Chronicle
Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation | Release Date: February 3, 2012
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 612 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
481
Mixed:
89
Negative:
42
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
BikerjamesFeb 19, 2012
You have to put up with the eye rolling teenage behavior that only Hollywood perceives teenagers to be, and of course the horrible moving camera, but it turns out to be an entertaining film. The movie progressively gets better and better asYou have to put up with the eye rolling teenage behavior that only Hollywood perceives teenagers to be, and of course the horrible moving camera, but it turns out to be an entertaining film. The movie progressively gets better and better as it goes on so be patient. I thought the special effects, for the most part, were great. They could have made the teenagers a little more likable so that you cared more about the characters and their predicament, but for the most part they are annoying. Still, I enjoyed it.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
7
TokyochuchuMay 6, 2012
Chronicle is a good movie but not quite a great one. The handheld 'Cloverfield' style camera style works well for the most part, but it's sometimes replaced by standard camera shots... Which is confusing and doesn't make sense. The acting isChronicle is a good movie but not quite a great one. The handheld 'Cloverfield' style camera style works well for the most part, but it's sometimes replaced by standard camera shots... Which is confusing and doesn't make sense. The acting is solid and the effects are surprisingly well done. The climax is bound to impress. My one great complaint is that the hero of the movie has too little screen-time and seems like a one dimensional wooden plank, especially when compared to the villain. When all is said and done, Chronicle is definitely worth seeing if you're a superhero fan.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
hollyvFeb 18, 2012
Just once I'd like to see what teenage girls do with a superpower. Why is it always boys? Especially, since we know they will only use it to impress girls... and ultimately kill each other.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
7
drlowdonJun 9, 2013
Shot using ‘Blair Witch’ style found footage Chronicle documents what happens when three friends find themselves endowed with telekinetic abilities. Being teenagers however they don’t all handle their new power so well and cracks soon beganShot using ‘Blair Witch’ style found footage Chronicle documents what happens when three friends find themselves endowed with telekinetic abilities. Being teenagers however they don’t all handle their new power so well and cracks soon began to appear in their friendship.

Aside from the problem that all found footage movies have, namely the question of why someone would still be filming at certain points, Chronicle makes for a very good watch from start to finish. In fact, thanks to its largely believable cast and script as well as some very good visual effects, it is arguably better than any of the movies that inspired it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
HalfwelshmanSep 17, 2012
Chronicle has what many lesser found footage films lack. The genre has a history of sacrificing character for style, of using hand-held filming to hide a lack of budget. This film has very strong performances from the three leads Dane DeHaan,Chronicle has what many lesser found footage films lack. The genre has a history of sacrificing character for style, of using hand-held filming to hide a lack of budget. This film has very strong performances from the three leads Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan (especially DeHaan) who all play interesting, well-developed characters that you enjoy spending time with, and the film's entertaining premise of the three highschool friends gaining superpowers after the discovery of a mysterious object provides some good laughs and fun spectacle, particularly in the scenes where the boys are learning to control their new gifts. The film also creatively gets round the chief weakness of the found footage genre - who's holding the camera? (the way they do this is a highlight which I won't spoil here). Like Cloverfield, Chronicle doesn't try to provide a concrete explanation for the odd goings on that we witness, but this mostly works for the film, and you should be able to fill in the gaps yourself (at least until an inevitable sequel surfaces which will doubtless expand on the film's universe). Disappointingly, the final act of Chronicle is pretty poor. The action becomes all-consuming and repetitive, the characters are reduced to conduits for the filmmakers to spend their remaining budget rather than anyone you can care about anymore, and the presence of one of the secondary characters is seemingly only to have someone else holding a camcorder. In other words, the film becomes just like all the films it has, up to the final act, been surpassing. Though the finale is an overblown, flaccid bore, the rest of Chronicle is a riot, and feels pleasingly original for a film that is part of a filmmaking craze that has long outstayed its welcome. Here's hoping the sequel builds on the considerable successes we find here, though without Josh Trank's sturdy direction (he's reportedly been headhunted to helm bigger superhero fare), it remains to be seen whether a second instalment will become too big and dumb.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
7
cabritaFeb 11, 2012
Chrinicle is a fun movie that feels novel and authentic. The films gimmick at first feels out of place but it does eventually feel like a good choice to dive into the life of these teenagers. However chronicle had it's faults. Alot of theChrinicle is a fun movie that feels novel and authentic. The films gimmick at first feels out of place but it does eventually feel like a good choice to dive into the life of these teenagers. However chronicle had it's faults. Alot of the dialogue near the end of the film was very cheesy and poorly acted. I also found the film's story to be cliched. I found some of the cuts to be terribly executed and distracting in the film. Because of this many scenes felt oddly broken when they should have been one long take with no cut. Overall I found chronicle to be a fun but cliched novel and authentic idea, if that makes sense.

