35/34
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 best associated with Thor Films (2011) and The Loki Television Series (2021), Gillan is Nebula and Ejiofor is Baron Mordo from Doctor Strange Films (2016). ), while Dastmalchian is Kurt from the first two Ant-Man films and Veb’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). Referenced in Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, Moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024). In short, Mike Flanagan has made a profound, multi-layered, yet beautiful film about the value of life. It’s really hard to explain but Flanagan doesn’t waste a single take. There is a narrative throughout the film, but by the “third act” everything that is seen and experienced is perfectly set in the “first act.” Ejiofor and Gillan are fantastic in the third act, but if The Life of Chuck is going to be nominated for anything, it has to be for the sound. From the cosmic elements in the “third act” to the dance scenes in the “second and first acts,” Flanagan did an exceptional job integrating sound throughout the film. Of course, everyone focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that it was really a team effort in Act Two and that Annalize Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in Act Two, and Taylor Gordon (who is credited as The Pocket Queen) . , the busker, all three combined with their choreographers Mandy Moore and 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 Act One 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. Act one really helps piece together the puzzle that was act three, where the cosmic elements can be off-putting, but it all serves a purpose. Stephen King is right when he says 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 further cements himself as one of the greatest contemporary directors. One thing I will say is that The Life of Chuck is dedicated to the memory of Scott Wampler. And there are a few cameos in The Life of Chuck, but Scott’s inclusion just tugged at my heartstrings. Great movie.