The structure is a refreshing novelty for this kind of story but also the weak point here, with footage obtained from several different sources (which would be impracticable) and people filming even in illogical circumstances. Even so, the characters are well developed and the climax quite thrilling.

• Nikhil N

  
  The movie is choppy, dialogue is cheesy, characterization is poor, acting is awful, and it ends all too abruptly. This is the kind of movie you go to expecting much more and then walk away thinking "Is it wrong that the fast food restaurant across the street has more to offer for… More
  The movie is choppy, dialogue is cheesy, characterization is poor, acting is awful, and it ends all too abruptly. This is the kind of movie you go to expecting much more and then walk away thinking "Is it wrong that the fast food restaurant across the street has more to offer for ten dollars this movie did?"

• Tyler K

  
  This is the first "Found Footage" film I've ever seen, and will be the best one I've seen for a very long time. Chronicle follows three high school seniors who find a bizarre crater with an alien crystal inside which enhances their brains to carry out complex… More
  This is the first "Found Footage" film I've ever seen, and will be the best one I've seen for a very long time. Chronicle follows three high school seniors who find a bizarre crater with an alien crystal inside which enhances their brains to carry out complex tasks... this complex task is the power of telekinesis. I love the fact that the main character is a loser at first. Usually this makes me feel uncomfortable, but this time it was a different approach. Once he gets his powers, who ever picks on him then is going to lose their teeth... literally. I can see why he turns evil, cause he was a loser. It's pretty simple, yet genius. Excellently executed screenwriting litters this film, in simpler terms, that means the movie is great.

• danny d

  
  a great film. i love the story and the actors were well chosen. dehaan looks like a young leo dicaprio. i somewhat question the decision to make this a found footage film as it limited what certain shots could look like a bit too much, and it made for a lot of moments where cameras… More
  a great film. i love the story and the actors were well chosen. dehaan looks like a young leo dicaprio. i somewhat question the decision to make this a found footage film as it limited what certain shots could look like a bit too much, and it made for a lot of moments where cameras were carried in unnatural ways to feed the gimmick, but the film was thoroughly entertaining. the degradation of the villain in the end made for a less interesting fight scene, but the film was mostly very satisfying.

• Chris M

  
  A cool twist on super hero movies. Though I would not really consider it a super hero story, I think of it more as "Teens get super powers and this is what teens would probably do". This movie is a good example of how to properly execute a found-footage movie. The whole time… More
  A cool twist on super hero movies. Though I would not really consider it a super hero story, I think of it more as "Teens get super powers and this is what teens would probably do". This movie is a good example of how to properly execute a found-footage movie. The whole time I felt like what was going on was real and that is awesome. Truly a well made found-footage film.

• Phil H

  
  Very dull slow take off for this comicbook type film as we see a bunch of teens just messing around and talking crap whilst not much else is going on. The first half of the film is shown through 'Andrews' camera as he goes around filming everything and its damn annoying, of… More
  Very dull slow take off for this comicbook type film as we see a bunch of teens just messing around and talking crap whilst not much else is going on. The first half of the film is shown through 'Andrews' camera as he goes around filming everything and its damn annoying, of course its building characters but to be frank it doesn't seem that way as its really uninteresting. The way in which the three young males find the 'unknown object' in a deep dark hole after simply climbing down into it is a bit silly methinks, as if you would do that.  The object looks a bit like the spiky crystal like pod in which 'Superman' travels to earth in from the 78 film, anyway they all get infected or transformed or sick from the object and thusly gain telekinetic super powers...for some reason. The film is really quite boring until 'Andrew' starts to get a little warped with his ways and begins using his powers for 'evil' or bad as it were. From that point on it perks up allot with much more tension and some reasonably good special effects consisting of average cgi and average bluescreen work but some nice telekinetic movement work on people in places. There is a slight feeling of 'X-Men' as the sparks fly along with cars and chunks of building, almost a more realistic take with proper teen angst issues tossed in. The stress caused by family issues, school life and their increasing powers is well played out by the actor trio. The point where 'Andrew' finally decides he is now pretty much a more evolved human being and capable of anything he wants, a newly evolved 'apex predator', does add some great moments of edge of your seat thrills as you simply don't know what he will do next, he no longer cares for anyone including his super powered friends. Filmed almost entirely with handheld cams, or CCTV in some sequences, does add realism to the action but it also annoying too, like other films in this style it can be hard to follow action as the camera jerks all over the show. So the first half of the film is dull and slightly rushed maybe but it gets much better once 'Andrew' loses it, its almost like a male version of 'Carrie' really, Dane DeHaan does portray the breakdown and instability of his character very well. Overall some nice sequences like the boys trying their new powers as they develop them, strong moments of family feuding and a good finale.

