‘Chronicle’

It’s easy to see how any moviegoer could get tired of the superhero genre (present company excluded). It is predictable, formulaic and oftentimes a letdown. Here comes “Chronicle” to save the day. With handy-cam cinematography and a refreshingly original take on the origin story, this is what Batman ordered.

Inside a cave, Matt (Alex Russell, left), Steve (Michael B. Jordan) and Andrew (Dane DeHaan) make a discovery that will change their lives in “Chronicle”. (photo courtesy of Fox Pictures)

Andrew (Dane DeHaan) is rather disturbed, between the abuse at home and harassment at school. And nothing brings out the hero inside like a chance encounter with an ominous anomaly that bestows him — along with cousin, Matt (Alex Russell), and classmate, Steve (Michael B. Jordan) — with telekinetic powers…OK, not really. Unlike Spider-Man or even Kick-Ass, these teenagers don’t spend their days breaking up fights or bank robberies. They’re high school students and they act like ‘em. Be honest, if you suddenly had the powers of a Jedi and Superman combined, would you be out saving the world or hanging out in your backyard trying to levitate inanimate objects? Of course, with great power comes that obnoxious responsibility, but it comes at a high price that leads to a phenomenal climax.

A few years back, “Push” attempted to tell an original superhero story (sans costume) and failed. “Chronicle” is a corrective to oh-so-many superhero flops, based on comics or an original. It dabbles in familiar superhero themes — isolation, caricatured villainy, etc. — but does so with much style. Similar to “Paranormal Activity”, “District 9” and “Cloverfield”, the film appears as raw footage chronicled (get it?) by Andrew. After he hones his abilities, the camera even begins to move as he levitates it. The premise sounds limiting, especially in regards to what can possibly be portrayed in a final showdown, but don’t worry, director Josh Trank comes up with a creative solution that remains true to the amateur form without sacrificing the narrative.

DeHaan, as Andrew, proves a fantastic new face on screen. Sure, he’s a bit of a cliché, but he does it effectively. He captures youthful suffering and high school angst, simultaneously evoking sympathy and revulsion.

If you can take the amateur-style filming and the dizzy spells sure to follow, especially during the more intense scenes, “Chronicle” is the first real hit of the year, and a splendid addition to the superhero film canon.

‘The Woman in Black’

Harry Potter has spun his last spell, but Daniel Radcliffe lives on, and to follow eight box-office successes, he chose a modest ghost story. Nerves can only twist so much with a PG-13 rating, but it’s disturbing enough (even if “Chronicle” shames it).

Daniel Radcliffe, known for his role as “Harry Potter”, plays young lawyer Arthur Kipps in “The Woman in Black”. (photo courtesy of CBS Films)

It’s the turn of the 19th Century. Young lawyer Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe) hasn’t been able to focus since his wife died in labor, and his career is on the rocks. He has one last chance to salvage it: close the estate of recently deceased Alice Drablow. But what Arthur doesn’t know is the dark history of Alice’s house and the woman in black (Liz White), who takes the life of a child every time mortals catch her gaze.

As far as haunted houses go, this one holds up next to the industry standard. There are quite a few fake-out scares, but when ghosts stop teasing and come out to play, you’ll beg for a scene change just to end the anxiety. “The Woman in Black” knows how to milk a terror with satisfying results. It’s a fine horror film with some solid jolts, but for my money, “The Ring” is scarier.

When the illusive woman with a limited wardrobe isn’t out and about, there’s still plenty of visceral images and intrigue in the back story. And don’t worry, unlike other recent horror fare, this one’s got an actual ending –– none of that tease until the sequel junk.

This is Radcliffe’s show, but he’s joined by two memorable supporting performers. Ciarán Hinds is one of those unsung actors, and he proves once more his comforting film presence as Mr. Daily, a wealthy man unwilling to believe in what he can’t prove. And then there’s Janet McTeer as Mrs. Daily, who believes her dead son speaks through her. Caricatured yes, but still well done.

Post-Potter Radcliffe is off to a strong start. He’s older, more mature and has a child (on screen that is), and he knows how to lead the show without a large supporting cast behind him. He doesn’t cover new acting ground, but he commands the cinematic stage with the grace of a veteran.