Found Footage Movie List #1
#1
Release Date: February 3rd, 2012
Genre: Sci-Fi/Drama/Suspense
**DISCLAIMER: This movie contains slight language, underage drinking, mild drug use, blood, and Sci-Fi violence. Viewer discretion is advised.**
Summary:
Andrew is a troubled but creative teen with a keen visual eye and a high-quality HD camera. He is introverted and socially awkward. Along with his friends, Matt and Steve, they make a discovery that leads them all to acquire powerful telekinetic abilities. They’re now capable of almost anything. But things take a dark turn when Andrew’s mental state begins to deteriorate from his father’s physical and mental abuse.
It wasn’t hard for me to decide what movie should claim the #1 spot on my Found Footage Movie List. Chronicle was my first and always will be my first choice every time.
My discovery of this film came the day it released its trailer in late 2011. I knew this would be an amazing movie just from the trailer, but upon further inspection I discovered that this movie was written by Max Landis – son to An American Werewolf In London‘s John Landis. Everyone who knows me and who follows this blog knows that John Landis is one of my greatest heroes, and to see a movie done by his son…let’s just say I knew I would love this movie.
I was, by no means in any way shape or form, not disappointed.
The movie’s tagline is, “What are you capable of?” and aptly so. It follows Andrew; a troubled teen filming everything around him as a barrier from his harsh reality; his cousin Matt; a young man trying to find his place in the world; and their friend Steve; a rising star on the school’s football team. These three teenaged boys, after making a strange discovery at an abandoned house party, gain telekinetic abilities. The ability to move things with their minds.
At first it’s all fun and games, “boys will be boys,” but soon Andrew’s troubled home life starts to weigh on him. His sanity begins to deteriorate, making him a danger to 
everyone around him. Justifying his cruelty by calling himself an Apex Predator he begins what will always be remembered as a complete disaster.
There were so many ways I found myself relating to all three characters. Andrew’s insecurities, Matt’s nobility, Steve’s need to be the best. I was enraptured with the story from scene one. Not once did I find myself left wanting from this movie. Although it is set in the found footage format, Andrew’s telekinetic power allows him to hold the camera at cinematic angles. Sometimes you forget this movie is found footage, but it definitely is so.
The entirety of this movie was emotionally raw, powerful, and thrilling. I never once questioned if this movie was going to be as good as I imagined it to be. It surpassed all expectations and more. A truly fantastic film written by Max Landis who has stepped out of his father’s shadow to create one of his own and directed by newcomer Josh Trank. My applaud to all the actors as well for portraying such emotionally powerful characters.
More than deserving as #1 on my Top Ten Found Footage Movie List, Chronicle is a breath of fresh air in a world submerged in horrible Hollywood flops and ridiculous attempts at found footage movies.
Thank you for sticking with me and my ramblings and for following all ten movies on this list!
-Michael
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