Ever since "The Blair Witch Project," many filmmakers have attempted to create their own success with the genre. Found-footage films have had a rough history, both commercially and critically. Where this film differentiates is that it puts a fresh new spin on the superhero genre. That fresh look can be attributed in large part to the creative direction of first-time director Josh Trank. He made good use of the found-footage aspect and the result is a film that feels more natural and real than previous films of this kind.
The success of "Chronicle" can also be attributed to the talent and chemistry of the young and largely unknown cast. It is a good thing this film was well acted because it is a character study of three high school students who gain special powers after a life-changing discovery.
At a party one night, Matt (Alex Russell) and Steve (Michael B. Jordan) discover a mysterious hole where they receive their powers. They then enlist the help of Matt's cousin Andrew (Dane DeHaan) because he has a camera and they want it documented. The film never goes into what they discover due the constraints of the hand-held perspective.
At the center of this character study is Andrew. He is a socially awkward and sheltered teen who has major family problems. The film opens up with Andrew going through a daily clash with his alcoholic father. His father was once a firefighter, but was forced to work a smaller job. As a result, he cannot pay for the outrageously expensive medical bills for his sick and dying wife.
Once Steve and Matt begin spending more time with him, Andrew finds an escape and something he needed. The three form a special clique separate from others at their high school. The process of the three boys figuring out the limits and heights of their abilities is the most fun part of the film. Given that they are still young, the boys abuse their powers in ways that can be expected for teenagers their age. They pull all kinds of pranks at a local grocery store during one of the strongest points of the film. There are quite a few genuine laughs from seeing these boys mess around with their abilities.
But as with any special gift, it affects each member of the clique differently. Early on they establish rules when they are getting stronger. Of course, this sets up a conflict for the third act of the film. Contrary to what the previews showed, none of the boys are bad. They just respond to their abilities differently.
Every found-footage film gives an initial reason for the cameras being there, but this is one of the few that has a good reason for it to stay. At first Andrew wants to record his life and every little aspect from the beatings his dad gives him to his dull life at school. The camera then becomes very important as these young men being developing and experimenting with their abilities. Once their powers begin to take shape, the filmmakers do some really innovative things with the hand-held notion.
For instance, the big action set piece at the end is the most creative use of the technology ever put on screen. The picture is constantly shifting from different hand-held cameras and security cameras around Seattle. On top of that, the special effects are good enough for a summer blockbuster. As a result, the other action scenes in the film are equally as impressive. In particular, the flying scenes feel real because of how they incorporate the hand-held aspect. It is flat-out exhilarating when they are in the air.
One problem with the hand-held aspect is the same problem that appears in every film of this nature. There is no way that the cameras survive what they go through in this one. It is an implausibility that can deter some audience members from enjoying this movie. However, if an audience can suspend their disbelief to a certain degree, then this is a very fun film.
Overall, "Chronicle" is worth the full price of admission. It is the kind of film that gives merit to a gimmick like the found-footage genre. On top of that, it is an equally worthy addition to the superhero genre and an excellent debut from some young guns in the film industry.
Rating: 4/5
