Ari Howorth
Staff Writer

In recent years, superhero movies have become less conventional by focusing more on developing characters rather than their super abilities. Josh Trank’s “Chronicle” utilizes the strengths of this movement as well as fairly unique hand-held camera style to create an intriguing, engaging and impactful story.

“Chronicle” shows a realistic look at high school life but blends this with the captivating fantasy world of superpowers. Though the characters are generally lighthearted, the film does not stray from its dramatic portrayal of the trials faced by teenagers.

Throughout the film, “Chronicle” contains thrilling action scenes that remind the viewer that “Chronicle” is a fantasy, not a high school drama.
Protagonist Andrew Detmer has a tragic life, forced to deal with an alcoholic dad, a dying mom and school bullies. His life turns around when he, his cousin Max Garetty (Alex Russell) and one of the most popular students, Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan), acquire the ability to move objects and fly.

Detmer uses these powers as a way to channel his anger toward the world and, in doing so, becomes more powerful than he thought he was.
The performances of the three friends are all very strong. Dehaan’s captivating performance of the unstable and bullied teenager is the driving force of the film. Garetty is the most accurate portrayal of a high schooler. He is focused on enjoying high school and getting girls, yet he is driven by his admiration for his cousin.

Jordan portra ys the popular jock and would-be student council president of the school. It is comforting to the viewer to see him help Detmer socially, as he previously had no real friends.

The documentary style of the film gives it an aspect of originality. Although it is slightly difficult to see what exactly is happening at the beginning, the cinematography clears up in the second half, when Detmer levitates the camera around the characters. In doing this, the camera no longer shakes, but the film still maintains its realistic and suspenseful atmosphere.

Detmer’s life throughout the film is depressing to watch, even when he gains his abilities. He is constantly bullied and must cope with his abusive father. His self-imposed isolation and instability provides the viewer with a heartbreaking story. Though his story is drastic, it is relatable and doesn’t feel implausible.

The boys’ abilities develop and strengthen as the film progresses and, similarly, so do the action sequences. The boys start off levitating baseballs at each other, but by the end of the film, they hurl buses across downtown Seattle.

This shows how the boys become careless and lose control of their abilities as they increase. It also creates a multitude of engaging action scenes that keep up the speedy pace of the film.
“Chronicle” provides a realistic look at the life of a high school student in a unique manner, creating an enjoyable new type of superhero movie. It is perhaps the best film of the “found-footage” style to come out recently. “Chronicle” was released on Feb. 3 and is playing in theaters nationwide.