(I found the background of the very last scene of the film to look extremely fake and very poorly executed. This was a disapointement because the previous scenes they worked so hard to make them look real.)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
silentshadeMar 23, 2012
Chronicle to me was a bit confusing, the plot seemed to act like a yo-yo one minute everything is slow and then suddenly everyone is high and the cameraman is having a spazm.
The effect were well done and the actors were not to bad though theChronicle to me was a bit confusing, the plot seemed to act like a yo-yo one minute everything is slow and then suddenly everyone is high and the cameraman is having a spazm.
The effect were well done and the actors were not to bad though the main guy was a little on the crazy side and getting to the point where he didn't seem for real.
The film is ok and it is not the greatest film of the year or the greatest superhero film.
IMO it was not worth the ticket but could be a good film to rent and watch with friends… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
OllieWillieFeb 18, 2012
What a clever film......It's equal party funny and gritty and even a little unexpected.....
I was pleasantly surprised that the 'cam corder' type cinematography, something I hate usually, didn't detract from the experience but added to it.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
7
rydermusicFeb 17, 2013
Josh Trank wins his debut direction, this film is intriguing and innovative. One of the best films of 2012 so far and a new great style of superhero movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
dharmaMay 2, 2012
Super hero genre mixed with found footage? After almost a decade topping the box office, the super hero genre was in danger of being stale. While this year we have two huge movies of the genre, Chronicle came from out of nowhere, receiving aSuper hero genre mixed with found footage? After almost a decade topping the box office, the super hero genre was in danger of being stale. While this year we have two huge movies of the genre, Chronicle came from out of nowhere, receiving a lot of critical acclaim. While it is 'fresh' in its approach, it is far from 'original' as Critics would like you to believe. It follows the typical 'origin' story, how superheroes were made and how they are usually 'best friends' with the super villains, etc. So watch this with lower expectations and you'll enjoy this more.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Tss5078Feb 22, 2013
Using just a video camera, High School outcast, Andrew, documents the events surrounding a recent discovery. In the woods, he and his friends discovered something unexplainable, something that gives them supernatural powers. What I lovedUsing just a video camera, High School outcast, Andrew, documents the events surrounding a recent discovery. In the woods, he and his friends discovered something unexplainable, something that gives them supernatural powers. What I loved about this film, is unlike, many many others, these kids didn't take these powers and become superheroes, instead they did what any real life teenager would do and use them for pranks, popularity, and various other things. Also unlike similar "camcorder" films, it wasn't jumpy or choppy and it was quite easy to follow. The first hour of this film was amazing, unfortunately it did go downhill at the end. The whole film was done in a realistic fashion, making science fiction seem possible, until the end, when all hell breaks loose and it honestly just destroyed the whole thing for me. It was such a strong start, but such an awful ending. Most of the cast were newcomers and were very good, the story was also very solid, but this film needs a much better ending if it wants to be considered a classic.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
TTW107Feb 10, 2012
Absolutely worth the price of admission. The filming really makes for a fresh take on the super hero genre and I actually laughed a good amount in it. The special effects aren't anything special but they weren't absolutely awful either. It'sAbsolutely worth the price of admission. The filming really makes for a fresh take on the super hero genre and I actually laughed a good amount in it. The special effects aren't anything special but they weren't absolutely awful either. It's fairly unpredictable which is good and I really like how they got their powers, you don't know what the hell went on but it was a really cool scene. The only bad thing I have to say was that it was a little short. If only Andrew had known with great power comes great responsibility.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
imthenoobJan 3, 2013
A few issues with the special effects (it was painfully obvious that the whole "flying" attempt was done on wires) and the acting isn't that good but it was still a very enjoyable movie that is definently worth watching.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
AlvaradoKTAJun 20, 2012
An entertaining film with good action and a bit of drama. Chronicle provides a twist on typical superpower films, where the powers are used to stop a villain. The cast and their performances are the icing on the cake to an original plot.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
ObbiePR18Mar 29, 2012
Es una nueva forma de ver a un superheroe. La pelicula fue bastante buena, a pesar de su bajo presupuesto. Lo mejor que se puede señalar de la pelicula fue la manera como fue explicada la vida del personaje principal y cual fue laEs una nueva forma de ver a un superheroe. La pelicula fue bastante buena, a pesar de su bajo presupuesto. Lo mejor que se puede señalar de la pelicula fue la manera como fue explicada la vida del personaje principal y cual fue la causa y motivo de sus acciones y caracter. El director si logro mejorar el escesivo movimiento de la camara y es mucho mas facil de ver que otros filmes de su genero.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
HomeReviewerMay 16, 2012
For his first feature, film Josh Trank impressed the hell out of me. The storyline from this site adequately covers the plot without spoiling too much and if you watch the trailer/preview, you will want to see; I can tell you now that trailerFor his first feature, film Josh Trank impressed the hell out of me. The storyline from this site adequately covers the plot without spoiling too much and if you watch the trailer/preview, you will want to see; I can tell you now that trailer is not misleading. The fact that the cast does not include well known names did not stop the movie from making a mark, and the numbers back that up. If you can get passed the hand held camera work that was compulsory but thankfully not throughout, given one main character is chronicling, video journal style, a period in his life, you will discover a good movie. It has a take on characters with super powers that youâ… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
ndjn3979Apr 22, 2013
It's very innovative in scope, and the shaky camera deal works in its favor. An interesting look into social issues for the high-school aged. Worth a watch, and could use a sequel.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
NolaniteJun 22, 2012
Chronicle is a much better movie than I was expecting. Hollywood has been coming with a ton of low budget "found footage" movies lately and, to be honest, most of them have been truly awful. This film is different though. It benefits from aChronicle is a much better movie than I was expecting. Hollywood has been coming with a ton of low budget "found footage" movies lately and, to be honest, most of them have been truly awful. This film is different though. It benefits from a steady hand from talented director Josh Trank and boasts a strong story with a surprising amount of depth from it's young writer Max Landis. This is definitely a small film that has it's budget constraints. It's a large scale concept that is occasionally held back by suspect special effects but for the most part they will definitely suitable. I thought this was a terrific, low budget sci-fi film that uses it's "found footage" style to it's advantage unlike most "found footage" films of recent.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
7
TheDRauchAug 13, 2012
Chronicle has to be, by far, the best found footage film I have ever seen. What is most amazing about it is how thoroughly Josh Trank is able to envelop us into this world even though it is his first feature. To mention another successfulChronicle has to be, by far, the best found footage film I have ever seen. What is most amazing about it is how thoroughly Josh Trank is able to envelop us into this world even though it is his first feature. To mention another successful debut, Dane DeHaan delivers the best performance of the three young leads, who all do stellar work regardless, as the troubled Andrew. The actors all bring out their characters, each resembling the man we would like to be (Steve), the man we don't want to become (Andrew), and who we actually more closely resemble (Matt), a motif that plays out well in other films such as No Country For Old Men and Mystic River for example. And on the technical side, Chronicle also succeeds, with good visuals and very smart use of the found-footage style on a reported budget of only about $15 million. A sleeper hit well worth checking out.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
ReubenIsAGodApr 26, 2014
A brilliant will made movie with a lot of heart and soul shoved into the project. The characters are likable and easy to relate 2. The film really does a great job and i very much recommend watching the film

9/10
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
oblique15Feb 16, 2013
This was pretty good. I loved how they made it feel real. It`s like your really watching a documentary, about some kids who got powers. It gets pretty crazy once they get the powers but slowly. This movie has moments that will make you laugh,This was pretty good. I loved how they made it feel real. It`s like your really watching a documentary, about some kids who got powers. It gets pretty crazy once they get the powers but slowly. This movie has moments that will make you laugh, and moments that will have you in awe.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
worleyjamersDec 5, 2012
My first film of 2012 and I absolutely loved it! My only complaint is that I wish it could have been longer, but it certainly packs a powerful for a film that runs just short of 90 minutes.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Rox22Jan 28, 2013
A decent enough movie that plays with a really good idea. The"self-filming" concept was rather a brilliant one considering the subject that perhaps was a bit too ambitious. Even with powers and the best equipment available, the camerawork isA decent enough movie that plays with a really good idea. The"self-filming" concept was rather a brilliant one considering the subject that perhaps was a bit too ambitious. Even with powers and the best equipment available, the camerawork is just to good to be believable. But this is really a minor point. The narrative is just first class and the character utterly believable. This is precisely how teenagers would react when getting super powers. Overall: An absolutely brilliant film that suffers from being too good for itself (too many convenient camera shots, that are just to convenient to be believable.)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
FilmisFeb 14, 2013
Really cool film! The handheld shaky tone of the film worried me when watching it, it is usually annoying the have to deal with a whole film's worth of dodgy angles and motion sickness but this film does it so cleverly that makes it soReally cool film! The handheld shaky tone of the film worried me when watching it, it is usually annoying the have to deal with a whole film's worth of dodgy angles and motion sickness but this film does it so cleverly that makes it so enjoyable, overalls a really cool concept and well produced film!… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
All this user's reviews
7
mds03Mar 30, 2013
This movie was very unpredictable and even creepy at moments. The thing that I liked the most about it is that it's not formulaic or unoriginal like many modern horror/drama/thrillers these days. The story went so well with characterThis movie was very unpredictable and even creepy at moments. The thing that I liked the most about it is that it's not formulaic or unoriginal like many modern horror/drama/thrillers these days. The story went so well with character development and how it built up and got more and more intense as it progressed. The ending makes you wonder............................. Sequel?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
KivaJun 21, 2013
I liked the originality of a film and the story was great. It is not a must-watch but the film in overall is a nice thing to do if you want to spend time with friends. The ending was bad and that is one thing i didn't like from Chronicle
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
diogomendesDec 17, 2014
Highly entertaining and well acted, "Chronicle" succeeds with its found-footage storytelling and superpowered teens. Really recommend it to check it out.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
lordmoo_23Sep 23, 2014
This movie makes me excited for Josh Trank`s future projects because his work is unique and surprisingly redeemable. Dane DeHaan delivered a stellar performance, which was much needed because of the distractingly poor CGI. I was not botheredThis movie makes me excited for Josh Trank`s future projects because his work is unique and surprisingly redeemable. Dane DeHaan delivered a stellar performance, which was much needed because of the distractingly poor CGI. I was not bothered by the "found footage" aspect at all, and believed that it helped me learn more about Andrew`s character as I could see the world from his perspective. Apart from a rushed conclusion, Chronicle was a nice surprise that is definitely worth checking out, especially if you are a fan of sci-fi and superhero movies.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
HotelCentralSep 19, 2019
I'd give this a 7.5 because it really does go where few movies have gone before, though not quite an 8.0 because it's not really all that much better than the average entry in the "super-powered human" genre.

