Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Chronicle

film

Chronicle

2012

Three high school students make an incredible discovery, leading to their developing uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their abilities and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? Intense superhero violence causes deaths and major destruction; the story also includes abuse, alcoholism, grief, bullying, sexual references and morally disturbing behavior. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence5/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Features common consumer electronics like cameras and phones.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Steve dies by lightning, Andrew is killed by Matt, and Andrew's mother dies; grief and responsibility are central afterward.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes bloody injuries, a fatality by impalement, and aftermath of hospital destruction.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes moderate profanity and derogatory insults consistent with teen social dynamics.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Passing reference to a Tibetan monastery.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Teen dating and attraction appear in the party storyline, but romance is secondary to friendship, family conflict and the powers plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Threatening powers, dangerous flights, explosions, abuse, lethal confrontations and people trapped or endangered create sustained tension.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

A teenager intends to have sex with a classmate, with sexual references and an intoxicated encounter; explicit activity is not indicated.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Andrew becomes drunk at a party and vomits; his father is described as alcoholic, making substance misuse part of the family context.

Violence5/5
Why this rating?

Telekinetic assaults, robberies, fights, crashes and widespread city destruction culminate in lethal attacks and a violent final confrontation.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Matt risks himself to save Richard and Casey and confront Andrew, though other uses of bravery involve recklessness and escalating danger.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The premise strongly encourages imaginative thinking about telekinesis, flight, filmed perspective and the consequences of extraordinary abilities.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse main cast representing different social archetypes.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Matt repeatedly tries to help Andrew, and Steve supports him, but bullying, abuse, retaliation and betrayal dominate many relationships.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film explores accountability, abuse, grief, power and the danger of entitlement, while showing that trauma does not excuse harming others.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Matt shows loyalty and tries to prevent harm, but the central teenagers make dangerous, destructive choices and adults are troubled or overwhelmed.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in Chronicle would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Chronicle, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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