Chronicle, a pleasantly original film, doesn’t fit a certain mold, but rather fulfills the necessary components of the sci-fi, comedy, drama and, at times, even horror genres. This film smoothly taps into a healthy variety of moods and scenarios that may normally have the audience lost at the lack of focus.
We are first introduced to our main character, Andrew Detmer (played by newcomer Dane DeHaan) in the harmful environment he calls home. We feel his urgency as he immediately declares his goal to record everything (and he means everything) on his new video camera. Though the amateur shakiness of the camera (because Andrew is the one filming—giving the beloved Blair Witch Project effect, while avoiding the motion sickness feel of Cloverfield), takes a little while to get used to, the objective of young director Josh Trank fits into the storyline.
Andrew takes the audience through a brief tour of his high school where he’s being bullied and barely tolerating the ultra-hype of school spirit radiating off the walls. Lucky for him, he has hotshot cousin Matt Garetty (Alex Russell, another unknown), to more or less watch his back.
Matt urges his outcast younger cousin Andrew to go to unrealistic high school party number one: a rave in a barn. From here, the circle of our all-man main characters is completed once Michael B. Jordan (Red Tails) steps in as Steve Montgomery. Matt and Steve draw in Andrew with his video camera to a mysterious cave in the ground that they had found. Thus, the juice of our story seeps out as they discover the barrier between humanity and super powers. So as to not ruin this portion of the plot, I’ll describe what happens in the cave as an “experience” in which they all somehow make it out alive, with telekinetic abilities to control and move objects, and essentially everything else around them (including themselves).
The three unlikeliest of friends (had this been real life, but what with all the telekinesis, we need suspend our disbelief anyways) begin their exploration of practicing and controlling their newfound power. Our three men ease into dangerous territories, thus requiring limits on when and how to use their new abilities.
As Andrew discovers how much strength and power he truly holds, the obstacles of his alcoholic, mentally and physically abusive father along with his sickly and dying mother take a harsh toll on him.
The unexpected turns of this superpower-based movie kept up the intrigue throughout, albeit with a run time of only 83 minutes. At times the acting is mediocre, but the entire cast displayed a certain sincerity of dedication to the characters. It was easy to see that they had fun on set, as their magnetic allure didn’t stop the film from producing laughter, horror, excitement and potentially a tear or two (for you sensitive folk). Had Trank casted some big-name actors, I don’t think the movie would have held as much strength. It could have been categorized as just another superpower movie with an over-exposed actor taking the attention away from the plot. Another perk of this movie was the lack of an uber-sexualized curvaceous female. Not that it’s always a bad thing, but taking a break from staring at an unnecessary tight fitting top on some model/actress truly benefits the plot and meaning behind this early-February film.
Chronicle doesn’t do anything less than entertain and provide impressive special effects (without the use of 3D!).
Critic’s rating: 4 stars out of 5
Jennifer Bedell can be reached at 1jennifer.bedell@gmail.com