Our Rating:

This typical ‘nerdy guy comes good’ high school movie is by no means typical. Chronicle is the story of three high school guys who stumble across an alien object that grants them telekinetic powers. However, the film shows the side of superpowers the audience has been longing to see. The three men are mischievous with their abilities. Chronicle’s story follows the journey of the men from separate backgrounds and social circles, to a close friendship based around their powers. Things soon escalate which ultimately leads to an immense final clash between two of the film’s stars.

Director Josh Trank utilised a number of interesting techniques for this film that offer movie goers a chance to see something quite different. Firstly, it is shot entirely in first person camcorder style, something which Cloverfield proved to be inherently annoying and even attributed a seasick feeling in its audience. The way Chronicle expertly dealt with this issue was the films antagonist used his telekinetic abilities to levitate the camera to more traditional angles. The key reason Chronicle was totally refreshing and an enjoyable experience was because of the entirely unknown cast. It is becoming the trend in Hollywood to cast lesser known actors, not only saving money but also causing attention to remain with the plot rather than whichever celebrity features.

Chronicle has strong performances by the three prominent cast members. One to watch out for is actor Dane DeHaan who plays the films antagonist Andrew. Andrew becomes completely absorbed by his powers. He also has quite a harrowing back story that would rival the best evil genius origin tale. DeHaan is supported by Alex Russell who plays Matt, Andrew’s philosophical cousin and Michael B. Jordan who plays Steve, the most popular boy in school. An integral part of the film and one of the most interesting is seeing the dynamics change within Andrew’s character until he emerges as ‘the bad guy’. 

Chronicle has very few shortcomings, the only issue really that anyone could find is that the film’s pace slows at about a third of the way in; to the point that the audience will find themselves willing the characters on to continue doing cool things with their powers. 

Ultimately though, Chronicle was thoroughly enjoyable and originally refreshing. This film was exactly what the sci-fi genre had been missing. It has renewed desires to stumble across something alien to allow millions to fly once again.