Review of Chronicle (2012) by Xavier C — 16 May 2015

Easily the best found-footage movie I've ever seen. Having the camera play as a part of the story is an important element in the film. It adds to the sense of the plot being something that just happened, something odd and exceptional that's very out of place in an otherwise normal setting. This is added upon when perspectives from several people's cameras are used, giving many different angles on the events and immersing the audience in how the world receives what's happening. Sometimes it made no sense for the camera to be on in relation to the story, though. Also, Andrew used his powers as a cheat to justify a lot of cinematic angles that are never in other found-footage films. It's a clever way to work around the concept, but still a workaround.

As for the story, I loved it. Characters are fantastic and develop a perfect dynamic as friends. There's a great progression of stages in their lives, particularly Andrew's, throughout the movie. I kept thinking about what I would do in their place, or how I would react if I witnessed them. It's all great. The low-budget effects made me cringe from time to time, but that's the only major flaw.