Taking an innovative approach to the found-footage sub-genre, Chronicle presents a dark tale about the consequences of powers received yet not earned, and the dangers of Darwinian rule when wielded by the powerful.

How does a super villain become just that? Is it a matter of evil born and evil wrought? Or is there a deeper psychological answer? First time feature film director Josh Trank attempts to answer that question in Chronicle, creating a clever and entertaining film while doing so.

The film focuses on 3 high school seniors: popular jock Steve (Michael B. Jordan), philosophy nut Matt (Australian actor Alex Russell) and abused teen Andrew (Dane DeHaan).

When they come across a strange object the trio find themselves with super-human powers and –boys being boys – they test their new found abilities through experiments and pranks which are fun to watch since not only are these young men interesting to hang out with, but they are also living out our Super-Man fantasies.

Capturing these shenanigan's on camera is Andrew. At first he begins to document his life to mask his shyness, yet as the film progresses the camera becomes an extension of himself, a conduit into the real world in which he is a victim…that is until he learns how to crush cars with his mind.

It is an interesting take on the whole found footage concept which Trank revamps by refusing to follow the clichés and invents new uses for the camera's presence.

Most surprising is that Chronicle is as much a character driven film as it is a visual effects movie. Andrew in particular is a sympathetic and frightening figure who would fit in very nicely in a gritty indie drama, with the great acting by DeHaan (a popular fixture on TV’s In Treatment) bringing the many complex facets of this character to life.

The most interesting aspect of Andrew is the Darwinian principals that guide his clouded mind. This is an angry young man with no role model to look up to or moral guide to rely on, so it is "survival of the fittest" which Andrew subscribes to and the first he declares not worthy to survive are those who have wronged him.

Trank’s decision to present this super-teens movie in such a dark, disturbing and realistic light is one to be applauded. Equally good is Trank’s handling of the visual effects, with particular mention to the flying sequences which manage to make the concept visually cool again.

Chronicle is not a super-hero movie. Nor is it a formulaic found-footage movie. The depth of tis characters and focus on the effects of damaged people weilding God like ability makes this a whole different monster that should appeal to many different audiences.

One thing is for certain: Josh Trank is a filmmaker to watch out for, with Chronicle his break through into big things.