Review of Chronicle (2012) by Cheyne L — 24 May 2013

I haven't been this immersed in a movie going experience in quite a while, and I can already say that this film will be in my top five for 2012 .. now, the found footage genre may be abused often, and the numerous terrible films produced in that style may tarnish all found footage for many, but any true lover of cinema won't dismiss (or validate) any film based on their previous experiences .

. but in 'chronicle' the documentary technique is geniously employed, capturing all the sadness of death and the excitement of life through usually a single angle, camera, and take, leaving everything up on the screen, the actors and cinematography completely exposed.

period. and I must say, what is on the screen is spectacular. for some scenes, the boundaries of found-footage rules are stretched, the 'chronicle'ing of these events becomes foremost, sometimes showing every angle of a scene if possible, if two (or twenty) cameras are part of a scene, the we get to see all those angles .

. 'chronicle' is basically a superhero genre flick, but unique in intangible ways, because on paper, it all sounds familiar .. three young men get superpowers and things go awry .. simple right? but, our character's are beautifully drawn and while character developments may be subtle, if any, that's what I love about it, it's true to life, and seems like what a bunch of kids would do, for better or worse, with superpowers .

. I had high expectations for this film and they were surpassed in about every way .. the special effects are organic and action sequences are spectacular, but not perfect, although i'd be willing to bet your suspension of disbelief will be quite ultimate .

. this film is humble and doesn't try to be something it isn't, and while some people complain about how sick the camera movements made them (which I thought were quite smooth, compared to, say,'the blair witch project', or even 'the hunger games'), or, how 'fake' the special effects seemed, I urge you to ignore those people, who seem more like chronic complainers than true fans of filmmaking and cinema .

. this is a film I would love to call my own, a film I inspire to come close to in quality of storytelling and well drawn characters, especially a debut feature .. 'chronicle' has emotion, excitement, and style to spare .

. I honestly felt jealous when the boys would practice with their powers, the excitement on their faces and in their voices was palpable and infectious .. amazing film ..