In a year of major superhero cinematic epic releases, are you prepared for the first unlikely sleeper hit of the same genre?

2012 might just proved to be the biggest year in superhero films with Marvel Studios's Cinematic Universe heading to its geekastic climax, the superhero all-star epic directed by fan-favorite director, Joss Whedon, The Avengers, and DC Comics's iconic Batman returning to the big screen in Christopher Nolan's swan song to his critically acclaimed Batman trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises. On the other hand, another sub-genre of sci-fi, horror and fantasy is slowly booming. Yes, it's the pseudo-documentaries and faux found footages film. Apart from the disturbingly popular Paranormal Activities series, filmmakers have proven that the sub-genre can be easily fused with other elements with films like 2008's Cloverfield, and 2010's Grave Encounters.

With Chronicle, director Josh Trank set to combine both popular genres into one in his directorial debut. And from the looks of things, the combination does have the potential of a winner. Written by Max Landis based on a story by both Trank and Landis, the film focus on the exploits of three high school students who are mysteriously endowed with superhuman powers. Initially using their powers for mischievous means, the film soon took a dark turn when one of the three decided to put his new-found powers for more nefarious means.

Chronicle was met with positive reviews and has apparently warmed the hearts and minds of the powers-that-be at 20th Century Fox so much that Trank was reportedly their go-to-guy for a Fantastic Four reboot.

Hit the jump to check out the impressive official trailer.



And here are a few clips from the film.

The Baseball Test - Chronicle Film Clip


The Discovery - Chronicle Film Clip


Posters for the film that have been released thus far.





And here are some of the official images from the film that have been released by 20th Century Fox.









Here's the official synopsis of the film:

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.

Starring Dane DeHaan, Michael B. Jordan, and Alex Russell as the three protagonists, Chronicle is set to be released on February 1st in the United Kingdom, and will be released nationwide in the United States on February 3rd.