Basically, the idea is this: AI'd give this a 7.5 because it really does go where few movies have gone before, though not quite an 8.0 because it's not really all that much better than the average entry in the "super-powered human" genre.

Basically, the idea is this: A trio of high school students encounter a thing of mystery and next thing you know they're doing stuff normal people can't do. So what could go wrong? The progression goes from a little crazy to totally insane.

It's entertaining. It has you rooting for the underdog. It shows you how power corrupts.

Give it a watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
CinemaSinsMay 9, 2015
In recent years, I have become jaded about superhero movies, a genre I once enjoyed. A sameness and lack of energy permeates them, especially the origin stories. There's something perfunctory and unsatisfying about many of the big titles,In recent years, I have become jaded about superhero movies, a genre I once enjoyed. A sameness and lack of energy permeates them, especially the origin stories. There's something perfunctory and unsatisfying about many of the big titles, leaving it to smaller, less ambitious features to fill the breach. Chronicle is relatively unheralded, but it arrives at a time when this breed of movie needs an injection of originality. Like 2010's Kick-Ass, it exists beneath the superhero umbrella but seems nothing like a Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, or X-Men.

Chronicle is unusual, and perhaps unique, in the way it treats the so-called origin story. These are regular kids with regular problems in a regular school. There is no Uncle Ben. No Alfred. No Professor X. Their challenge is not to grow into their powers fast enough to be able to fend off a challenge to the world. Instead, it's to find a way to cope with the ways in which they are different from their friends and schoolmates and to recognize that these powers cannot change their fundamental identities. There are slippery slopes to be navigated. Can reason and restraint rule the day, or is the maxim "power corrupts" inviolate?

First time director Josh Trank's best asset is also his greatest challenge: the first-person narrative style. What was at one time viewed as a gimmicky variant for low-budget productions - telling the entire story through "found footage" filmed by someone involved in the proceedings - has become an increasingly popular conceit. Most movies of this sort fall into the horror genre, so Chronicle is something of an outlier. It wrestles mightily with the logic of having characters constantly filming things and never quite gets us on board with the explanation, which seems awkward and artificial. Yet in its own way, it works. It gets us into the action. It invests us in the characters with a surprising economy of screen time. It gives Chronicle an immediacy and intimacy that no previous superhero movie has achieved even if, to the very end, we're irked by the limitations the first-person footage places on shot selection. (To his credit, Trank finds a way to mix things up during the climax without unduly compromising his approach.)

The cast is comprised of unfamiliar faces, which enhances the pseudo-reality of the milieu. The principals - Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan - are professional actors with credits (many on television) to their names. But they are not "known" stars and that allows them to be accepted with ease into these roles. First-person movies rely on shattering barriers between the characters and the audience and there is no bigger roadblock to that than hiring a recognizable actor.

Another nice thing about Chronicle is that it tells the whole story. There's nothing about the ending that would preclude a sequel but there's nothing that requires one, either. The tale has been told. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end. There's comedy and tragedy, levity and sadness. In fact, this is in many ways less a superhero movie than it is a coming-of-age story. Except in this case, these characters have to cope with more than hormones and peer pressure.

Chronicle is the kind of movie that makes one excited about the future prospects of the man at the helm. The flaws are more easily forgiven considering the risks taken, many of which pay off. It will be interesting to see whether Trank uses whatever clout he acquires from Chronicle to continue to assemble an interesting resume, or whether he takes the first Hollywood offer than lands in his lap. Regardless of where his future lies, however, this young filmmaker has provided us with a sharp, fresh calling card that reminds us that not all superhero stories have to be stodgy, overbudgeted, and underwritten.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Cinemassacre94Mar 20, 2016
In recent years, I have become jaded about superhero movies, a genre I once enjoyed. A sameness and lack of energy permeates them, especially the origin stories. There's something perfunctory and unsatisfying about many of the big titles,In recent years, I have become jaded about superhero movies, a genre I once enjoyed. A sameness and lack of energy permeates them, especially the origin stories. There's something perfunctory and unsatisfying about many of the big titles, leaving it to smaller, less ambitious features to fill the breach. Chronicle is relatively unheralded, but it arrives at a time when this breed of movie needs an injection of originality. Like 2010's Kick-Ass, it exists beneath the superhero umbrella but seems nothing like a Batman, Spider-Man, Superman, or X-Men.

The three protagonists in Chronicle are following their own paths through their senior year in high school until they discover an alien (?) artifact in an underground cavern. Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is a shy, socially inept video geek who prefers viewing life through the distance afforded by a viewfinder. He is bullied at school and at home, where his mother (Bo Petersen) is wasting away on her deathbed and his abusive father (Michael Kelly) is never far from a bottle. Andrew's only friend is his cousin, Matt (Alex Russell), but there's a distance between them. Matt is a member of the popular crowd and he finds Andrew to be hostile and unpredictable. Then there's Matt's friend, Steve (Michael B. Jordan), who is the school's Golden Boy - accomplished both in and out of the classroom, liked by all, and seemingly destined for greatness.

The underground encounter imbues Andrew, Matt, and Steve with telekinetic powers. Andrew's seem to be the strongest, but that may be because he focuses the hardest. Initially useful minor gags and tricks, their abilities grow stronger with use. Soon, they can levitate themselves and soar into the sky. And they can hurt others. They draft a set of three rules intended to keep them from harming people, but Andrew begins to think of things in evolutionary terms. Survival of the fittest. After all, do people feel remorse when they kill a bug?

Chronicle is unusual, and perhaps unique, in the way it treats the so-called origin story. These are regular kids with regular problems in a regular school. There is no Uncle Ben. No Alfred. No Professor X. Their challenge is not to grow into their powers fast enough to be able to fend off a challenge to the world. Instead, it's to find a way to cope with the ways in which they are different from their friends and schoolmates and to recognize that these powers cannot change their fundamental identities. There are slippery slopes to be navigated. Can reason and restraint rule the day, or is the maxim "power corrupts" inviolate?

First time director Josh Trank's best asset is also his greatest challenge: the first-person narrative style. What was at one time viewed as a gimmicky variant for low-budget productions - telling the entire story through "found footage" filmed by someone involved in the proceedings - has become an increasingly popular conceit. Most movies of this sort fall into the horror genre, so Chronicle is something of an outlier. It wrestles mightily with the logic of having characters constantly filming things and never quite gets us on board with the explanation, which seems awkward and artificial. Yet in its own way, it works. It gets us into the action. It invests us in the characters with a surprising economy of screen time. It gives Chronicle an immediacy and intimacy that no previous superhero movie has achieved even if, to the very end, we're irked by the limitations the first-person footage places on shot selection. (To his credit, Trank finds a way to mix things up during the climax without unduly compromising his approach.)

The cast is comprised of unfamiliar faces, which enhances the pseudo-reality of the milieu. The principals - Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan - are professional actors with credits (many on television) to their names. But they are not "known" stars and that allows them to be accepted with ease into these roles. First-person movies rely on shattering barriers between the characters and the audience and there is no bigger roadblock to that than hiring a recognizable actor.

