Chronicle
Starring: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly. Ashley Hinshaw
Director: Josh Trank
Rating: 3.5/5
We have seen a whole host of superhero/superpower movies over the last few years but Chronicle is different to most that have come before it.
Three high school students make an incredible discovery, leading to them developing uncanny powers beyond their understanding.
As they learn to control their abilities, and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over
What I really liked about this movie is there is a real feel of reality running throughout = sure the boys can do things that are out of this world but they are run of the mill characters with everyday problems.
Andrew is the most compelling character of all of them as he has another dying of cancer and a father who is physically abusive.
Andrew is a boy who has pent up his rage and frustration and the powers that he receives are, at the beginning, an outlet for him.
But he is the character that really pulls the audience into the movie and director Josh Trank creates a real of suspense and unease around him as it is only a matter of time before the anger spills out.
And it is a great central performance from Dane DeHaan, particularly towards the end what he has no control of his rage.
Chronicle is a character driven movie that follows these teenagers as they are unprepared for the responsibility and consequences of the gifts that they have been given.
This movie shows that you don't need to be a big budget blockbuster to make this kind of movie as Trank mixes everyday with some elements of sci-fi and fantasy.
However some of the special effects are a little weak, especially the flying sequences, but this movie is so gripping that you are willing to overlook these little issues.
The movie marks the feature length directorial debut for Trank and this is an assured piece of filmmaking that makes him a director that everyone should keep an eye on.
But this is not just a movie about superpowers it looks at the pressures and difficulties of teenage life touching on bullying and abuse.
Chronicle is an interesting and engrossing watch from start to finish and it just puts a whole new spin on this genre.
Chronicle is out on DVD & Blu-Ray now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw