Chronicle:
Released just a few months before I started doing reviews on my blog, this was a pleasant surprise for many viewers. It chronicles (tee-hee) the life of Andrew, a teenager (who happens to have the shittiest life ever) who, along with his cousin and a friend, discovers an underground, almost ancient technology. The trio discover they have telekenis and a psychic connection with each other. They, like teens do, use their powers to fuck about and play pranks. But, when they start to get stronger, Andrew begins to lose control, and unleash his inner demons. The young cast of no-names are fantastic. Dane DeHaan plays Andrew, a disturbed teen with zero social life. He begins filming his life, and shows his shitty home life (abusive alcoholic father, mother dying of cancer, poor), bad school life (bullies, no friends, no girlfriend, isolated), and his isolation from his own family (cousin is distant, mother loves him but always is sick, dad hates him). DeHaan really pulls off the role, and the change into evil does not feel drastic, but very gradual and natural. And this film shows that people with absolute power (especially those who have never had power before) will never become heroes, but flawed, tragic villains. This film isn't quite on par with Unbreakable, but it's just under there. Alex Russell plays Matt, Andrew's cousin and friend. He is distant at first, but grows close to Andrew through bonding with their powers. He gives an empathetic and realistic portrayal of a jock trying to be more of a smart guy. Michael B. Jordan plays Steve, a popular guy who is a sportsy guy who bonds with Andrew and Matt. He really bonds with Andrew, which makes Andrew's downfall and his breaking away from Steve more tragic. Michael Kelly is great as Richard, Andrew's abusive asswhipe of a father. The film is written and directed by Josh Trank (The Kill Point), and co-written by John Landis's son, Max Landis (TV's Fear Itself). Although it appeals to fans of the found footage genre, it uses the psychic powers of the boys to it's advantage, using them to make excuses to move the camera like traditional cinematography. The special effects are spectacular, and several scenes are the most realistic view of flying I've ever seen. Chronicle is smart, emotional, entertaining, and near the end, somewhat dark. A great film that combines the superhero film, sci-fi, teen movie, a dark drama about the downfall of a disturbed boy, and a smart psychological film. A must-see. 5/5 stars.
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