Another nice thing about Chronicle is that it tells the whole story. There's nothing about the ending that would preclude a sequel but there's nothing that requires one, either. The tale has been told. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end. There's comedy and tragedy, levity and sadness. In fact, this is in many ways less a superhero movie than it is a coming-of-age story. Except in this case, these characters have to cope with more than hormones and peer pressure.

Chronicle is the kind of movie that makes one excited about the future prospects of the man at the helm. The flaws are more easily forgiven considering the risks taken, many of which pay off.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
DomgwyDec 20, 2017
Josh Trank’s Chronicle is a strange beast. To call it a sleeper hit seems almost too obvious at this point as the film currently stands atop both the UK and the US box office. For those who have missed the campaign the central premise of theJosh Trank’s Chronicle is a strange beast. To call it a sleeper hit seems almost too obvious at this point as the film currently stands atop both the UK and the US box office. For those who have missed the campaign the central premise of the film is to take two apposing cinema trends of the last few years and force them together. Here the superhero film is crossed with the ‘found footage’ idea made famous by Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity.

A superpower film might be a more accurate description however as, refreshingly the film’s teenage protagonists do not run straight for the spandex as soon as they discovered their powers. Instead they do what we know in our heart of hearts we’d all do at first; they play. The juvenile antics of Andrew (Dane DaHaan) Matt (Alex Russell) and Steve (Michael B. Jordan) provide the much needed comedy and lightness of touch missing from the rest of the film.

From the shooting style to the dreary Seattle setting the tone remains dark even throughout the frivolity of a high school party (complete with the now customary red and blue plastic cups). The darker tone owes much to the central character of Andrew. It’s through Andrew’s camera that we view the majority of the action, and although this premise is sometimes stretched a little too thin it does allow a sense of realism which combined with the subtle special effects of the superpowers, provides a new take on the superpower film that has been done in almost every variation up till now.

As the film explores Andrews troubled life his slow decent (hinted at strongly in the trailer) is portrayed perfectly by DaHaan. It is this kind of subtle and layered character development that would have been perfect for the Star Wars prequels, to see Anakin turn to the ‘dark side’ in the same way as Andrew would have been far more satisfying.

By the time the film reaches its conclusion Trank has pulled out every possible technique in order to preserve the ‘found footage’ premise using every conceivable camera to provide a new angle on the complicated events. Although the majority of these work, the character of Casey (Ashley Hinshaw) a little too convenient. As a video blogger Casey conveniently films a number of conversations between her and Matt as well as a panicked drive into the city. At times this pushes the premise to breaking point as audiences are taken out of the action simply thinking – ‘why would you film that?’

Chronicle provides a bold, dark and realistic take on a well worn premise and through strong performances from the entire cast as well as a lingering unexplained mystery is sure to secure its place as a cult hit.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
7
atabeyordekciAug 19, 2021
Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides. (7)
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
bean141May 28, 2022
overall a good film, especially the build up to the climax. i thought the climax itself was a little rushed and i think if they spent a little bit more time with certain charecters it would have been a lot better. still an entertaining movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
TVJerryFeb 14, 2012
After discovering a mysterious "rock" in a hole, three guys become able to move things with their mind. This starts out cool and fun, but develops into the inevitable grand disaster. The effects are numerous and convincing, but the pacing isAfter discovering a mysterious "rock" in a hole, three guys become able to move things with their mind. This starts out cool and fun, but develops into the inevitable grand disaster. The effects are numerous and convincing, but the pacing is often slack. The movie is created from "found" footage (a la "Cloverfield" and "Paranormal Activity"), which creates a subjective and non-traditional narrative flow. You have to go with this flow to accept the story, but the real question is: is it worth the teenage angst and tedium for a lot of cool visuals?… Expand
2 of 5 users found this helpful23
All this user's reviews
6
MagnificentMJun 2, 2012
The movie is really limited by its use of "found footage," which I hate as a genre. It could have been much better if it had just been filmed like a normal movie. That being said, this was a very well characterized film, especially the mainThe movie is really limited by its use of "found footage," which I hate as a genre. It could have been much better if it had just been filmed like a normal movie. That being said, this was a very well characterized film, especially the main character, Andrew. I thought Dane DeHaan did a really good job of capturing the anger and depression of Andrew and making it feel very real. The rest of the cast wasn't as good, and were often pretty stereotypical of high school kids. My other complaint is that the flying looked really fake and could have been done better. Overall though, DeHaan's performance makes this movie worth watching.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
MattJenkiFeb 27, 2012
Starts very slow and tbh I think it had all been done before. Use of cloverfield "my video" works really well for once and it probably is worth a watch on DVD but for me this had way too much hype.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SeanMcGunnigleMar 5, 2012
Of the 3 main characters in the movie which one do they decide to kill off....the BLACK one! Way to follow the sterotype that the first guy to die is usually the black guy. The worse of it is that he was the best character in the movie by farOf the 3 main characters in the movie which one do they decide to kill off....the BLACK one! Way to follow the sterotype that the first guy to die is usually the black guy. The worse of it is that he was the best character in the movie by far and once you lose him, the interest fades greatly. Focusing too much on poor mans Leo Dicaprio whos tortured and depressed was a bad move. They're powers are cool and the special effects are well done just the storyline has you screaming, "come on!!" Could of easily been a lot better but still a decent flick.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
All this user's reviews
6
FrostAidenMar 17, 2012
This movie was by no means a bad movie, but it was no where close to being a good one either. It has an amazing and insightful, yet realistic idea towards it's plot. However, it's good story was trashed by the mediocre acting, the odd cameraThis movie was by no means a bad movie, but it was no where close to being a good one either. It has an amazing and insightful, yet realistic idea towards it's plot. However, it's good story was trashed by the mediocre acting, the odd camera angles (which is creative but just does not really flow well), and it's cliche script. This movie would work much better if the script was more thought out and the camera shooting was more sharp and smart. It was by no means a waste of money, however I would not watch this movie twice.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
A_NorthernerMar 26, 2013
My viewing experience of Chronicle was incredibly mixed. In equal measures I enjoyed some parts and got bored of others. I loved the boys will be boys element of the groups discovery, using the powers for fun and stupidly testing the limitsMy viewing experience of Chronicle was incredibly mixed. In equal measures I enjoyed some parts and got bored of others. I loved the boys will be boys element of the groups discovery, using the powers for fun and stupidly testing the limits of their growing abilities. It seems exactly the sort of behaviour you would expect from teenage boys. As you would also expect, it isn't too long before someone goes too far when showing off and that person is Andrew (Dane DeHaan).

Bullied at school and with an abusive father and dying mother at home, you can certainly sympathise with Andrew's outlook on life and understand his temptation to allow his anger to exploit his powers. That said, his character (and partially that of his cousin Matt too) was the main reason for my annoyance with the film. I didn't like them, simple as. The pair were incredibly whiny, and their arguing and screaming at each other dragged the script down into soap opera territory.

