Chronicle

• Genre: Drama
• Director: Josh Trank
• Stars: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan
• Rate: ****

First-time director Josh Trank takes a genre that was quickly careening into gimmick territory – the found-footage/POV style of Cloverfield - and injects new life into it with his debut, Chronicle.

Of course, it helps that one of his three teenage main characters, outcast Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is something of a cinephile and obsessive self-documentarian, which means a distinct lack of shaky camerawork for Andrew.

And it further helps that Andrew and his pals (Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan) develop telekinetic powers after a run-in with a mysterious glowing object buried under a field. Before long, Andrew realizes he can control his camera with his mind.

The story, as well, is a refreshing take on old territory – what happens when everyday people develop superpowers.

Only here, there are no spandex suits or sense of community service. Apparently, with great power really comes great mischief and petty retribution. It’s a much more believable depiction of teenagers’ lives turning into comic books, and much more enjoyable.