Chronicle is a great blend of a high-school buddies story and a sci-fi drama/action film. Although the story is a bit of a stretch, the mere idea of inheriting superpowers has long worked as a story-line in films because, yeah – we’ve all dreamt of that. Even the beginning phases of such empowerment are expected: pranks on your buddies and the a-holes you know in school. That’s funny stuff. But then reality kicks in. Who is mature enough to handle the power? Who has other shit going on that turns the power in to badness? Chronicle explores all of it, amidst some great action and drama. Very entertaining.
Cane DeHaan is a central point of the film. An introverted, conflicted soul – his acting prowess stands out.
Alex Russell is a close runner up in carrying the acting weight. A natural at being an all American good guy.
Michael B Jordan (love the a name), who I first took notice of in Friday Night Lights has less of a present role, but he shows good stuff.
Chronicle’s film style mimics many movies we’ve seen since – using the home movie style herky-jerky for effect made famous by Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield. The risk of being copycat pays off, as I felt the style added to the film rather than appearing gimmicky.