Considering the budget, the special effects are pretty respectable and the story itself is an interesting journey, dealing with the loss of self-control and responsibility past the point of no return, culminating in the film's frantic finale.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
orchidApr 1, 2012
Decent film. New unknown cast which was nice. good story and it was funny and light hearted before becoming serious. A bit too serious. That;s my down mark. it got a bit 'too' intense for me at the end.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SpangleJun 14, 2016
Chronicle is certainly an interesting film. With good acting from Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan, Chronicle certainly delivers in that arena. It is also very well directed and makes good use of its found footage approach,Chronicle is certainly an interesting film. With good acting from Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan, Chronicle certainly delivers in that arena. It is also very well directed and makes good use of its found footage approach, which is actually used quite uniquely with many different cameras and people behind the camera being utilized, which allowed us to get a variety of perspectives. The first hour of this film is very good and incredibly engaging as this group of friends begins to learn what they can and cannot do with their newly discovered superpowers. However, that last half hour was horrendous and nearly ruined the entire film. Everything really hits the fan here and the film veers violently off-course, which is really too bad as it was really good beforehand. The film, instead of being a fun superhero kind of film, instead becomes a journey into the mind of the mind of a truly broken kid. This really hurt the overall tone of the film and disappointed me since it was just poorly handled and over-the-top. Overall, Chronicle when from being good to being nothing more than slightly above average.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
SamblixApr 8, 2013
A great movie considering the budget must have been low. After the three main characters discover a tomb underground with a strange light, they awake with what seem supernatural powers. This movie is filmed from the perspective of a videoA great movie considering the budget must have been low. After the three main characters discover a tomb underground with a strange light, they awake with what seem supernatural powers. This movie is filmed from the perspective of a video camera, much like Cloverfield and the like. This movie was a great watch, has great action, OK dialogue and believable characters. A must for all comic book hero/supernatural lovers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Skullgirlsfan13Jun 2, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Chronicle always was the closest to a live action Akira, but I won't compare this to that movie because this more like a superhero movie than it is that other film. Anyways this is a pretty entertaining movie with some level of depth to it than most other ones have. Of course like most action sci-fi movies there're some; if not many, problems. The positives include the story. The idea is pretty creative, and is done well. This idea is not that popular in cinema, but more in main steam media and anime of course. The characters are pretty hit and miss, the main one with the camera is the most interesting. Showing the effects of great powers have on such introverted person. His cousin however is really not that interesting, he's mainly just there to be the good side and be there to fight the camera guy in the end. The black; sorry I can't remember any of there names, is okay. He's just sort of there for comedy relief, and it's kind of shocking to see him die. Everyone else is really unimportant, the abusive father is done poorly and is not well developed. I can't even think of the other characters, that's not god sign. The idea of a camera being the point of view isn't all that new, but it's done okay here. The effects are neat or just interesting, from practical jokes to destroying the streets. Finally the reason how they got their powers makes no sense at all, it has that:" we'll tell you next time"; which I don't actually know if they're going make another one. The ending is somewhat weak, the part that the cousin had to kill the camera man is pretty good, but anything after that is not really impressive. He brings a camera to the place the always wanted to go; Himalayas, and leaves the camera there. I thought it was going to move or something. Well whatever, this was a fun movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
movielove111Apr 2, 2014
Watched Chronicle. A different superhero film. The production values were very disappointing and the camera work was very ordinary, shaky. Could have done in a conventional manner without experimenting with video styled camera takes. The filmWatched Chronicle. A different superhero film. The production values were very disappointing and the camera work was very ordinary, shaky. Could have done in a conventional manner without experimenting with video styled camera takes. The film for its emotional connect towards Andrew's plight and performance of the cast. Otherwise there is too many amateurish moments for the ordinary viewer to ignore easily. A solid 6 out of 10 and nothing to more. A good watch if you want to just waste your time.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
RobwinzAug 2, 2020
Chronicle has got an interesting plot, which is pretty much about these three lads who end up finding this crystal and they end up getting telekinesis abilities.

The three main characters throughout this movie who are called Andrew DetmerChronicle has got an interesting plot, which is pretty much about these three lads who end up finding this crystal and they end up getting telekinesis abilities.

The three main characters throughout this movie who are called Andrew Detmer (Dane DeHaan), Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan) and Matt Garetty (Alex Russell) are honestly brilliant in their roles.

The events throughout this movie are built up pretty well, which end up leading to certain events happening throughout this movie.

Also, the cinematography from Matthew Jensen is very clever and very unique in my opinion, I thought it looked pretty cool on how they used different sort of cameras to record certain moments throughout this movie.

Some of the moments throughout this movie can be pretty funny and some of them can be a bit boring and took me out of the movie, which is honestly quite disappointing.

Overall, Chronicle is a decent movie. It's got an interesting plot, brilliant actors, clever and unique cinematography and some funny moments.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
smijatovJul 20, 2013
This is a tough call. While the premise is interesting, and the story quite entertaining, something's just missing with "Chronicle." It plays around with the whole superhero/villain theme, which is rather refreshing. It seems that in mostThis is a tough call. While the premise is interesting, and the story quite entertaining, something's just missing with "Chronicle." It plays around with the whole superhero/villain theme, which is rather refreshing. It seems that in most sci-fi stories that involve sudden gains of power, the protagonist is always somehow good. "Chronicle" plays rather well with this notion, which is a new spin to the story it's the Magneto of regular superhero films. Otherwise, the biggest setback of the film is it's rather poor character development. While we are made to feel sorry for the main protagonist, Andrew, the ways that we are made to feel that way are rather clichéd: no friends, bullied at school, abusive father, etc. His rage and his inner turmoil somehow is multiplied to the verge of bursting, without it quite making a lot of sense. The three main actors were pretty decent, especially Alex Russell who was the most engaging and believable of characters. The hand-held camera, and the very choice to do a camera perspective for the entire film, is a rather divisive choice as I have come to see in reviews, but I did not mind it all that much. The escalation of the story by the end somehow happened out of nowhere and escalated quite dramatically. A bit too much for my taste, with a rather anticlimactic ending. It was a nicely conceived idea and some great visuals can be seen in the film, but this falls into the mediocre bracket easily. 5/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
ShiiraMar 2, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "...film everything," that's the manifesto Andrew comes up with in his room. This idea comes to him well before the amateur filmmaker and his "friends" acquire their superhero abilities. It's not spectacle that he's after. Compared to other "found films", such as The Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield, Andrew's intent, in Chronicle, as the fllm's protagonist, differs strikingly from the investigative journalism-minded Heather(who leads the two young men to their doom in the Maryland woods), or Hudson, the videographer turned documentarian, at a friend's farewell party, when NYC comes under attack by a monster. Like Cloverfield, it's an inciting event that transforms Chronicle from a prosaic record of mundanity into an exercise in genre. Differing from Hudson, however, is the fact that Andrew starts off with an aesthetic, a narcissistic one which echoes the hyper-real self-art of Jonathan Caouette, the brainchild behind Tarnation, the 2003 doc which formalized navel-gazing and surpassed the voyeurism of Capturing the Friedmans. Andrew uses the camera like a salve, as does Caouette, and as does "Heather", who screams, "It's all that I've got," after being told repeatedly by Josh to put down the camera. And thus the troubled teen points the lens fixedly at the physical abuse he suffers at the hands of an alcoholic father, and also to apply some objective distance between himself and his ailing mother, the latter parent recalling Renee from Tarnation, with the difference being that Caouete's mom suffered mentally. As Jonathan does, the introverted boy looks through his lens unflinchingly, not shying away from his mother's decay, bedridden on account of some unnamed disease. Uncannily, The Magnetic Fields song "Strange Powers" plays over the Tarnation soundtrack, bridging both Cloverfield("On a ferris wheel looking out on Coney Island," the place where the J.J. Abrams film ends, from a section that Hudson doesn't tape over, featuring Beth and her China-bound beau, just days before the invasion), and the strange powers accrued by Andrew and his cohorts from their contact with the monolithic object that they discover in the hole, itself possessing a magnetic field. The boys become telekinetic. In particular, Andrew, a modernization of Carrie White(Sissy Spacek), from the Brian DePalma shocker. At school, Andrew is a target for bullies, mean boys who think nothing of breaking the his camera. Are they a match for the mean girls who taunt Carrie? It's hard to say, due to the film's first-person perspective. What humiliating footage does Andrew leave out? The audience's knowledge is limited. When the camera is off, for all we know, Andrew is being pelted by condoms in the boys' locker room, therefore, the inter-textuality of the aforementioned films includes Carrie, too. Tarnation also chronicles Caouette's school life. We see that Caouette also brought his SUper-8 camera for the expressed purpose of taping stage rehearsals, a Blue Velvet remounting; a musical adaptation cut in the same vein as the infamous Stephen King-inspired Broadway fiasco. During this period, Caouette, the teen impresario, had an affinity for Carrie, as he and his collaborator would quote lines, according to the extra-diegetic titles. Most memorably, the admonition forewarned by Mrs. White, Carrie's fanatically religious mother, who warns, "They're all going to laugh at you," just before her daughter leaves for the prom with Tommy Ross. Among the revelers, joining in the mass chorus of guffaws, is Miss Collins, the the shy girl's so-called mentor. Whereas Matt is nice to Andrew because they're cousins, the P.E. teacher befriends Carrie, purely out of a professional obligation that presupposes a teacher treats both the popular kids and the misfits with equal measures of kindness. If not for the blood ties, Andrews figures that Matt would be his adversary, prompting the documentarian to ask his relative, "Do you even like me?" Matt's answer: "You're really hard to talk to," will have grave consequences for his best friend. It's the same conclusion, in regard to Miss White's true feelings toward her pupil, that Carrie arrives at too late. If only she could've hard the educator admit to the principal that she knew how those girls felt, since "the whole thing," referring to Carrie's first period, "made me want to take her and shake her too." At the prom, you realize that Miss White was once a mean girl too, regaling Carrie with the tale of her special night with the captain of the basketball team, a scenario that the girl couldn't possibly relate to. After Carrie gets doused with pig blood, the teacher's latent disdain for her underling comes out, and dies for it. The same fate that awaits Steve, as Andrew turns into the anti-Thor, striking his cousin's best friend with a lightning bolt in the night sky. Andrew is his own worst enemy, the Elephant(the 2003 Gus Van Sant film) in the room.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
All this user's reviews
5
Andys_ReviewsMar 9, 2013
The majority of the action is seen from the point of view of the Andrew character and I found this quite limiting. Yes, there are sections where his cousin Matt takes over and Matt’s girlfriend Casey Letter (Ashley Hinshaw) also has someThe majority of the action is seen from the point of view of the Andrew character and I found this quite limiting. Yes, there are sections where his cousin Matt takes over and Matt’s girlfriend Casey Letter (Ashley Hinshaw) also has some camera time, but I found it all a little one-dimensional. As far as performances go, well everyone did a pretty good job with Alex Russell just about standing out for me. Although I found the contrivances used to get this ‘found footage’ style film up on the screen a big distraction it did have a one good thing in its favour. I did like the special effects when things are kept up close and personal. As soon as it became much bigger as in the big fight scene at the end; I’m afraid it all got a little too ‘Transformers’ for me. Over all, I found little likeable about any of the characters; particularly Andrew (although he does have a fine name); and this was enough to put me off. After all, if you can’t identify with the characters then the filmmakers have lost half the battle. I was hoping for some great redemption towards the end but it never came.

