Rated PG-13, 83 minutes
Sometimes a film comes along and totally sweeps you off your feet. That is the case with the new science fiction action thriller "Chronicle," an original story about three teenage boys who mysteriously gain superhuman powers and who must determine whether to use them for good or bad. Steve (Michael B. Jordan), Matt (Alex Russell) and his cousin Andrew (Dane DeHaan) are a group of friends who discover a big shiny rock in the back of a house after a party and then realize they have superhuman powers of telekinesis, flying and strength. Their new powers and their human bonds are put to the test when one of them strays to the dark side, unsure of how to use his power for good, or bad. "Chronicle" is a stunning action film and a thoughtful science fiction film that deserves a larger audience; at first the jumpy docu-style cam threatens it to be another "Paranormal Activity" wannabe, though it turns into something far different. All of the unknown leads are excellent, particularly DeHaan as the one with the most to lose and it's a treat to watch them discover their new powers. "Chronicle" is also an auspicious directing debut from young director Josh Trank, who wrote the screenplay with Max Landis, son of veteran director John Landis. While some of it seems a little hokey on the surface, the breathless, action-packed finale and the nifty special effects are all impressive considering the film only cost $15 million to make. "Chronicle" is 2012's first sleeper and deserves an audience for what could be the next big franchise film series.
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