Chronicle

OK, so the story of Chronicle, that of everyday peeps suddenly gaining superpowers, is hardly original and in recent times is most well known as the basics of the TV series Heroes. However, whereas that TV show quickly disappeared from the conscious due to a combination of its cheesiness, strung out plot and bad acting, Chronicle trumps it on all three counts. Obviously you can’t really compare a film to a 4-year TV series, but Chronicle’s story is precise, compact and with characters that draw you in. In a twist, it’s actually the ordinariness of the protagonists that makes the thing work. These are the people on the street (or in the corridors of school in this case). They’re you and I. No glamorous cheerleaders or politicians here. By doing this, writer Max Landis is basically asking the audience “What would you do?” if you suddenly developed superpowers. For high school students Andrew (Dane DeHann), Matt (Alex Russell) and Steve (Michael B. Jordan) it’s initially pranks and entertaining themselves in relatively harmless ways. Before long though things take a turn for the serious when Andrew (who has used his powers to help boost his low profile at school) starts to develop a complex around his new found popularity. Coupled with problems at home (a dying mother, an abusive father) he begins to use his talents in more serious and destructive ways (though there’s a simple scene where he callously kills a spider that is the most disturbing thing of all). I haven’t even mentioned yet that the film is mainly shown from the perspective of handheld recording devices. Nothing new in this in recent years, but it works well here and debut director Josh Trank’s film also has the added advantage of the camera flying through the air thanks to the levitation tricks on show from Andrew and company. The special effects are also great, with the majority of scenes using the extra pixels in an almost casual way before the occasional big moment. If there are downsides, Andrew’s sudden turn from quiet nerd into manic nerd hell bent on revenge to all who have wronged him is just lazy scripting and the final smack down sniffs of studio interference. Overall though this is a smart film and throw in a very cinema friendly running time and you have the type of low budget hit that gives you hope that the future of cinema isn’t Michael Bay and McG after all.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Less is more in a clever and highly enjoyable sleeper hit. Rating: 8/10.