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Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly, Ashley Hinshaw ... see more see more... , Bo Petersen , Anna Wood , Rudi Malcolm , Luke Tyler , Crystal Roberts , Adrian Collins , Grant Powell , Armand Aucamp , Nicole Bailey , Lynita Crofford , Royston Stoffels , Patrick Walton , Lance Elliott , Nadine Suliaman , Pierre Malherbe , Joe Vaz , Matthew Dylan Roberts , Allen Irwin , Chelsea Nortje , Francois Coetzee , Hendrik Kotze , Matt Adle , Robert Clotworthy , Daisy Tormé , Chrystee Pharris , Daniel Booko , Byron Thames , Matt Nolan , Charles Campbell , Popeye V. , Steve Kramer , Ashley Peldon , Paul Pape , Jeff Fischer , Milla Jovovich , Kate Mara , Ryan Phillippe , Ben Foster , Justin Long

Three high school students make an incredible discovery, leading to their developing uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their abilities and use them to their advantage... read more read more..., their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over. -- (C) Official Site

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74% liked it

82,465 ratings

Critics

85% liked it

155 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 23 min.

Directed by: Josh Trank , Jay Alaimo

Release Date: February 3, 2012

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DVD Release Date: May 15, 2012

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Flixster Reviews (7,813)

  • bhobbs1985
    May 24, 2012
    bhobbs1985
    Chronicle posed the question , "What are you capable of" , taking an interesting approach by using the potentiality of that question and telekinetic powers to follow a boy who was pushed too far in terms of 'bullying' and acted back towards the world with his new found possession... read more of powers.

    It was an interesting way to tackle the subject but it seemed a little over the top to me. Judging from the trailer alone, I thought the movie was actually going to be about 'What are you capable of' and show more of the telekinetic ordeals more so than the usage of such to tackle more moral questions on the grounds of bullying. As courageous as the attempt to mix the two was, I think it failed.

    The actors were mediocre at very least and the plot as much potential as it had was limited by its lack of ability to choose one topic or the other for the movie. There were a ton of loose ends, unexplained scenes, and just a whole lot of jumping around that made little sense in the terms of a good movie.

    Chronicle was a film with high potential, a decent watch if you're bored, and get's a couple stars for mere creativity by approach, but all in all it didn't capitalize on its moral or telekinetic basis.
  • fb791220692
    May 22, 2012
    fb791220692
    A lot of people argue that Chronicle is a good movie. While it isn't terrible, my opinion is that it definitely is not good. The unknown actors do their best, and the use of the handheld camera is sometimes clever, but the story rapidly devolves into a terrible last act, leading ... read moreto an anticlimactic showdown and an irrefutably bad ending. In the hopes of a sequel, it fails to explain itself, which along with the unconvincing special effects and often awkward dialogue, makes me feel like Chronicle is only part of an unfinished final movie that had great potential.
  • CloudStrife84
    May 9, 2012
    CloudStrife84
    When three high school friends discover a mysterious source of power, their lives are suddenly turned upside down, as their newfound abilities make their wildest dreams a reality. At first, everything plays out exactly the way you'd imagine a couple of teenagers would use their p... read moreowers; as in goofing around with innocent pranks and showing off to the ladies. But like the poster says: it's all fun and games until everybody gets hurt. For as a more darker side begins to emerge along with the discovery of their gifts, their bonds of friendship become ever more strained, leading up to a dire and catastrophic turn of events, where nothing can no longer be controlled and the darkness gets the better of them.

    If you think this sounds like the premise for a great and awesome movie, it's because that's exactly what it is. Fun-filled and exhilarating, I wasn't bored for a single second, and it kept on topping itself with progressively cooler special effects. The fact that almost every actor in it is completely unknown to me, only benefited the film as it made it feel more genuine. And it's this goosebump-inducing sense of realism, that makes it such a spellbinding watch. My only complaint as far as the visuals go, is that many of the moments where they fly around are too obviously done by wire. You'd think with how much technology has evolved in the past 10 years, that they'd be able to make it more convincing, but unfortunately it doesn't look much better than it did in the "olden days". I was also very annoyed by how they *spoiler alert* killed off one of my favourite characters so early on in the movie. Especially as I considered him the best of the three lead actors *end of spoiler*.