SteelMonster’s verdict: NOT RECOMMENDED

My score: 5.2/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
phillyjeffJun 11, 2012
The first 45 minutes of the movie is about these three dorks learning their new powers, the first 45 minutes is boring and slow. The rest of the movie is a little bit better
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
DrAwesomMay 18, 2012
I had high hopes for this movie, I avoided trailers and reviews on purpose to avoid finding out about any details. I was somewhat disappointed, it drags for most of it and when the details are necessary it speeds through with silliness. II had high hopes for this movie, I avoided trailers and reviews on purpose to avoid finding out about any details. I was somewhat disappointed, it drags for most of it and when the details are necessary it speeds through with silliness. I guess there aren't many options for sci-fi being released these days so whatever, watch it if you have nothing better to do...… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
All this user's reviews
5
MorriBeyFeb 15, 2012
Its a mix of lawnmower man ( obtains powers ) and cloverfield ( shot from camera ) but is a forgettable movie. It was entertaining how they played with their new powers but there is nothing new here that hasnt been done before.
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
All this user's reviews
5
Daniel_CampbellFeb 29, 2012
The movie manages to take an interesting idea, and make it unbearably boring. The last fifteen minutes of the film are entertaining, but the hour leading up to it is excruciatingly poorly paced and written. The run time of the movie is justThe movie manages to take an interesting idea, and make it unbearably boring. The last fifteen minutes of the film are entertaining, but the hour leading up to it is excruciatingly poorly paced and written. The run time of the movie is just under an hour and a half, but it feels more like three. Who knew it was possible to take a great idea like â… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
mijxeroApr 3, 2015
Chronicle why do you make me do this? I love psychic powers and the idea of regular people just messing around with it and encountering some type of threat would have worked beautifully. I would have given it a 10. But why did you have toChronicle why do you make me do this? I love psychic powers and the idea of regular people just messing around with it and encountering some type of threat would have worked beautifully. I would have given it a 10. But why did you have to be a handcam movie? It makes no sense and by having one of the main characters bullied, is sad, until you realize it is because he carries a giant old camera to school to tape everything. I'd want to punch him myself and I can't relate to how much of a weirdo he is. I wanted to love this, but the choices of all the characters towards the end I couldn't back up and I was rooting for the wrong people. Some scenes were great, but for the most part even with my bonus points it was just blah.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
smiyamotAug 19, 2016
I didn't get this movie. Three teenagers (maybe that's the problem) get super powers and can't handle it. Well heck, they're teenagers. With that as the story line, there just wasn't anywhere to go.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
5
DawdlingPoetNov 28, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film is a science-fiction and thriller mix, genre wise and it covers themes including friendships, telekenesis, coming of age and anger/teen angst. It seemed quite like earlier films like The Blair Witch Project, in as much as the film shows footage which was recorded by a character via a video camera and thus its fairly jerky and wobbly at times. It is a little disorientating at points due to this but then I suppose some people may say that it helps to add tension and a sense of suspense when you can't necessarily tell everything thats going on at any one point due to the camera not knowing where to focus on - i.e. whats going to happen next. Its certainly true that the 'found footage' camerawork style is far from original nowadays, after films such as the original Blair Witch Project and Cloverfield came out - the latter being more sci-fi based than Blair Witch. This film is definitely more sci-fi oriented than horror and its very much targeted at a teen audience, due to the teen characters featured and t he plot development, I'd say. It could be regarded as a bit of an anti-superhero type film of sorts, in as much as the characters newly found powers aren't immediately used clearly for good purposes i.e. to help others. I won't elaborate so as not to spoil the film plot but there are certainly no people in lycra suits or capes, put it that way. If anything, I found it somehow more realistic due to how things developed but then superhero style films as hardly meant to be analysed and taken entirely seriously, for pretty obvious reasons. Cast wise, Andrew Detmer is played by Dane DeHaan, Matt Garetty is played by Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan plays Steve Montgomery - their the 3 main characters. Their acting didn't particularly impress me as such, their characters aren't entirely likeable as such, I thought anyway - they are, I think its safe to say, pretty typical teen boys. Other cast members include Michael Kelly as Richard Detmer, Anna Wood as Monica and Bo Peterson as Karen Detmer.

I felt that some of the special effects were more impressive than others - when the boys make their discovery, that seemed fairly impressive but later scenes when their pushing their powers, felt a bit too fake and somehow 'obvious' for my liking, personally. Content wise, the film contains some strong language, a couple of mild sex references and moderate violence, including some bloody moments. It is mildly spooky and hence potentially could be slightly frightening for younger viewers at times, due to the somewhat dark thematic material present throughout most of the film. Due to this, the film has been rated 15 - this is definitely more for teens than kids.

