Iffy for 14+
Teens get super powers in relatable but violent thriller.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Chronicle is an action thriller about three teens who happen upon a strange discovery and, soon after, develop telekinesis and other powers. There's plenty of over-the-top violence (including deaths, the bloody aftermath of fights, explosions, and other mayhem), and the movie also deals with heavy themes -- chronic illness, abuse, rage, family dysfunction, financial distress, and more -- which makes it too intense for younger viewers. Still, it's surprisingly heartfelt, and it captures well the dynamics of teenage male friendships (especially the way they talk). Some scenes portray underage drinking (to the point of drunkenness), and there's also swearing, sexual innuendo, and implied sexual encounters.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. How does it compare to what you've seen in other movies about people with super powers? Is all of it necessary to the story?
- Why are teenagers so cruel to each other sometimes? Parents, talk to your teens about handling bullying in real life.
- What is Chronicle trying to say about male friendships? What about how strength can be used (or misused)?
- Why do you think Andrew responds to the development of his powers differently from Steve and Matt? How do the unfolding events at home shape his reactions and decisions?
The good stuff
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Messages: Three teens form a strong friendship that clearly makes a difference in their lives, though they don't always treat each other perfectly. The movie also suggests that when you're given a special talent or gift, it's important to treasure it and use it wisely; the story serves as a warning against the potentially corrupting influence of immense power.
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Role models: Matt and Steve are clearly responsible, sensible teens who care for others, and even the troubled Andrew starts out as someone who's trying hard not to emulate his abusive father. That said, he struggles with this challenge.
What to watch for
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Violence: Plentiful and sometimes quite brutal. Andrew's father hits him (with his fists) at the slightest provocation; he also says very hateful things that demean and hurt Andrew. When the three teens use their new powers, there's plenty mayhem (people are tossed and battered, cars are thrown, buildings explode) and destruction (blasts, explosions, etc.). Some scenes linger on the bloody aftermath of fights, and some characters die because of these face-offs. A teen is bullied at his high school; his camera is yanked away and tossed to the ground. A classmate tries to strangle him. Later, he gets his revenge.
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Sex: Teen couples kiss; one scene shows a bungled sexual encounter. No outright nudity, but major hints at what has taken place. A teen boy is shown pulling up his pants and buckling his belt. Discussions about virginity (having lost it already, wanting to lose it).
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Language: Pretty frequent use of words including "s--t," "ass," "a--hole," "crap," "prick," "damn," "hell," "goddamn," "p---y," "oh my God," and more.
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Consumerism: Labels/brands include Canon cameras, Pepsi cans, and Centrum vitamins.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Teen drinking at parties (they hold tell-tale red cups in their hands); some drink to inebriation.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Best found footage /super natural ability /coming-of-age film ever made by chambertlo
After being disappointed with pretty much every X-men movie, I went in expecting a lot from this film, since it looked to really showcase the most important feature of these types of film; the POWERS!Fortunately, this film surpassed each and every one of my expectations. It embodies everything that makes these types of films enjoyable; a great cast, a relatable storyline, and excellent effects. It is going to be hard for Hollywood to top this one. Don't read any reviews, and just go see it now. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
3
Good movie.. UNTIL ITS CLOSE TO THE END by moose0412
It look so cool in the previews. They put it out to be awesome but the middle starts the down hill process by the ending i was pissed off completely because it wasn't at all what i expected or wanted it to be.. Definetly wait till its in the 5 dollar wal mart bin id say.. not worth the money at the movies or if it goes on DVD Definetly would rather save that extra 25 30 bucks.. Nothing to rush to go see. i wouldn't recommend it to everyone i know. There were some funny parts in it which kept me in the theater besides the fact i spent money on the tickets.
4
"With Great Power Comes...?" by Argonaut
"With great power, comes great responsibility" is the motto that we, of the Spidey generation of Superheor comics grew up with. 'Chronicle' shows us what happens when that teenage angst goes in the wrong direction. I give major kudos for the writer and director of this film for presenting to us that side...and still draw us in to a sympathetic characterization of the 'evil' superpowered bad-guy.
We've come a long way from the 'Camera Verite' style of modern filmaking since 'Blair Witch', and even 'Cloverfield'. Because now, our current technology of cameras being everywhere, we can create a film that uses other's phone-cams. street cams, and television cams...to give us a smooth transitional coverage of events in a movie. The 'docu-gimmick' has now become an art form, and this film has definitely raised the bar cinematically.
By mid-point in the movie, you are sold on these kid's teenage angst. And by the end, you relate totally. I highly recommend this 'coming-of-age' film!