    In all other regards, however, this was a phenomenally entertaining experience. It was like watching one of my own dreams on screen, in which I've fantasized about having superpowers. And although rooted in familiar themes, found in hundreds of other Hollywood features, the pragmatic execution and natural character behavior, makes you fully invested in everything that's happening. So as far as found-footage fare goes, this was quite the mind-blowing success. A fresh, action-packed and impressively made sci-fi yarn, that treats its audience with dignity, while leaving you with an appetite for more and the hope for a continous sequel.
  • kiriyamakazou
    May 9, 2012
    kiriyamakazou
    Mixing two of the most popular genres of the moment, found footage and superheroes, Chronicle has a lot of potential and actually lives up to it. 3 teenage boys discover something strange which eventually gives them telekinetic powers. One of these boys is Andrew, a bit of an odd... read moreball, he likes to record everything on film. He starts using his powers to gain popularity, but with a dying mother and an abusive father, it isn't long before his anger takes over. I love both these genres of films, so I was immediately taken in. However, I did feel the found footage gimmick was stretched slightly thin here. I think they should have done a DIstrict 9 and changed to conventional narrative means. The film is very entertaining at first. Imagine Jackass with superpowers. The boys have have so much fun exploring their powers and playing jokes, it's a side most superhero movies don't have time for.DeHaan gives a great performance and clearly captures his character's frustration and anger. He isn't simply a snivelling loser, but it's obvious to see that he has problems before the events of the film. As Andrew has the camera for the whole film, we see his side, which means as we approach the final confrontation, it's a weird feeling of relating more to the villain. The effects are stunning, and sit easily in the format. The flying scenes were simply beautiful, and completely blow away all previous cinematic flying. You could sense the calm and excitement of being among the clouds. The end had one of the most involving smackdowns of any superhero films. It really had scope and seemed epic on a budget.
  • hobster1
    May 9, 2012
    hobster1
    Chronicle is 2/3 of a really satisfying drama. What starts out as a thoroughly engaging setup devolves into your standard supervillain run amok at the end. The collection of adventures leading up to Andrew's admittance to a hospital in the final act are invariably entertaining. I... read more appreciated the joy of discovery the three boys had getting used to their newly acquired abilities. The script has a sense of humor. When they purposefully move a woman's car in a parking lot as a practical joke, it's utterly indicative of what real high schoolers would initially do with their powers. The story exhibits a legitimate ambition to cultivate three-dimensional characters with bona fide emotion. That's what makes the eventual devolution of the narrative so depressing. A story about a telekinetic teen outcast with an unsupportive parent, bears more than a passing resemblance to Stephen King's Carrie. Both teens unleash untold mayhem as revenge against their enemies. That was a characteristic weakness in both as well. Despite the familiarity of the plot, Chronicle is still justifiably worth your time based on the character development of its three main stars. A solid debut from 27 year old Josh Trank, a young director to watch.
  • PedroPauloA
    May 4, 2012
    PedroPauloA
    What are you capable of?

    Powerful

    Chronicle is no ordinary found footage film or superhero movie. Chronicle is a deep character driven film that analyzes in all angles the dangers of powers and the responsibilities that come with it.

    Andrew (DeHaan), his cousin Matt (Russell)... read more and their friend Steve (Jordan) discover a supernatural force that leads them to developing uncanny powers beyond their control and understanding. As the movie progresses these characters experiment their new power and slowly start developing a obsession over it.

    What is most surprising and amazing about Chornicle, is that this is a new film. Not in terms of time, but it is made my by an entire cast of new actors and directed by a new director, and the result of this is spectacular. Going in to watch the movie I was already excited because a) I love the movie, b) I am a huge fan of found footage films, and c) I loved this new idea of stepping away from horror found footage and making it into an action film. I left the movie not one bit disappointed.

    Besides being a great action film, one can say, Chronicle is profound in its story and meaning. The movie - with the help of a first person camera - is able to paint a vivid character portrait of Andrew and allows us to really infiltrate his mind. Don't be fooled by this movie, at one point Chronicle develops a Shakespearean plot, and the meaning and message behind this movie is brilliant. Honestly one of the best movies I have seen that deal with the theme of power, because it allows us to get into the characters mind, and see all the pros and cons that power brings.

    Like previously stated Trank is a surprise. This movie being his big debut, he really proves how talented a director he is. Just point out one of the many things I like about Trank: His idea to use found footage film is phenomenal, because he explores all angles visually and emotionally of the characters. Not only that but he makes a criticism towards the technology revolving modern teenagers. Trank is an absolute genius.

    The actors are great, not exceptional, but good. All three really show their potential, and although at times they overplay their role, they are still able to develop distinct characters that are important for this film.

    Overall Chronicle is a spectacular film, it is innovative, and realistic. It is no feel good superhero but a profound cinematic masterpiece that wonderfully portrays the theme of power and desire. Do not miss this one out, it really is one of those films you can talk about it forever.

    Steve Montgomery: "It's not that I'm good at everything, it's that I give my best at everything I do"
  • xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    May 2, 2012
    xXGiNoBiLiPRXx
    What are you capable of?

    Great movie! Chronicle was a pleasant surprise. It's the kind of film you hope to walk into. As a fan of comic book films, it was especially pleasing as it really shakes the genre and tries, successfully I might add, to do something very different. It co... read moreuld have been a complete disaster with typical hand-held filming and a typical story. But the smart and creative take on the genre makes this another in the great beginning of 2012.

