Chronicle

Film

Chronicle.jpg

Time Out rating:

<strong>Rating: </strong>3/5

User ratings:

<strong>Rating: </strong>2/5
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Time Out says

Tue Dec 20 2011

Here we go again with another ‘found footage’ film supposedly shot by amateurs: this time it’s schoolkids in Seattle with superpowers. There has been wild cheerleading in the blogosphere in advance of this self-confident debut from writer Max Landis (son of John) and director Josh Trank. They’re both 26 and clearly believe they’ve got a game-changer on their hands: they mash up mock-doc stylings with a coming-of-age comedy and a comic-book superhero origins tale.

Behind the camera is a bullied loner, Andrew (Dane DeHaan), who is summoned by his cousin to film a crater in a field. Inside is a whopping shard of crystal that gives all three superpowers. There are some goofy-funny prank scenes as they test out their skills – terrorising a little girl in a toyshop with a floating teddy. But something is up with Andrew, who is pulling legs off spiders (with his mind!), and might be crossing to the dark side.

Does ‘Chronicle’ take found-footage movies to a new level? Don’t believe it. By the end, the trio are flying around like the Harry Potter kids after a night on the sherry. Which makes the idea that we’re watching events from the point of view of one camera laughable (even if they can levitate it). It’s a weak link in a strong calling card for the talents of Trank and Landis. Can we call time on found footage? If anyone out there stumbles on a camcorder with video of what looks like the scoop of a lifetime… wipe the memory and take it to Cash Converters.

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Release details

UK release:

Wed Feb 1 2012

Cast and crew

Director:

Josh Trank

Screenwriter:

Max Landis

Cast:

Michael B Jordan, Michael Kelly, Alex Russell, Dane DeHaan

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Comments & ratings

Rated as: 2/5 (11 ratings)
  • Enjoyed this a lot - disagree with review in that I thought it was the first found footage film that actually worked - obviously owes a lot to 'cloverfield' (and it also reminded me of 'unbreakable'), but problem with that was why is that guy running for his life, but still filming?! I think they got round that successfully here, with the footage coming from several sources, and the majority coming from a character that is actually a weirdo. I liked the switch of focus between characters, and also how different personalities might cope with having superpowers! I'm sure I'd use mine for good, but could think of a few people whose teeth I'd happily extract! Also the bloke who ends up the good guy - don't know the name of the actor - but he's very lovely. Another good reason to watch.

    great! Wed Jul 11 2012
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • What a stunner! Best movie I've seen in a long time! Goes through the struggles and emotions of coming to terms with the power they gain from a mystery find! The fact that the weakest character becomes the strongest and most dangerous user adds to the story. Couldn't have been any better, I was expecting to be let down, thankfully I wasn't! This is the type of power everyone dreams of possessing and its great to watch it unfold in this, for Me, film of the year. Can't praise it enough!

    Thomas Noctor Sun Jun 3 2012
    Rated as: 5/5
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  • I can't believe people recommended this to me. A terrible terrible film. Badly executed, tedious and almost laughably bad in places this should be avoided at all costs. What a terrible waste of 90 minutes.

    Justin Berkovi Sat May 26 2012
    Rated as: 1/5
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  • fast, lean popcorn entertainment, expertly delivered. 7/10

    scrumpyjack Sun Feb 19 2012
    Rated as: 3/5
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  • A bad, bad film!!!! The camera filming made me feel dizzy watching and lost interest after 5 mins!!!! not worth watching. how can a boy end up burnt and in hospital, but can break through glass and building without a scratch!!! a load of cr*p!!!!!!!

    girl25 Thu Feb 9 2012
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  • I actually quite enjoyed this; it was definitely funny in parts (a lot of people in cinema laughed loudly - not just me). It is a bit far-fetched at parts, but then given that the moveis is about teens with telekensis powers what do you expect? The reviews here seem quite harsh, no-one walked out as far as I could tell at a fairly full London cinema..... Rotten Tomatoes users approve of it with 85%, not a bad rating at all for that site.

    Steve Marks Thu Feb 9 2012
    Rated as: 4/5
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  • another half ass attempt at movie making with a video camera {blair witch-cloverfield style} which is so bad in first place . dont waste what time u have left on this earth watching this utter ****

    rogerrabbit Thu Feb 9 2012
    Rated as: 1/5
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  • There's the hint of a not bad story in there, but it quickly gets lost. Legged it after an hour. One star.

    Mike Mon Feb 6 2012
    Rated as: 1/5
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  • if got pay then dont bother, got couple funny pairs in it ,we have limited card so some good some not

    prince Sun Feb 5 2012
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  • This film was unbearable, absoloute dross, terrible storyline & acting, I left after half an hour!

    jayneM Sun Feb 5 2012
    Rated as: 1/5
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