Chronicle (2012)

One night after a party, three teen boys, loner Andrew (Detmer), his cousin Matt (Russell), and popular Steve (Jordan), discover a hole in the middle of the film.  They venture into the hole and discover a mysterious device.  Later they begin to display extraordinary talents: telekinesis, flying, etc.

As their abilities grow stronger, the boys become closer.  The decide to fly around the world and leave their lives behind... and then something terrible happens.


At the beginning of the film the character of Andrew gets a new camera and decides to film every aspect of his life.  This sets the filming style in motion, with the audience learning everything via this camera, Casey's camera, and video surveillance.  It is an interesting filming choice, which only allows the audience to know what the characters know.  We don't know what they find at the beginning of the film, or the reasons they gain new abilities.

The cast is relatively unknown, which works for the film... it keeps you focused on the characters and not on the star power.  The effects are well-done and story is intriguing.  Also, unlike many other superhero-type films, focuses on what the boys do after they get powers: like messing with the people around them, not focusing on saving the world right away.

It is an interesting film that more people should see.  Check it out at Netflix.

Chronicle (2012) minutes
Rated: PG-13 for intense action and violence, thematic material, some language, sexual content and teen drinking
Director: Josh Trank
Starring: Dane DeHaan as Andrew Detmer
Alex Russell as Matt Garetty
Michael B. Jordan as Steve Montgomery
Michael Kelly as Richard Detmer
Ashely Hinshaw as Casey Letter
Bo Petersen as Karen Detmer