Chronicle: Director's Cut - The Lost Footage Edition

I'll be the first to admit that I went against the majority when I said that I was not entirely impressed with Josh Trank's Chronicle.  While the film was able to successfully master the art of the handheld camera, its lead character (played by Dane DeHaan) was more annoying than sympathetic, leaving little in the way of personal connection.

That same lack of connection hinders the film from reaching its full potential, even on the extended director's cut.  I'm not sure what it is, but halfway through the film I can't wait for the demise of DeHaan's Andrew.  His personality is so hard and sour that I refuse to root for his success as he and two of his acquaintances acquire an unusual power that could spell the end to our planet.

What sounds like an intense action style film is really a character study to the nth degree.  The final sequence savors a bit of what the film is missing during the first 60 minutes, but even solid performances by Alex Russell and Michael B. Jordan can't rescue it from disappointment status.

That isn't to say that Chronicle isn't entertaining.  There are aspects that enjoyable, and the direction the film takes is quite enjoyable.  A B rating is probably a little high, but the film deserves your attention, and an hour and a half of your time.