Just when you think it’s not possible to gain superpowers the easy way, “Chronicle” explains how you can find them in your own backyard. One may not know how they work or how much power they can offer, but learning how to use them is the most important aspect of having them. If one can’t handle them, then they lose the ability to control themselves and that’s when things can get out of hand. The plot is introduced really early in the story. The main character Andrew (Dane Dehaan) opens the scene with the shot of a white door. Then comes a knock from his drunken father (Michael Kelly) asking him to open it. Andrew decides he wants to record the remaining story of his life with a video camera he bought online. Throughout the film, this is the only camera used in basically every shot. Every other angle is shot with some sort of mobile camera, whether that is a news camera, cell phone, or police dashboard cam. Although some critics say it would be better off with the usual style, I thought the idea was unique and really stood out from being normal. Andrew leads this dull and boring life with only one friend who just happens to be his cousin. Along with them, there’s the nice looked-up-to student Steve Montgomery (Michael B. Jordan). The three join up at a local rave and stumble upon this deep dark hole with pulsating vibrations within. After deciding to explore and discover where this sound is coming from, they soon find a bright glowing crystal. Not much is known about what exactly happens in the hole, but they all emerge in the next scene with powers they later document on Andrew’s camera. As the story progresses, the teens mess with their powers in some mysterious ways to make people think that ghosts probably do exist. With basic powers like telekinesis and the ability to fly, the boys begin to think about their true potential. The story takes kind of a downfall when Andrew takes his powers a little too far and seriously injures an innocent pedestrian. The story likes to focus on Andrew due to significant circumstances and relationships with his parents along with why his life is so difficult. As a surprising turn of events take place towards the middle of the movie, you begin to wonder how one would use their superpowers. As Matt drifts away from his cousin, due to his new girlfriend, who also happens to like filming things and blogging about them online, Andrew begins to think about what he’s done and if he should continue what he’s doing. With the untimely death of Andrew’s mother, the climax really kicks in and the action of what a maniac can do with superpowers really comes into play. Overall, the movie is designed to enhance one’s views on how some things can overtake people and even when you don’t think something can happen, it does. Josh Trank, the director, talked a lot about how the film reflects on philosophy. Did he take a long time looking at other superhero films? Along with writer Max Landis, they combine relationships of the teens with this unlikely ability to be like God, and seeing that being in control – especially with oneself – is a tough thing to do. The ending of the film brings excitement and amazement and mixes it with one last blow to one’s heart to make you go from being excited to shedding a tear. The movie is rated PG-13 for some violence, mild language and teen drinking.inking.
