First, a couple of thoughts about the Oscars. Why doesn't Tom Hanks just host? He's so naturally likable and funny and does an extended solo presentation every year.. so isn't hosting the natural first step? You're telling me the world wouldn't rather see Tom Hanks than cornball, botoxed, hair dyed Billy Crystal? He looked like Glen Close playing Billy Crystal. Second, the right flick one. The Artist certainly deserves its accolades, and while it's not going to go down as one of the all-time greats, in a down year? It absolutely deserved everything it got. Lastly, I'm surprised Gary Oldman didn't get more love for his performance in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.. it was subdued, understated, nuanced, with a lot of pain, competence, duty and pride in there.. all while saying as little as possible. Very English.. very great. But let's talk about "Chronicle", shall we?I actually saw "Chronicle" on Friday, but "weekend", so we aren't getting to it until today. Also, the theater was full of young people, who are officially the most annoying people on the planet... which was obnoxious. So I really had no desire to see this one, but it's been getting solid reviews (84% on RT..), and Wallace (!!) is involved, so what the hell, worth a look, right? I'm no fan of the "found footage" gimmick, but I fully recognize that it allows filmmakers to make a flick for very, very cheap that probably wouldn't have been made otherwise, and also allows for some interesting narrative techniques and a certain illusion of authenticity. And that being said, Chronicle isn't a TRUE "found-footage" anyway, they deviate when appropriate. So here we go.
Andrew (oh! That's my name! (played by Dane DeHaan - who looks a LOT like a young "Basketball Diaries"-era Leo)) is a loner, who lives with his alcoholic former firefighter father and a mother dying of some unnamed respiratory condition. He has no friends other than his cousin, Matt, and spends his days avoiding bullying at school and at home, and filming his life. After Matt (Alex Russell) drags him to a party, Matt, Andrew and the most popular kid at school, Steve (Michael B. "Wallace" Jordan) find a mysterious hole in a field that they OF COURSE explore. Strange happenings ensue, and the boys find themselves suddenly in possession of strange powers resembling telekinesis. Before long they are spending ALL of their time together and exploring what their powers have to offer. I don't have to tell you that eventually things go VERY wrong.
There is a lot that this movie does well. First, by using a gimmick allowed by the boys' powers, they successfully are able to remove themselves from the limitations of true "found footage" a la Cloverfield or the like. Second, the interactions of the main characters are VERY believable. This is how high school boys are and would be. They're wasting a LOT of time and trying VERY hard to get laid.. this flick recognizes that and treats its characters appropriately. The escalation of the boys' powers and the progression in their use is quite believable, compelling and becomes disturbing.. but it all feels very natural. Nothing is forced here.
Plus:
But in all seriousness, this flick is very well done, and uses surveillance and other footage to supplement the handheld camera when needed. The characters are likable and believable, and this flick seemlessly transitions from fun to disturbing when needed. You really believe that these kids like each other, and their natural chemistry adds a much-needed heft to the goings-on. If the story has a weak spot, it's Andrew's home life.. which just doesn't carry its weight the way that the interactions of the boys does. These are kids first, extraordinary people second.. and this flick doesn't lose sight of that.
So for a smart screenplay, effective gimmick, believable and likable characters, effective acting and a story worth telling I'm giving this one a thumbs-up.
7.5/10.
No comments:
Post a Comment