IHC Movie Reviews: Chronicle (2012)

Chronicle, the latest entry into the found footage genre takes on a previously unexplored front, the origin story of a normal group of teens getting super powers. There are tons of films of this genre that permeate the market, mostly focusing on the paranormal and the occasional monster film. It’s going to take a lot to make a film stand out from the mediocrity of the genre, and a lot of fresh ideas. Does this film help reinvent the genre, or should it fly into the distance and never come back?

To my knowledge, this is the first found film footage that chronicles the beginnings of a potential super hero. It’s a fresh take on the genre, and its really refreshing to see a film of the genre focus on something other than ghosts. The film follows high school senior Andrew Detmer, his cousin Matt Garety, and popular high school jock Steve Montgomery. Through a series of events and a good handful of exposition the three main characters get super powers through some mystical means, and the rest of the film shows what they choose to do with their powers. After getting their powers they each decide to use them for their own means, from winning a talent show to getting even with bullies.

The climax pits one teenager, who understands that their powers must be used for good against another, who has taken to the mindset that he is an apex predator and is to be top of the food chain. The story line is pretty simple and straightforward. There are no super big twists or turns, and everything that happens makes sense. It’s easily the most coherent movie I’ve seen in a good while. But it never seems like it’s not trying, and it never gets boring. The relatively unknown small time actors really nail it, and it the script is brilliant in its simplicity. This is how found footage films should work, because this one does it well. 

The film doesn’t completely reinvent the genre, but instead uses the plot of the film to make it completely interesting. Unlike most films of the genre that stick to a strictly first person view, once they get their powers the film makes a dynamic shift. Andrew learns how to control his powers, and uses them to move the camera, and control it. After that, he’s usually not behind the camera anymore and it kind of follows them around like a silent cameraman is following them with the camera. It’s an interesting device, and one that makes the film refreshing compared to other genre films. The CG at times is a little less than well done, but it never looks completely horrible. The fight at the climax is very well done, and the CG is as close to top notch as it can get. Cars get flung around, and buildings explode, and it all looks great. The powers of the characters get grounded in reality, and up until the flying, are mostly done with practical effects. I like that when the characters fly, they don’t look like they’ve been doing it forever. They are complete amateurs, and it shows in the body movements and control. It’s a neat little touch that the director added, and it’s a welcome touch. 

All in all, its a great little movie. Good story line, very well directed, and a truly new take on a tired genre. It’s a film that doesn’t come along very often, and I personally hope it does well, so more filmmakers will be willing to take risks like this. It’s a great easy popcorn flick, and with Valentine’s day coming up, it’s a perfect date movie if your date isn’t in to the whole typical chick flick.