1) Chronicle
Whilst not technically having any tangible ties to the pages of any existing graphic novels, Chronicle remains indisputably linked to the comic book genre given its subject-matter; with Josh Trank’s movie revolving around the world of three American teens who suddenly gain superpowers that enable them to control objects with their minds.
Beginning as a goofy teen drama and finishing off as a fast and furious action flick that resembles the sensation of riding a simulator roller-coaster, Chronicle puts an intriguing spin on the superhero movie by capturing everything through handheld camera.
Dane DeHaan stars as Andrew, an unpopular, awkward teen with a troubled home life. After reluctantly being dragged along to a rave by his cousin Matt, the duo – along with popular party go-er Steve – stumble across a strange black hole in the wooded area nearby. After venturing down to explore and experiencing sudden nosebleeds, the three teens soon discover that they have the ability to move objects with their minds. Andrew uses his camera to capture everything on tape, as the kids use their powers for juvenile pranks to start with, before elevating to bigger and better things.
The use of queasy-cam has swamped screens since the Blair Witch Project and has largely worn out its welcome, but Chronicle is too smart and slick to get bogged down by limitations and uses the super capability of its characters to transcend the typical trappings of the genre. Instead of limiting the action to one point of view, director Trank flits between CCTV footage and iPhone imagery and enables the use of a steady shots as Andrews practices using his new found powers by levitating his camera above himself and his friends.
Complex, dark and thrilling, Chronicle has everything that a good superhero movie should have and gives the genre a welcome twinge of unconventional authenticity in its shooting style to boot.