• Sophie B

  
  What starts out as an interesting character story suddenly becomes a blockbuster wannabe filled with over the top CGI and stunts that, whilst slightly impressive, is just too much for this film. The characters also begin very grounded and believable but as Andrew lets the power get to… More
  What starts out as an interesting character story suddenly becomes a blockbuster wannabe filled with over the top CGI and stunts that, whilst slightly impressive, is just too much for this film. The characters also begin very grounded and believable but as Andrew lets the power get to his head he goes crazy which isn't in fitting with the beginning of the story. At the end I wasn't sure exactly what to think about this and I'm not entirely sure I still do now. I would have expected them to question their powers a bit more too.

• Christopher H

  
  Probably one of the most refreshing takes on a superhero movie since "Unbreakable". The visual are a little weak, which is to be expected with the film's low budget, but the movie makes up for it with it's three main characters. The three characters (Andrew,… More
  Probably one of the most refreshing takes on a superhero movie since "Unbreakable". The visual are a little weak, which is to be expected with the film's low budget, but the movie makes up for it with it's three main characters. The three characters (Andrew, Steve, and Matt) are fully developed and likable. The biggest entertainment from this film comes from seeing the three teenagers experiment with their powers. I also admire the camerawork, which unlike other found-footage films, is smooth and steadily filmed. The first two acts of the film are very good, unfortunately, the third act felt very rushed. Due to the rushed third act, the film never reaches the emotional heights it sets out for. The film falls short of greatness, but it is still recommended viewing.

• Robert C

  
  X-Men First Class...minus the class. What could have been a pretty powerful piece on the effects of excessive power on the human phsyche, gets bogged down by the painfully bad "tween" driven dialog and several trite stereotypical characters. Thankfully the special… More
  X-Men First Class...minus the class. What could have been a pretty powerful piece on the effects of excessive power on the human phsyche, gets bogged down by the painfully bad "tween" driven dialog and several trite stereotypical characters. Thankfully the special effects get increasingly better as the film developes, but sadly the bulk of the dialog never makes it out of the "tween angst bog".

• First L

  
  "Chronicle" is like an amalgamation of various cutting-edge superhero concepts from the past 30 years. I recall many upstart comic book companies in the early 90s that explored both the physics and metaphysics of what the acquisition of some "extra"… More
  "Chronicle" is like an amalgamation of various cutting-edge superhero concepts from the past 30 years. I recall many upstart comic book companies in the early 90s that explored both the physics and metaphysics of what the acquisition of some "extra" physical/mental power might exert upon human existence. It wasn't enough to say "superman can fly" anymore, you had to break down his superpowers at a quantum mechanical level and explain why. Going back even further, to 1988's "Akira", some teens are granted telekinetic super powers and one of them rebels against the world. It's not that he's necessarily a bad kid, but if you're the one getting bullied, made to feel weak and helpless, you tend to want to lash out when you suddenly become powerful. Nowhere is this type of storyline more famously explored than Stephen King's 1974 novel "Carrie", the classic "revenge" against bullies by way of supernatural intervention. It's no small feat that Chronicle can put one in the mind of such legendary fare. Chronicle follows a high school teen named Andrew (Dane BeHaan) as he chronicles his life on a second hand video recorder. "I'm going to record Everything!" he tells his abusive father through his locked bedroom door (and this is fortunate for us, as Chronicle is told in that home video, "found footage" style of filmmaking that has become so prevelant recently). And not only does he record his home life (his abusive father and dying mother), he also records his days spent at school, from the lonely lunches out on the bleachers to the bullies that roam the hallways, much to his cousin Matt's (Alex Russell) chagrin. Matt wants Drew to put the camera down and just try to be normal. It's Matt who drags Drew out to a party, and it's at this party the two meet up with Steve (Michael B. Jordan) who is pretty much the most popular kid in school. He needs them cause he's discovered a crazy hole in the ground out back in some secluded area and the light from the camera is perfect for exploring it. As they delve down into it, they discover something strange, made of crystals and light that disturbs the video quality and somehow gives them telekinetic powers. "It's like a muscle, you have to exercise it", one of the boys says. And exercise it they do, from manipulating small, everyday objects to floating through the air with the greatest of ease, the three are absolutely giddy with their newfound power. All except for Drew, who still has to contend with problems at home. Chronicle can be summed up as "Carrie meets Cloverfield" but I don't think that would be too fair. Chronicle inexplicably reminds me of 2009's "District 9" if, for no other reason than it also makes legitimately ground-breaking use out of the "found footage" gimmick. The escalating powers are serviced by the escalating special effects, and there are some genuine "aah" moments as the effects reach out and grab you. There is a shift in the atmosphere that might take some by surprise, but it is all pretty clearly laid out early in the movie. It's a familiar plot if you've experienced any of the above reference guide, but only just. If this is your first foray into the "super-powered revenge fantasy"-type movie, that's okay too. Chronicle nails it.