Overall, the plot was just a bit too immature and adolescent male-oriented for me. It felt/seemed a little basic and not especially exciting. It was a pretty easy watch and it was fairly entertaining but I wouldn't say its especially memorable, just about ok. There are one or two cliches present, such as the moral aspect of the plot (although some may see this as a redeeming feature?) but I did feel that this film had a somewhat modern twist to it, which excused that somewhat. I think it will appeal mostly to teenage boys - certainly adolescents for the most part, although perhaps not exclusively. The plot concept isn't bad, it just felt a bit cliched and like some of it was perhaps slightly lazily written, in my opinion, although its not exactly a hard watch or completely boring, so it could be worse. The ending is quite frantic and gripping, although I personally found the disorientating camerawork irritating by this point - it wasn't awful but it wasn't what I'd regard as great either.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
4
fantasyFeb 25, 2012
Starts out fun if you can handle the cheap jumping camera tricks. By the middle of the movie it starts to go down hill as in Revenge of the Nerds. The ending is totally predicatable. Could have been better. Made on cheap without any bigStarts out fun if you can handle the cheap jumping camera tricks. By the middle of the movie it starts to go down hill as in Revenge of the Nerds. The ending is totally predicatable. Could have been better. Made on cheap without any big budget so you can call it success for what it did at the Box Office. For any movie to be good you need to think about it after you leave the theater. Forgotten as soon as you walk out the door. Just a good way to spend a rainy afternoon. No one is going back to see it twice.… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
4
AngusBarbudezAug 26, 2016
Tras el inminente estreno del reboot de Los 4 Fantásticos, tocaba hacer un pequeño repaso a la filmografia del director Josh Trank, con su opera prima, que curiosamente es de superheroes. La trama nos situa en Seattle, 3 chavales seTras el inminente estreno del reboot de Los 4 Fantásticos, tocaba hacer un pequeño repaso a la filmografia del director Josh Trank, con su opera prima, que curiosamente es de superheroes. La trama nos situa en Seattle, 3 chavales se encuentran una especie de piedra, que al tocarla o por la radiación (nunca se sabe), adquieren poderes telequinéticos, ya está, esa es la premisa del film, una propuesta sencillita y directa. Que para que llamase la atención, el director pretende venderla como un "Found-footage" rollo la bruja de Blair...pero falla estrepitosamente.

Falla como película, siempre hay que tener una cosa cuando vas a filmar una película y es darle un margen de coherencia en sentido filmico, es decir, si tu vas a ir en rollo cámara en mano, un único narrador/ cámara, ya que por cosas que se comentan por la trama que el chico lo graba todo EL, su día a día, lo justificas, por eso, debes por coherencia atenerte a ese estilo. Pero Trank, se lo salta a la torera y cuando ve que no funciona o no puede contarlo de esa manera cambia al narrador y toda la lógica de la película se va a hacer puñetas, por ejemplo usando recursos forzadisimos y tan cutres, como por ejemplo, usar grabaciones camaras de seguridad de una gasolinera o un hospital, usar a una chica que le gusta grabar para ciertos segmentos donde no esta el cámara oficial de la peli o para los combates...el malo roba las cámaras y iphones de la gente y.... ¡¡¡los usa para grabarse!!!, así con un par, da la sensación que Trank se dió cuenta durante el rodaje que eso no funcionaba y recurrió a esos recursos cutres y forzados, por si colaba y es una lástima porque si hubiese recurrido a una dirección ordinaria, habría funcionado la película mucho mejor.

Trank esta mas perdido que un pulpo en un garaje, no saben ni por donde tirar, ya que la premisa no da para mas que un corto de media hora y de sobra, porque la película es la sensación que da, que es un cortometraje alargado, rellenando y alargando cosas sin venir a cuento de nada acompañado de un ritmo irregular, que no arranca hasta los últimos 15 o 20 minutos finales, donde ya se pone interesante.

Y el guión, tiene unas lagunas casi insultantes y metidas con calzador. ¿Si ha caído un meteorito, donde esta la policía?, Si solo salen un momento y ya, luego el malo aparece de nuevo en el lugar....¡¡¡Y NO HAY NADIE, ni agentes del gobierno, ni nada!!!, ¿Quien coño pone una cámara grabando en un tío que esta en coma en un hospital?, ¿se dedican a hacer bromas y putadas a la gente, pero un coche se cae al agua y os importa?.

En conclusión Chronicle es un film fallido, tramposo y con ínfulas de gafapastimo burdo, para hacerte creer que estas viendo una película distinta o visionaria, cuando es un mediocre film de superheroes.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
3
Friskytiger81Apr 28, 2012
I can understand the "found footage" idea, but even though there's seemingly a camera recording every second of modern life, why the film felt like it needed to have the contrived character of the intellectual, video blog-poster in the storyI can understand the "found footage" idea, but even though there's seemingly a camera recording every second of modern life, why the film felt like it needed to have the contrived character of the intellectual, video blog-poster in the story doesn't cut it. Yes, you can argue that she helped further develop one of the main characters that represented balance, but doing so while trying to stay within the rules of "found footage" and having her filming every moment including when she's answering the door at home to when she's being lifted in her VW Bug on top of the Space Needle is a terrible choice and appears absolutely forced.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
3
ChristlewiskiMar 4, 2012
Chronicle starts out with a high amount of promise, combining the visual style of Cloverfield and the plot of a buddy version of Carrie. As the story and characters develop, several different ideas and themes are thrown into the mix, butChronicle starts out with a high amount of promise, combining the visual style of Cloverfield and the plot of a buddy version of Carrie. As the story and characters develop, several different ideas and themes are thrown into the mix, but never really developed in any significant way. In the end all you are left with is a mish-mash of a film that never truly knew where it wanted to go or what it wanted to say. Despite being under 90 minutes, it seemed to last twice as long. Its a shame, because I felt the core idea of the film had a lot of potential, but completely lost in the second half.… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
3
zoezoezoeFeb 13, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. With a cringe on my face and bag of lollies in hand, I prepared myself for another handy-cam filmed cliche teenage superhero film. Sigh. I was willing to give Chronicle a chance to be better than just another Paranormal Activity film, but it failed. The film starts out having you feel sorry for senior student Andrew (Dane DeHaan) as he sets his camera up to catch his abusive father in action. The story then begins to unfold as Andrew, his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) and their newly made friend, Steve (Micheal B Jordan), wander into the woods and down a hole in the ground. I know that in this bit I had hope for it as they show an organism within a glowing blue stone that reminded me of the 'black oil' from the X-Files, but they didn't further on this at all through the film. Obviously the boys gain supernatural telekinesis powers form this glowing stone. Things unwind and are quite boring as the boys powers strengthen, they learn to fly and become popular with the ladies. At this point I was so stressed about how un-entertaining the film was, but then it got a tiny bit better. Andrew, being the strongest of the group, takes his powers to the next level. Being edged on by the abuse form his father and slowly dying mother, he believes he is at the top of the food chain with his new found power. Although, just when you think they weren't going to add in the cliche of having 'super hero suits', it happens. I don't want to ruin the ending for you, but it does getting a little exciting but still a little overdone as the film winds down with a very anti climactic ending. It had the chance to change my view on hand-cam style films and bring something new to the table, but I think it was overdone even when Cloverfield was released.

