Chronicle Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Three teens stumble upon a strange object underground that gives them telekinetic powers with dangerous consequences.

Review: Once more we have a found-footage style film although this isn't necessarily done in the same manner; the rules of this film are that any camera in the setting is used as a point of view which can include the likes of street cameras. I must say, one of the best things is that there are lot of great special effects in this film as we see the kids get more powerful and even begin to fly. It is pretty straightforward how this film was meant to progress: bullied kid gets powers, becomes evil, rampages against those who wronged him. That degree of predictability did hurt the film for me as I knew what would happen. To its credit though, it did have me caring about the characters and really not wanting the one kid, Andrew, to turn evil or the other kids to die. Think of this film as the origin story for how supervillains are made rather than a typical superhero movie. The final fight, and a lot of the film's action if you will, has obvious influences from movies like "Akira" or TV shows like "Heroes" and "Dragon Ball Z." This was the kind of movie I had been waiting to see realized for a long time with super powerful people just running around a city blowing stuff up. I wish they would have taken this film so much further and played up the action, but it is a nice balance and a fun ride. It was also somewhat disappointing that we never learned anything about how they received their powers, but there is an implication that it could have happened before or it is known; when a film like this leaves you wondering, I often feel writers should put in at least one throwaway line to at least acknowledge that they considered some of their own mystery, but it so rarely happens. However, the positives here outweigh any negatives: believable acting, compelling and interesting story, creative spin on the found-footage sub-genre, and good pacing with impressive effects and action set pieces.  If you're getting burned out on found-footage I would still recommend trying to give this one a view as a final shot, but if you love superhero movies or great action flicks, like I do, then definitely give this one a view. I had high hopes when this one came out and it lived up to my expectations; now I'm just waiting for a sequel!

Notable Moment: When Andrew and Matt are fighting their way all over the city and wreaking havoc.

Final Rating: 7.5/10