Graphically Speaking: “Chronicle” review

Chronicle

Directed by: Josh Trank
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Alex Russell, Dane DeHaan
Rated PG-13 for intense action and violence, thematic material, some language, sexual content, and teen drinking

“Torture Porn”
“Tarantino-esque”
“coming soon in 3-D”
“Tom Green”

We’ve learned to be wary of such trends when we decide what movie to see. Next to those, however, stands the inexplicably popular sub-genre we begrudgingly mention as “found footage.” I must admit there have been some bright spots, such as “Cloverfield” and the last 10 minutes of “The Blair Witch Project” and the “Paranormal Activity” trilogy. So how does “Chronicle” handle the found footage idea? Really, really well.

If you’ve seen the trailer, you know that 3 high school students find a big…something…in a cave. They touch it and develop superpowers. Both hilarity and chaos ensue. I wish the trailer didn’t give so much away, but it doesn’t deter from the breadth of talent that shows up on screen. The three leads, charismatic football star Steve (Jordan of “The Wire” and “Friday Night Lights”), smart, balanced Matt (Alex Russell), and his outsider cousin Andrew (Dane DeHaan) fit snugly into their roles. As time passes, their chemistry grows along with their powers, which revolve around telekinesis (Think Jean Grey meets Connor Kent). The special effects are understated. Subtle changes in the atmosphere draw your focus, but it works to the film’s advantage. You can’t see the puppet strings even in the climactic showdown.

Yes, there’s a showdown. There’s always a showdown. You may have seen it in the trailer, which ruins an interesting development. I’ll say this: I believe there’s an alternate universe out there where the Star Wars prequels were made 10 years after, in present day. In said reality, Dane DeHaan plays Anakin Skywalker and NAILS it. DeHaan is well-balanced in the tricky role of Andrew, the social outcast who has some issues with power and responsibility. He’ll have a career in films with more stationary cameras.

The film has a few flaws that are a restriction of the found footage angle. Pun sort of intended. For example, there are time jarring time jumps. In some cases, weeks can pass in an instant. Also, some pivotal scenes are hampered when the camera suddenly dies or glitches. Some of this has to be a result of the filmmakers wanting to cut to the chase, but at under 90 minutes, the film can afford a few more scenes. However, a wise decision is made to show the POV of several cameras, as well as smart phones and some security footage.

First-time director Josh Trank pulled off an intriguing idea with screenwriter Max Landis (son of John). There’s a lot of love here. The film wisely doesn’t pretend the footage is a “lost videotape” found after years, and better yet, it doesn’t even attempt to leave room for a sequel. By now it’s made enough money to warrant one financially, but it’s unnecessary. To Trank and Landis’ credit, they know this, and craft an appropriate ending…one that doesn’t end abruptly with a URL. I already can’t wait for the Blu-Ray.

Screenwriter Max Landis is the son of director John Landis. I’m convinced that he and Jason Reitman should form an Avengers division encompassing offspring who are at least as talented as their parents. Sofia Coppola can form the West Coast branch. Chronicle is in theaters now.