FOSTER ON FILM: ‘Chronicle’ puts spin on superpower teen film

Sorry to disrespect Marvel and DC adaptations, but this out-of-the-blue super tale “Chronicle” nails the angst movies like “X-Men” clamor for.

Unprompted, three high school kids are left to use their powers as they wish. Not caught up with a government conspiracy, love-struck protector sidetracks or baddies (which are a riot), “Chronicle” invests in characters beyond establishing a “serious” mood. Still fun, the friendships give way to smirks and telekinetic shenanigans. “Chronicle” is worthy of its emotion.

Caught between his abusive household and awkward high school dynamics, Andrew (Dane DeHaan) videotapes his everyday life for a diary of sorts. Soon enough Andrew’s well-meaning cousin, Matt (Alex Russell) invites him to a party, which turns awkward like everything else for Andrew. However, the most popular kid in town, Steve (Michael B. Jordan), asks Andrew to film a crazy pit he and Matt found outside. The three enter and emerge with blackouts and bloody noses. Andrew’s records, surveillance footage, and video-blogger Casey (Ashley Hinshaw) follow Andrew, Matt and Steve as they learn to levitate increasingly larger objects and fly. Keeping their abilities a secret, the guys — especially Andrew — struggle with the urge to unleash them.

Though there is a thriving “realist” superhero trend, “Chronicle” is a new approach. Pairing pessimism with pubescent woes, “Chronicle” mashes the two but eliminates exterior troubles. Characters take expected paths, but filmmakers tangle and skew the audience’s sympathies until they spill out unexpectedly. Also, the conscious use of the camera makes “Chronicle” an envelope-pusher among “true-to-life” super flicks.

On top of the fresh slant, the “Chronicle” cast clicks. First, the new faces allow “Chronicle” not only to be different, but less staged. DeHann, Russell and Jordan’s performances are entrancing. Whether weak, snobbish or cocky, each hold a likeable and eventually loveable kernel.

All in all, “Chronicle” is fresh and a superbly executed idea. (And, may I add concise — for so much juice, it skids just a little past an hour). I give it a huge A.

With a running time of 84 minutes, “Chronicle” is rated PG-13 for intense action violence, thematic material, sexual content and teen drinking.

Heather Foster is a junior at the Univeristy of Florida.