Chronicle
The "found footage" sub-genre may elicit many groans and complaints from moviegoers. While Chronicle at first doesn't seem all that different from films of this type with its slightly mundane first act when it introduces stereotypical characters, it turns out to be a refreshing viewing experience. Unlike most "found footage" movies, this isn't a horror film but rather about three teenage boys who develop telekinetic powers and how it affects them. Before long the film turns out to be surprising with its plot development and execution.
The main camera used in Chronicle is operated by one of the boys, Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), a shy, emo type who picks up the hobby of videotaping his life. Andrew clearly doesn't have a happy life in school or at home. He's shunned and picked on by bullies, his father's a violent alcoholic and his mother is dying of cancer. At some point, he goes to a rave party with his cousin Matt Garetty (Alex Russell), who's more outgoing, and they run into the ultra-popular Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan), who's running for school president. The three discover a hole in the ground near the party and after hearing strange sounds coming from it they descend it to investigate. Deep down they encounter a crystalline structure of unknown origin that pulses and causes them to have nosebleeds.
The movie jumps ahead in time to where the trio are experimenting with their newly acquired telekinetic powers. They treat it as a fun diversion and bond together while carrying out pranks with their powers. But it soon becomes clear that their powers are increasing and that Andrew's inner demons causes him to become more and more malicious with his powers.
That was the best twist with the film. We've all been expecting to see the lovable shy loser get super powers and then run off to save the world. Sadly, this doesn't happen with Andrew, he's clearly not Peter Parker as he uses his ability to hurt others. But the character is so well presented and three dimensional that despite his increasingly violent actions, one can't help but sympathize with his situation, while fearing him. Andrew thought that the powers would change his life for the better, but they haven't. He is still unpopular, his father continues berating him and he cannot save his mother.
In the meantime, Matt and Steve defy the popular jock stereotypes and become more sympathetic. Matt soon realizes that they have to be responsible with their powers. This doesn't mean he wants them to fight crime, only to not use the powers to harm living things. This difference in opinion will ultimately lead to a clash between the two cousins. Kudos goes to the three actors who play the three friends, the bond they share over their secret powers and the joy they have at first is apparent and one can't help but marvel at their telekinetic displays.
Whereas something as simple as levitating a ball may seem humdrum in an X-Men film, in Chronicle it truly comes off as a marvel. With that said the final act of the film is jaw-dropping thanks to its special effects that puts more expensive superhero films to shame in the wow factor as a major battle takes place in the skies over Seattle. Director Josh Trank should be commended for the film's execution and the "found footage" technique adds to the reality of what moviegoers see before their eyes. Unbelievably Chronicle is Trank's directorial debut. Let's hope this is the beginning of a great filmmaking career.
Lewis T. Grove