• Markus R

  
  How much found footage could there possibly be?! The fact that "Chronicle" does get around the shaky camera effects, which seem to plague these "found footage" films, in a very clever way, is almost worth the price of admission. Directed by Josh Trank, who… More
  How much found footage could there possibly be?! The fact that "Chronicle" does get around the shaky camera effects, which seem to plague these "found footage" films, in a very clever way, is almost worth the price of admission. Directed by Josh Trank, who single handedly saves this film from a "Real World" type of unwatchable teen monotony, aka watching teen boys attempt to talk to girls and cry about how they have no friends or how nobody understands them. As for the visuals, the special effects are what they are. Meaning, not impressive (in fact very corny at times), but since most of the plot is not going for any kind of serious drama, the kind you would find in a superhero movie such as "The Dark Knight", the low quality of the effects aren't played off as anything more than low quality special effects. In fact the only aspect of "Chronicle" that keeps this film from being an instant hit isn't the special effects or the camera work at all; it is the actual story itself. The premise of "Chronicle" plays out like a storyline off of the debunked television show "Heroes". You have one character who is the most popular guy in High School, another who is the semi-popular jock and lastly you have the loser cousin character, aka the character that gets the short ends of the stick in films like this. In "Chronicle" that character is named Andrew. Well, Andrew's mom is dying, his father is a raging alcoholic who beats him, and over time he has essentially turned himself into that misfit character from "American Beauty", who creepily films everything. Ok, so in the movie these guys happen to be at the same house party, where they find a mysterious crater-like hole in a field near the house and decide to explore it. Why? Because they are teenage boys I guess. In it they make a discovery that gives them superpowers, which in turn leads each one of them down very different paths; some darker than others. The smartest aspect about the plotline itself is that it doesn't try to bore the audience to tears by explaining a long drawn out back-story, about what the origins of the mysterious thing in the mysterious hole that gives the boys said mysterious superpowers. Another thing that works in this plot's favor is how realistic it attempts to be. And before I get comments criticizing me for thinking a movie about teenagers who obtain super powers is realistic, let me stop you right there. I mean realistic in the sense that if a group of actual teenage boys one day received "super powers", it would be highly doubtful that they would try and save the world or anything like that. Chances are your average teenage boy would do just as the adolescents in "Chronicle" did; that is, fly around for no reason other than to see what it's like, blow cheerleaders skirts up, and throw baseballs at each other's faces in order to see if they could stop the baseball with their minds. Interesting stuff right? Well, for a while it is. But with that realistic feel, eventually comes with it the downfall of "Chronicle". When it becomes apparent that the characters are not going to help anybody or do anything of note (with their powers) in certain instances, the story does become bland and or lackluster. To be fair, the climax does become more conventional and over dramatized, in a Marvel-ish style, which most audiences may enjoy a lot more than the first half of the film. With all of that said, the biggest reason that "Chronicle" works is because of the camera work. It is as simple as that. If you are hesitant to see this film because you think "Chronicle" is going to contain lose-your-lunch visuals resembling "Cloverfield" or "I can't see what's going on" visuals resembling "The Blair Witch Project" or "The Devil Inside", then you can lay your fears to rest because this film contains none of that, while still maintaining its hand-held camera integrity. How does it do that you ask? Well, you have to watch the movie to find out. I know, lame right? Final Thought: The camera work is substantially more impressive than any story "Chronicle" has to tell. And while it is, for the most part, semi-entertaining, at the end of the day most of "Chronicle" feels like an underdeveloped, teenage, MTV version of "Unbreakable". Plus, if you are expecting some kind of origins story, with a stylish comic book, saving the world, hero vs. villain likability, viewer beware: "Chronicle" is in no way that. But if you go in with an open mind, "Chronicle" is sure to surprise most, as (if nothing more) an impressive spin on the seemingly played out hand-held, found footage, faux-documentary genre. Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland Please visit my page on Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/x-52464-San-Jose-Indie-Movie-Examiner and leave any comments you have about this or any review. The more hits I get the better. Thank you. Follow me on Twitter @moviesmarkus