    Andrew is a troubled but creative teen with a keen visual eye and a high-quality HD camera. He is introverted and socially awkward. Along with his friends, Matt and Steve, they make a discovery that leads them all to acquire powerful telekinetic abilities. They're now capable of, well, almost anything. But things take a dark turn.
  • scottgreen96
    March 24, 2012
    scottgreen96
    One of the strongest, most realistic films I have ever seen, truthfully, it blew my mind at how it was able to pull off such stunts and really show how the film industry has revolutionized completely, the film itself had a strong plot and although some names may not be recognised... read more, they held the characters brilliantly, probably the best film i'm gonna see for quite a while, a pat on the back goes to Josh Trank and Max Landis.
  • fb100001048934982
    March 22, 2012
    fb100001048934982
    'Chronicle' is a unique form of 'found footage' because its movement with the camera is less restricted, but it is flawed in other aspects. The idea was refreshing, but the story arc is poor. Nothing the characters do seems meaningful enough to carry the story to a purposeful res... read moreolution. The climax seems rushed and chaotic, yet entertaining nonetheless. 'Chronicle' is an interesting spectacle, but it feels like it has nothing to say.
  • fb100000040220993
    March 3, 2012
    fb100000040220993
    "Chronicle" was a pleasant surprise. What I liked most about the movie, is it basically creates the origin of a super villain. The inevitable, and unforgiving outcome of the main character was pulled off very nicely. Since the film wasn't based on already established character... read mores from a comic book, the story was fresh and unpredictable, while not having to follow Hollywood's diluted superhero formula. The movie's main flaw, is of course, the found-footage direction. I'm not a fan of this style, and like usual, it didn't enhance anything in "Chronicle". All in all, this is a movie worth seeing.

View All Chronicle Reviews

Critic Reviews

Roger Moore
March 23, 2012
Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

A semi-serious sci-fi romp, lighter and more fun than many of the comic-book movies that it steals from, a superhero movie in which nobody ever crusades, or wears a cape. Full Review

David Denby
February 7, 2012
David Denby, New Yorker

"Chronicle" is a mildly experimental commercial film, and, for the most part, it's loose-limbed fun. Full Review

James Berardinelli
February 3, 2012
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Chronicle is the kind of movie that makes one excited about the future prospects of the man at the helm. Full Review

Eric D. Snider
February 3, 2012
Eric D. Snider, Film.com

Without the found-footage distraction, Chronicle is an entertaining and creative take on the concept of teenage superpowers. Full Review

Todd McCarthy
February 3, 2012
Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter

Although it dog-legs into silly mayhem in the homestretch, for a good portion of its quick 83-minute running time Chronicle is a quite clever boys-gone-wild-on-telekinetic-powers fantasy. Full Review

Adam Graham
February 3, 2012
Adam Graham, Detroit News

Chronicle puts a fresh, invigorating spin on the superhero origin story, a tale Hollywood spins again and again (and again). Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
February 3, 2012
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Based on Chronicle, it's clear that Trank has the right stuff to move up to big-budget fantasy movies. If he wants to, that is. In a lot of ways, he has already beaten the studios at their game. Full Review

Stephen Whitty
February 3, 2012
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger

As a surprise entry in the mid-winter movie doldrums, "Chronicle" is a modest charmer. Full Review

Joe Neumaier
February 3, 2012
Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News

"Chronicle" is an energetic hodgepodge that tweaks familiar conventions just enough to seem fresh. Forget the X-Men - these are iHeroes. Full Review

Rick Groen
February 3, 2012
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail

Once again, the conceit collapses along with the movie, and all that's left is third-act mayhem. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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    • Andrew Detmer: There's nothing stopping us.
    • Andrew Detmer: I am the Apex Predator.
    • Andrew Detmer: I am stronger than both of you!
    • Matt Garetty: It's like a muscle...we're getting stronger.
    • Andrew Detmer: I've been doing a lot of reading, you know? Like, online about, like, just evolution and natural selection and how like there's this thing, right? It's called the apex predator, right? And basically what this is, is the strongest animal in the ecosystem, right? And as human beings, we're considered the apex predator but only because smaller animals can't feed on us because of weapons and stuff, right? A lion does not feel guilty when it kills a gazelle, right? You do not feel guilty when you squash a fly... and I think that means something. I just think that really means something.
    • Matt Garetty: There's something wrong with Andrew.
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Chronicle Trivia

  • What race was Riddick in The Chronicle of Riddick?  Answer »
  • who was the actor who acted the chronicle of riddick  Answer »
  • Who plays Susan Pevensie in the Chronicle of Narnia movies?  Answer »
  • The role of Lestat, Anne Rice's famous Vampire Chronicle character, has been played by two actors. One is by Tom Cruise for Interview with the Vampire. Who's the other actor? (Hint: it's for the movie Queen of the Damned)  Answer »
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