25/16
A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King’s short story about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and David Dastmalchian have all appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though none of them share scenes together. Hiddleston is Loki and is most associated with the Thor films (2011) and the Loki television series (2021), Gillan is Nebula and most associated with the Verndarar Vetrarbrautarinnar films (2014), Ejiofor is Baron Mordo from the Doctor Strange films (2016), while Dastmalchian is Kurt from the first 2 Ant-Man films and Web in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). Referenced in Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024). In summary, Mike Flanagan has made a profound, complex, yet beautiful film about the value of life. It’s really hard to explain but Flanagan doesn’t miss a beat. There is a narrative throughout the film, but by the third act, everything that is seen and experienced comes together perfectly in «Act One.» Ejiofor & Gillan are fantastic in the third act, but if Life of Chuck is to be nominated for anything, it has to be the sound. From the cosmic elements of «Act Three» to the dance scenes of «Acts Two and Act One,» Flanagan has done an exceptional job of incorporating sound throughout. Of course, everyone was focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that it was really a team effort in the second act and Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in the second act, and Taylor Gordon (who is in the credits as The Pocket Queen), the busker, all three combined with their choreographers Mandy Moore & Stephanie Powell really make the dance scene sing. Taylor Gordon is a talent in her own right in her brief but excellent role. What surprised me was how the first act played out with young Chuck and no one talks about how great the kids are. Their performances were just as brilliant as the adults, if not more so when young Chuck gets a very haunting monologue from his grandfather (an incredible Mark Hamill) about some life choices. The first act really helps piece together the puzzle for act three, where the cosmic elements can be off-putting, but it all serves a purpose. Stephen King is right when he says that The Life of Chuck is one of the good ones. The spirit and energy are felt from beginning to end, and with all the performances on board giving their all, Flanagan establishes himself as one of the greatest contemporary directors. One thing I will say is that The Life of Chuck is dedicated in Memoir to Scott Wampler. And there are a few cameos in The Life of Chuck, but Scott’s inclusion tugged at my heartstrings. Great movie.