• Nate Z

  
  I've learned a valuable lesson when it comes to genre movies - do not trust the marketing department of 20th Century Fox. Every promotional clip, trailer, TV spot, even the notion that people were flying around in cities as an attempt at viral marketing, it all coalesced into… More
  I've learned a valuable lesson when it comes to genre movies - do not trust the marketing department of 20th Century Fox. Every promotional clip, trailer, TV spot, even the notion that people were flying around in cities as an attempt at viral marketing, it all coalesced into making me turn up my nose at Chronicle. It just looked like a bad movie. Then the critical reception was rather glowing and I took a chance, pleasantly surprised by the skill and execution of the flick. What made this thought-process notable was that it was almost an exact repeat of what I went through with Rise of the Planet of the Apes. Every piece of promotion stoked my disinterest into outright loathing, and then after the positive press I saw the movie, begrudgingly, and was floored. I guess when it comes to future 20th Century Fox genre releases, I'll try and figure out my reaction and then turn that upside down. If a movie looks like utter crap, then under this new value system it must be good. I'm sure my new cinematic equation will prove me wrong as soon as the latest Eddie Murphy family vehicle terrorizes theaters ("This fall, Eddie Murphy is... The Governor. And his political opponent? His wife! Also played by Eddie Murphy"). In short, the marketing department at 20th Century Fox sucks but Chronicle does not. Chronicle is the chronicle (heh) of three high-school friends who contract telekinetic powers. Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is a social outcast, determined to videotape his life as a means of escape from his ailing mother, his violent, alcoholic father (Michael Kelly), and the torment of school bullies. His cousin, Matt (Alex Russell), is trying to read up on philosophy to impress Casey (Ashley Hinshaw), a blogger/amateur documentary filmmaker. He's more than some dumb jock. Steve (Michael B. Jordan) is the popular athlete planning to run for political office one day. The three guys discover what looks to be an alien craft underground. After coming into physical contact, the guys discover they suddenly have the ability to control objects with their minds. They test out their new powers in small ways at first, stopping speeding balls, assembling Legos. Matt insists they establish some system of rules to ensure they use their new powers for good. Andrew chafes at the idea of holding back, especially since he is by far the most powerful member of the group and eager to settle a few scores. Just as the found footage motif is starting to get old along comes a movie that makes creative and clever use of the narrative structure. Documenting one's life, including the endless trivialities, has become normal habit for a younger generation accustomed to Twitter-style instantaneous information dissemination. Given that Andrew is abused and harassed, it makes sense for his character to use his camera as a means of security physical and emotional: the promise of being recorded should at least keep some of the bullying and physical abuse at bay, and it also provides a barrier for him and the real world, letting him stand outside himself. As John Malkovich said in Shadow of the Vampire, "If it isn't in the frame, then it doesn't exist." This is one of the few found footage films where I didn't feel constrained by the limitations of its concept. I suppose it helps when your main characters have super powers and can fly into the sky for a game of pigskin. The climactic battle is plenty thrilling but also subtly ingenuitous, as we cut back from various camera footages to piece together our super smackdown; we jump from security cameras, police dashboard cams, helicopter cameras, to even personal video cameras of people doing what people do... document the strange and unusual (I'm just curious who assembled the footage, though I have my theories). The key to Chronicle's success is that it's a well-written, character-based piece that just so happens to morph into a superhero cautionary tale. Andrew has a pretty hard life and it's easy to see why this insecure, neurotic, and angry young man takes his newfound gifts as a cosmic opportunity for retribution. In a way, Chronicle is like an all-male version of Carrie for the digital age; incidentally, Andrew