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Friday, February 10, 2012

(Movie Review) Chronicle (2012)

Chronicle superpowers its way to the top box office spot
There will be a time when “lost footage” movies are no longer appealing. We know this because all good things must eventually come to an end. Some people think that Cloverfield and Paranormal Activity are the movies that popularized this subgenre of movies, but those of us that are old enough remember can remember this being popularized by The Blair Witch Project (1999). The point is that “shaky cam” movies are popular because they draw the audience in. They give the illusion that the viewer is a part of the experience because the other characters are interacting with the camera screen (when in reality they are interacting with the camera operator) and this, essentially, is an example of “breaking the fourth wall”. So a movie that is poor in concept, dialog, and acting can often resonate with viewers on a much deeper level because they tap in to a part of the viewer’s mind that most films cannot. By design alone, this style of movie is more engaging.
Storyline: When three high school students find an underground tunnel, they decide to follow it to see where it ends. When they reach the end of the tunnel they find themselves face to face with a large glowing mass that releases energy and knocks them unconscious. When they wake, they find that they can move things with their minds. As time goes by their powers grow. When this new found power becomes too much for some of them to handle they begin to unravel. Who will be able to control their new found power and who will be controlled by the power?
This movie reminds me of a quote I once read from Abraham Lincoln.  Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. “ That is the best example that this movie makes of power. Not necessarily that “power corrupts” as that makes power sound inherently evil. More so that power exposes the darkness that already resides deep in some people. That is what corrupts.
Worth the admission? Absolutely. It was funny, full of action, and gives hope to me that one day I will touch a big glowing rock and become a superhero. The movie was a little too much for some people to handle. Scenes with rapid camera movements often make people that are not accustomed to such movie feel a bit disoriented. For me, it was great. I recommend that you check it out.

2 comments:

  1. I think Cannibal Holocaust (1980) was the first "found footage" movie. I've read articles about how legendarily gore-filled that movie is, and how shockingly bad it is, but just going by the descriptions, I can tell you two things about the movie: 1) It's legitimately, as in "they should not have made this movie", not as in "this is scary in a fun way" horrifying, and I would never watch it, and 2) It fits the description for being a "found footage" movie.

    Just did a Wiki search, and they do list CB as a "found footage" movie. Heh. They also mention "The Last Broadcast", which seems interesting based on the synopsis.

    Now, about Chronicle... I'm glad it didn't disappoint. It actually sounds like it's deeper than "just" an action movie, and the theme sounds interesting.

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  2. Those may be some of the first, but I (probably like most) haven't heard of them (but now I kida want to check them out). BWP is the first "found footage" movie that I remember being HUGE. It had a budget of like 25K and grossed MILLIONS in the boxoffice (and spawned the worst sequel in history).

    Chronicle ended up being more about how an abused young man reacts when he is given "a gift" and becomes something far greater (in his eyes) than what he once was. His powers help afford him everything that he ever wanted, but when it blows up in his face, he breaks. If you really pay attention to the acting in the movie...the main kid (DANE DEHAAN) gives a great performance. You can believe that this kid is suffering from years of abuse.

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