Chronicle is a new film that tries to breathe new life into the found-footage style of film-making made popular by films such as the Blair Witch Project and the Paranormal Activity series. It tries to be as original as it can but the format’s limitations create a challenge which I think the film, while still entertaining, doesn’t quite overcome.
Unlike most found-footage films which are about horror (Paranormal Activity, REC) and monsters (Cloverfield, Troll Hunter), Chronicle tries to venture into new ground. What if three non-comic-book-inhabiting high school kids – Andrew (Dane DeHaan), Matt (Alex Russell) & Steve (Michael B. Jordan) – somehow (I’m guessing aliens) were to acquire superpowers? Telekinesis in this case. Would they put on masks, capes and colourful outfits, go looking for crime and beat it up? Probably Not. The answer, as is in this film, is that they would goof around playing juvenile pranks on people, and try to use their powers to get laid.
The film does however get darker as one of the teens, Andrew, who suffers abuse both at home and at school embraces the dark side a bit too much. It is up to Matt, his cousin, and Steve to try to keep him in line and avoid people getting hurt. It is at this point that I couldn’t avoid comparing Chronicle to Akira which I’m guessing inspired this film in part.
Found-footage is an honest simple mode of film-making and Chronicle is for the most part an honest simple film. It betrays itself when it tries to be more and that’s when the found-footage format starts to feel unnecessary and becomes a bit of a burden. In the hands of a more seasoned filmmaker this problem maybe would have been handled a bit better but first time director Josh Trank does the best he can which I’d say was good enough, barely.
The best bits of this film are the three boys discovering and using their powers to great effect. They have good chemistry and their enthusiasm about getting superpowers makes it the more easier for the audience to go along with them for the ride. The performances from the three leads especially Dane DeHaan is commendable. He pulls off Andrew as the tortured recluse socially-awkward kid perfectly.
Despite getting pulled out of the action a few times by a “who is shooting this?” question, I had a great time with this film. The special effects were not too distracting as some superhero films tend to get. It make me really look forward to the days when you will not be able to tell the difference between real and cgi while watching an action sequence. I’d say definitely go watch this film, fun to be had by all.
Rating: 8/10