was set to perform in a school talent show and I was cringing, saying to myself, "Oh no, here comes the Carrie moment." He's a tragic figure and you feel for the kid, which gives him a little more leeway when he starts to veer to the dark side. Until the very end, you can follow Andrew's motivation for every action, so when he dresses up in his father's firefighter outfit to shake down the neighborhood bullies, you can justify it to yourself, saying, "Well, he's desperate and needs to pay for him mother's super expensive medication. Oh, and those guys had it coming. Jerk." The power of empathy is a mighty one, and writer Max Landis (son of director John Landis) takes a measured amount of time to connect everything back to the character. The best compliment I can give Landis is that nothing feels out of place. The characters behave in a relatively believable manner, the action intensifies at a natural incline, and the characters manage to have some brainy, existential debates about power and responsibility in between typical teenage pranks/antics (it's only natural that teen boys would somehow use telekinesis to improve their sex life). Sure these characters aren't terribly deep and the multitude of Andrew's misery heaped upon misery almost seems ridiculous. In another universe, perhaps Andrew uses his powers to lash out at his tormentors at school, though that approach would questionably glamorize school shootings. However, by the time the big action hits, we're emotionally invested in the characters and have watched Andrew's long fuse finally blow. The special effects are even more impressive given the low budget and the found footage gimmick. The camera makes some nifty telekinetic moves, floating around and giving the film a bigger space to play within. The flying effects are pretty convincing, especially when one of our guys ends up tumbling back to Earth in one tense sequence. Whether it's floating Pringles or cars crushed inside out, the effects are smooth and well integrated, and any noticeable lack of polish just fits in with the fuzzy nature of our video recording as lone record of the events. There's a notable solution for sub-par special effects in movies: blame the nature of the movie (Uwe Boll, that suggestion is free of charge). But the best special effect is young actor DeHaan (HBO's first-rate show, In Treatment). Looking eerily like a young Leonardo DiCaprio, the guy manages to channel pent-up rage, frustration, and helplessness in a way that doesn't feel histrionic or twerpy. His character is the point of view for our tale given that it is Andrew's camera after all; we're mostly locked into his perspective. Good thing that the character is interesting enough and so well played by DeHaan that I didn't feel stuck with a loser. He reacts like most teenagers would react when bullied and harassed, trying to be aloof and ambivalent but only able to hide the pain and resentment for so long. When Andrew does start to give in to the allure of his powers, DeHaan seems practically seduced by his sense of superiority. There's a dangerous look in his eyes that turns on that cues the audience for trouble to come. Russell is an amiable actor even if his character is bland and somewhat inconsistent as a foil to Andrew. Jordan (TV's Friday Night Lights) is a charming guy who finds the right balance of exuberance and sarcasm with his character. Together, the threesome of guys has a winning chemistry and character dynamic. When they're getting along and the good times are rolling, you feel part of the gang. Being a super hero has become a dominant male fantasy as of late in the movies, so it's invigorating to see a movie that puts a fresh spin on what seems ad infinitum. Chronicle is something of a small wonder, bringing new life to the found footage concept, making smart use of its narrative confines rather than chained by its limitations. The story is just as involving from a character standpoint as much as its sci-fi genre elements and superhero wish fulfillment. Landis and debut director Josh Trank are talents that I have no doubt Hollywood will snatch up. They've given the super hero genre a necessary human element, too often lost in the splashes of action and merchandising. Along with its engaging character-work, Chronicle also happens to be a clever action movie with some soaring thrills. Ignore the shoddy marketing and take a chance on Chronicle. Nate's Grade: B+

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