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Writer-director Josh Trank's film, using hand-held cameras throughout, suggests we would soon revenge ourselves on our enemies and behave rather differently from Superman and his friends.

His protagonists are three high-school boys, one shy and wedded to his camcorder (Dane DeHaan), an older cousin (Alex Russell) and a third who seems determined to become a politician of sorts (Michael B Jordan). They discover their new powers from some weird wonder from outer space.

The result is worth it at first, particularly for the shy camera-obsessed boy who, assailed by an abusive father, flings him round the room with startling ease. But gradually the trio decide that the best thing to do is have a good time with their amazing new abilities. They fly, crash cars and blow up buildings.

The film is fun without reaching anything like the standard of Super 8 or Paranormal Activity, which also specialised in found footage. It's a cautionary tale that just might inspire a new franchise without quite deserving to.