Chronicle

Release Date: Feb 03, 2012

Runtime: 1 hr. 23 min. 

Director: Josh Trank 

Cast: Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan, Alex Russell.

A wise man once said, "with great power comes great responsibility." And for three unsuspecting individuals, it's more than what they bargained for. Adapting the 'found footage' format, "Chronicle" begs the question of 'what if' and the repercussions that follow. When three high school students inherit superpowers overnight, their morals are put to the test, and the battle of willpower is all that separates them from the fringes of evil. Directed by newcomer Josh Trank, what seemingly begins as an archetypal superhero saga, gradually transforms, resulting in a deep-seated chronology that's remarkably original, if not compelling. Like "Cloverfield" and "Paranormal Activity" before it, "Chronicle" takes the unconventional route on a derivative genre, casting unknowns and using camera techniques to make it realistic and relatable. Dane DeHaan as Andrew, the awkward yet temperamental character, is frighteningly adept in showcasing his emotions, possessing an eerie quality that carries the film up until its epic climax. From the grounds to the sky, there's no limits to where the scenes take you, capturing the events as they unfold through the characters' eyes. But this is perhaps where the handheld camera method fails and is falsified, as there appears to be one readily available wherever they go. Additionally, there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to how this footage was discovered, other than the assumption by the viewer. Nevertheless, while "Chronicle" certainly won't be the last of its kind, it affirms that the novelty hasn't worn out quite yet. Sooner or later, there will be more found footage, and its contents will essentially be revealed.

Rating: 3½ stars