Chronicle

A very nice little film. It’s a fun, tense, undemanding (but not stupid) sci-fi snack that may look like a little brother next to this year’s upcoming sci-fi tentpoles like Prometheus, but, compared to last year’s In Time and Source Code, which are in the same category, Josh Trank, Chronicle’s director, delivers the best job. His film works simply far more smoothly in its universe. The found-footage format is at times as questionable as in every other found-footage film (why the fuck are they filming?!?!), but if you accept this, you’ll have fun. The climax is awesome. I went for a seven, got a seven, I’m satisfied. 7/10 (05/02/2012)

Since Cloverfield, the only other standout found-footage film I’d seen was [REC], and honestly, nothing else really impressed me—until Chronicle. This movie is a gem. I’m usually not a fan of shaky cam, but when it’s done right, I can appreciate it, and Chronicle nails it. Everything you need to see is crystal clear. What blew me away was how they pulled off such massive destruction on a small budget. Half the city gets wrecked, and it looks not only realistic but absolutely fantastic. The final act is a full-throttle action ride with no missteps, and I loved every minute of it. Chronicle proves you can make a great movie with shaky cam as long as you give the audience something worth watching—and this one delivers plenty of that. (14/09/2012)

Perhaps no other film set in the “real world” enjoys the denial of the world’s physical laws more than this one. Chronicle is a likable, tasteful and quite cool joyride. But it doesn’t have the same WOW! factor as Cloverfield – the screenwriter let his imagination go too wild to be taken seriously and achieve any tension. The effects are very good, however, and the film has some kind of an idea. Teen audiences should be satisfied. (31/01/2012)

Supernatural abilities and emotionally frustrated individuals don't exactly go together, which Chronicle shows in a very interesting way. It's got absolutely great gradation and for 12 million it managed to produce a lot of music. A non-mainstream variation on superhero (or super-villain) movies that works very well with the characters on a very frugal screen and creates a pleasantly fresh impression within the genre. [70%] (25/06/2022)

A novel approach to a superheroes movie. Trank’s experiment with found footage, this time not from one but from several cameras, worked out just great. The rotating shots are effective, especially thanks to Andy’s well-practiced telekinesis. The evolution of the three main protagonists is like out of a textbook (and a good job of acting). Basically, none of the characters behaves black and white and they have logical reasons for their actions. Setting the movie in Seattle gives a welcome touch of reality. For just a few bucks extra we are treated to more tasty visual morsels than any regular fan would expect. (06/02/2013)