Rating of
3.5/4
Review: Chronicle
MikePA - wrote on 04/13/12
I loved Chronicle!! From a film-making perspective I thought it was very well-made, but the entertainment level is extremely high. The characters are fully fleshed out, the script is beautifully written by Max Landis, and it includes excellent breakthrough performances from the 3 main actors and the writer and director as well. The found-footage thing isn't used as a gimmick here, and the action and visual effects fit in with this type of camera work perfectly. The director actually did something very interesting: he had the main character, Andrew, use his telekinesis to hold the camera up and follow him around, that way we don't get a bunch of shaky cinematography. The action and flying shots are steady and smooth, as they should be.
The acting is terrific. Alex Russel, Dane DeHaan, and Michael B. Jordan are destined to become big Hollywood stars. They all bring a sense of realism to their characters that make you mentally and emotionally attached to them. The execution of what the main character, Andrew (DeHaan), is very effective and gives you a sad feeling in your gut.
The story gets into dark and dramatic territory as it reaches the end, and almost everything about it works. The final act includes a fight to the death involving two of the main characters using their powers. It's absolutely riveting and very well done. You care about these characters and you want to learn so much more about them. This isn't a perfect movie and I did find some flaws, but it really doesn't matter. This is very well done by director Josh Trank. I highly recommend Chronicle!
3.5/4 (See It)
