Part 6/11:

In Chronicle, the heroes soar and throw each other through the cityscape repeatedly. The relentless aerial assaults feel hollow because the sequence emphasizes spectacle over stakes—nothing truly feels at risk until characters are forced to be grounded for real consequences.

When Flying Fights Work: Purpose-Driven Action

Despite these pitfalls, effective flying sequences do exist. They tend to be driven by clear objectives and tension, as seen in:

• Shazam’s Flight Chase

In the film, Billy Batson (Shazam) tries to escape Sivana in the air. The sequence is grounded in Billy’s lack of control, heightening suspense because the stakes are personal and immediate. The scene’s intensity arises from the characters' uncertainty, making the flight purposeful and impactful.