Chronicle is mainly aimed for teeny boppers who are easily amazed, or people like me who were bored and decided to go to the cinema willing to give a super hero film a go. All I can say is, Chronicle sure did do a good job of having me on the edge of my seat feeling stressed and slightly pre-occupied with everything but the screen.… Expand
3 of 10 users found this helpful37
All this user's reviews
3
BigTommyMar 2, 2012
When I first saw the trailer for this film it looked very exciting, an on-edge gritty film which I looked forward to watching. However, the documentary style doesn't work with this sci-fi film as you seem to miss the action being constrictedWhen I first saw the trailer for this film it looked very exciting, an on-edge gritty film which I looked forward to watching. However, the documentary style doesn't work with this sci-fi film as you seem to miss the action being constricted to a shoddy camera angle in which it is hard to make out what is going on. There is also a disappointing ending which feels like the whole build up of tension was for nothing.… Expand
5 of 12 users found this helpful57
All this user's reviews
3
finchy23041Mar 16, 2012
A good story, good actors but completely destroyed by the attempt to skimp on the effects by trying to be arty with the view from a camera. How can you show a fight from the point for view of a camera being held by one of theA good story, good actors but completely destroyed by the attempt to skimp on the effects by trying to be arty with the view from a camera. How can you show a fight from the point for view of a camera being held by one of the characters?...by switching to traffic cameras and helicopters o so thats an excuse for blurry picture, No.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
3
ExKingJun 7, 2013
this is by far the worst movie of 2012, oh wait i apologize, i wouldn't actually call it a movie,
it's look like something you see on YouTube nowadays NOT on the big screen,
because there is nothing about this that actually make it a movie,this is by far the worst movie of 2012, oh wait i apologize, i wouldn't actually call it a movie,
it's look like something you see on YouTube nowadays NOT on the big screen,
because there is nothing about this that actually make it a movie, no story at all,
a sudden changes of events and terrible ending,everything about this movie is awful,
even the visuals are horrific which is what the movie all about, the last scene on the Mountains that it's covered with ice was obviously a green screen effect which i can do with a video camera and an editing software, this "movie" was done so IMMATURELY that it pissed me off.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
2
movieboyApr 28, 2012
If this is the state of high rated movies today we got a problem. Interesting concept, but so amateurishly handled. The hand held camera concept is getting really boring and so detracts from any tension build up. Characters are a joke. FakeIf this is the state of high rated movies today we got a problem. Interesting concept, but so amateurishly handled. The hand held camera concept is getting really boring and so detracts from any tension build up. Characters are a joke. Fake high school kids played by adults - again. So it builds to a mildly thrilling climax, but again diluted by lack of tension. Long boring stretches of who cares. If they had dropped the hand held idea, had better actors, more engaging script, could have been cool. But all in all a waste of money.… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
2
Isaacs18Feb 17, 2012
I can't believe I sat through this movie. About half way through I wanted everyone to die so it would end. Everything about this movie was thin. The characters were barely two dimensional and the plot was driven by cliches. The dialogue couldI can't believe I sat through this movie. About half way through I wanted everyone to die so it would end. Everything about this movie was thin. The characters were barely two dimensional and the plot was driven by cliches. The dialogue could have been written by 13 year old. Amateur night at the cliche house.… Expand
2 of 8 users found this helpful26
All this user's reviews
1
ZombiesTTFeb 20, 2012
To put it bluntly, Chronicle was the worst movie I have ever seen in cinema. I'm actually surprised to see the amount of positive reviews on metacritic. The character development was fairly well done, but the overall storyline was extremelyTo put it bluntly, Chronicle was the worst movie I have ever seen in cinema. I'm actually surprised to see the amount of positive reviews on metacritic. The character development was fairly well done, but the overall storyline was extremely poor. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but it's really predictable anyway. You have the nerd, the jock and the star who all get telekinetic powers but never really use them for anything worthwhile. The flying was done quite well, although it felt like watching a tv series with slightly better sfx.

Like I said, this movie is the worst I have ever seen, in my opinion of course. It's been a while since I've walked out of the cinema disgruntled.… Expand
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
1
leon_guillottFeb 15, 2012
I don't usually go to bad movies, but when I do, I remember why it's a waste of money. The 'hand-held' gimmick contributes nothing to this film, and it seems to have distracted the director from providing the kind of pacing expected in aI don't usually go to bad movies, but when I do, I remember why it's a waste of money. The 'hand-held' gimmick contributes nothing to this film, and it seems to have distracted the director from providing the kind of pacing expected in a movie with so much action. There were a number of times in this film when something was supposed to be a surprise, or exciting, and everyone in theater just laughed awkwardly. A disappointing treatment of a good idea.… Expand
3 of 10 users found this helpful37
All this user's reviews
1
iWatchTrailersMar 17, 2012
Don't waste your money going to this movie. The trailer had preety much 60% of the best parts shown. Overly dramatic, not enough humor at all. I would consider this movie to be more of a drama then a scifi, as a drama it is preety good, butDon't waste your money going to this movie. The trailer had preety much 60% of the best parts shown. Overly dramatic, not enough humor at all. I would consider this movie to be more of a drama then a scifi, as a drama it is preety good, but not what I expected from the trailer. Camera work sucked too btw. If you see either project X or chronicle go see Project X.… Expand
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
All this user's reviews
1
yennachanMar 21, 2014
It is just a group of teenage boys having nose periods all the bloody time. Not even funny or enjoyable.. I don't even need to go into detail, characters are bad, plot is bad, though i do like action movies, this is just horrible. I stillIt is just a group of teenage boys having nose periods all the bloody time. Not even funny or enjoyable.. I don't even need to go into detail, characters are bad, plot is bad, though i do like action movies, this is just horrible. I still can't believe that i sat through this whole movie.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
0
lclayMar 3, 2012
Frustrating. The found footage element is never justified and there's zero plot. Time and time again, there are story points that don't make sense and are never addressed. Found myself looking at my watch after 20 minutes. Would notFrustrating. The found footage element is never justified and there's zero plot. Time and time again, there are story points that don't make sense and are never addressed. Found myself looking at my watch after 20 minutes. Would not recommend to anyone who's looking for anything other than a minor distraction. Really can't wrap my head around all the positive reviews on this one.… Expand
1 of 8 users found this helpful17
All this user's reviews
0
GolderJun 3, 2012
Another one of those documentary style films where the filmed is a labor to watch. The film had so much potential and we were restricted to dull and constrained angles.
Oh and it's boring as hell.
1 of 6 users found this helpful15
All this user's reviews
0
Ripred49Jun 27, 2013
So... This movie was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Might I add that I am around their age group and can definitely tell you that nobody my age acts remotely like the way they acted in the movie. The dialogue and acting was SOOOOSo... This movie was one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Might I add that I am around their age group and can definitely tell you that nobody my age acts remotely like the way they acted in the movie. The dialogue and acting was SOOOO terrible, and the whole carrying the camera around added nothing to the movie. His friends wouldn't just go back to being friends with the main character after he NEARLY KILLS SOMEONE.

This is honestly the dumbest movie I have seen. It's not original (telepathic powers and then someone goes rogue? not original at all) and everything about it except for the special effects was terrible.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
0
seni09Jul 10, 2012
Really bad movie!!!! And the fact that they were recording each other all the time was both boring and exasperating!!! great trailer but a terrible movie!!!!!
1 of 5 users found this helpful14
All this user's reviews
0
Ryan495Mar 3, 2013
This is just a terrible movie, i was massively disappointed when i went to watch this film at the cinema.
the acting is bad the plot is just boring as hell do not recommend watching this film
0 of 6 users found this helpful06
All this user's reviews
next
Page:
More From This Movie

69 Critic Reviews

7.4 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 72 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL