Chronicle makes waves due to really good special effects (CGI) and lead characters who come from a dark place. Three high school students find strange formations in a cave that give them weird telepathic powers.

The lead kid is constantly being bullied by his classmates, another is a popular jock and the third the bland yet sensible cousin of the first. The entire film uses the point of view of video camcorders with the action being switched off between students. In the last act that is abandoned with Chronicle still adhering to an objective stance of its characters.

The effects unfold in a super hero sci-fi mode such as flying through the air and using psychokinesis to crush and rip. Naturally the battle is a mind contest where the trio debates whether to use their newfound powers for good or bad. You just know the kid who’s been hazed his entire life is going to get some form of revenge. The climax highlights Seattle locations including the space needle.

Chronicle should be of interest to sci-fiers and youngsters who can finally give their oppression a face.

- Michael Bergeron