4
Great found footage movie! by Ezenash
This is one of the best found footage movies I have ever seen. The first ten minutes or so are slow, but the movie starts to evolve into something pretty impressive. You get to follow most of it through the lens of a camera used by a teen named Andrew. The camera serves as an outlet for him since he doesn't have any friends. His father is an abusive alcoholic, while his mother is bed ridden with a very serious illness. His cousin Matt, and popular kid Steve become his only social interractions (that doesn't include high school bullies or beatings from his father). The teens come across an anomaly that gives them powerful abilites. As the kids' powers become increasingly stronger, you get to see how it warps their lives and those around them. The movie begins with a lot of humor with pranks and then starts to move to a more serious tone as they realize what they are capable of. The ending didn't seem too impressive, but I am not sure how I would have ended it otherwise. Go see it!
5
Completely Surpassed my already High Expectations by CosmicCody
i have no idea where these bad reviews are coming from. people obviously have favorite movies and dont allow themselves to like anything else.
im gonna go ahead and say i am a sucker for superpower movies. ive always been fascinated by them and wanted em! so this movie was a dream come true for me. i loved the idea of 3 teenage kids getting powers, and actually using them the way we would!!! we all know if we had powers, we'd skrew around a little, or alot! These are high school teens and throughout a majority of the first half, we see them pull practical jokes and whatnot. its hilariously brilliant. at the same time, i could feel the emotion behind Andrews broken home. its emotionally brilliant, the action sequences were pulse pounding. the first person view made it immerse you with them. Plus the last 20-30 minutes was action packed thrilling and plenty of "OH SH*T!" moments were had in the theater. loved it. i would def see it on the big screen plenty more times. 5 stars.
4
Telekinesis Movie for a New Generation by Geek Soul Brother
I remember as a kid watching CARRIE and FIRESTARTER and THE FURY. They all had people with Psychic Powers that ran crazy. I think CHRONICLE is the Telekinesis movie for this generation. The film did a really good job with the whole 'moving things with your mind, powers getting out of control' thing. 3 Teenage friends - Andrew, Steve and Matt - discover they have this ability. Everything is all fun and games at first, but Andrew suffers from being pushed around by people in his life. Things don't go well for the fellas, as their powers grow, along with Andrew's bitterness. I have to hand it to the director and actors. They did a decent job of telling a serious scifi story involving teens. Kids would totally act this way if they had powers. And the effects? Well done, especially in the final scenes. They used the 'Found Footage' style in an interesting way also. Do you like teen angst, anime psi-power movies? Then GO. GEEK SOUL BROTHER gives it 3.25/5 Cosmic Afros.
5
Got to see it to believe it by Mz Picaboo
This is a must see movie...it was a great dark movie with comedy. I enjoyed it with the exception of the camera. I found the actors to be very good. Ba-Bling-Ba-Bling lol!!!!!!!
5
Best movie I have seen in a while by burningkenshin
I have to say that Chronicle was all that I expected and then some. The movie explained certain phenomina while leaving some details/events out forcing the viewer to come to their own conlcusion about what really happened. The movie had a Blair Witch/Cloverfield look/feel to it with the footage/perspective coming from the character's own video camera. I thought that the camera angles were chosen well to capture the action/events in the movie. The writing was spot on to me. There was not a moment where I heard someone speak & asked myself, "Does this sound like something this person in this situation would say?" or ,"Does this sound genuine?" None of those questions came to mind. The integral thing about the movie is that I could believe the characters and their plight. It wasn't over the top which many of these movies can get thinking that will woo the audience. Sometimes just enough is best, and Chronicle's approach did it just right.
5
Beyond Expectations: A Tour de Force of Special Effects and Character Development by eyelikeoldies
When I go to a movie in the SciFi/Fantasy genre, I just want to escape reality for a couple of hours. If the effects are good, I don't need strong believable plots or character development. A current sound track with tunes I want to check out later is nice but not necessary.
Chronicle delivers it all!!!
The popular jock, the awkward introvert loner, and the philosopher who turned his back on his popularity all drop into a hole in the ground, and come out with developing telekinetic powers. How will it change them? Will it warp or strengthen their tenuous relationship? And what is the name of that awesome song and band during this incredible flying scene?
The pinnacle of the handheld camera genre film which began with the Blair Witch Project is chronicled in Chronicle. See it! Multiple times! We are still talking about it 12 hours later. Now thats a movie with impact.
4
Think of it as Cloverfield first person handicam movie with nice special effects by Dark_Chameleon
A couple of people walked out 10 minutes into the movie and i couldnt blame them, but what i decided to stick around and thankfully so, it really starts off slowly and amateurish but develops into quite a good movie, yes its a little ridiculous to always have some camera taking shots like the girlfriend of one of the stars who happens to have a blog site so she does the filming too and peoples videos patched together, store videos, police cams, etc.
It was a surprisingly good movie and you should if going hold out for longing into the movie and expect the blair witch/cloverfield rocking cam, and forget that every second seems to be caught by other peoples cameras as much as the stars.
Grade :B (i prefer the action flick without the frist person cam but for that its good)