Teens go powermad in this Sci-Fi thriller Chronicle now out on DVD and Blu-ray, read Kidzworlds review!
By: Lynn Barker
What if you were suddenly given superpowers? You could move objects and people with your mind and you could fly. How would you use that power? First, you might have a little fun or get a lot of revenge. Eventually, it would mean a lot of big decisions for you, including thinking seriously about what is morally right and wrong.
Three high school pals learn the very hard way that absolute power corrupts absolutely and like Spider-Man knows “with great power comes great responsibility”.
Story goes
Andrew (Dane DeHaan), has a mom dying of cancer and a very abusive dad. He decides to record his life on video, partially as protection from dad’s attacks on him. When he and his cousin Matt (Alex Russell) and their BFF Steve (Michael B. Jordan) find a crazy, glowing, alien….thing in a cave, it zaps them and they wake up with the power to levitate and move objects with their minds.
The guys discover a strange powerCourtesy of 20th Century Fox
Of course, the guys play with the powers, impressing girls, getting even with bullies etc. all while starting to rule their school. Things take a bad turn when Andrew uses his power to steal money for his sick mom’s meds and begins getting even with dad and causing major damage. Matt tries to rein him in and Steve becomes caught between them. Will Andrew be able to get control or will it all end badly for the new superdudes?
Special Features:
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We got the cool Blu-Ray plus DVD and Digital Copy pack.
Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
- “Deleted Scene” – Matt and Casey in the kitchen. This just shows that Matt and blogger/pal Casey are a couple.. cute but not needed really.
- “Pre-Viz” – This is pretty cool, especially if you are into making your own video storyboards for your own stories. You see how the special effects sequences looked with crude computer animation before the movie was finished.
- “Camera Test” – Interesting because it shows different actors playing the parts to test how the finished effects will look.
- “Director’s Cut: - A few more scenes. Worth a look after you see the version shown in theaters.. or just watch this cut first.
Wrapping Up
Kids and teens can really relate to many elements of this movie; documenting your days on video, feeling unpopular, wanting revenge against those who abuse you, just having a blast with your best pals. You really get to know these guys before they get their powers and, once they do, you are in for an exciting ride.
This is a PG-13 film and some of the language and rougher destruction might not be too good for younger kids but the lesson learned by the boys’ abuse of power makes watching the film worth it I think. With a small budget, the young filmmakers did a great job on the special effects, especially in a huge final battle sequence.
This movie was a real surprise hit. It’s funny and, as the story turns darker, you can really get sucked into the film. It’s well worth a rental if you haven’t seen it and a buy for sure if you relate to it or just like to see superpowers in action!
Chronicle Blu-ray Rating:
