41/26
A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King’s novella 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 a single scene together. Hiddleston is Loki and is most associated with the Thor (2011) films and the Loki (2021) television series, Gillan is Nebula and is most associated with the Verdant Vetrarbrautarinnar (2014) films, Ejiofor is Baron Mordo in the Doctor Strange (2016) films, while Dastmalchian is Kurt from the first 2 Ant-Man films and Veb in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).. Featured in Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024). In short, Mike Flanagan has made a deep, multi-layered, yet beautiful film about the value of life. It’s very hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t miss a beat. There’s a narrative throughout the film, yet right from “Act Three.” everything that’s been seen and experienced is perfectly executed in “Act One.” Ejiofor & Gillan are fantastic in Act Three, but if The Life of Chuck is going to be nominated for anything, it has to be the sound. From the cosmic elements in “Act Three” to the dance scenes in “Acts Two & One,” Flanagan did an exceptional job incorporating sound throughout. Of course, everyone focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that it was a team effort in Act Two and Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in Act Two. and Taylor Gordon (who is credited as The Pocket Queen), the musician, 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 short but excellent role. What surprised me was how Act One was with young Chuck and no one talks about how excellent the kids were. 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 certain life choices. Act One really helps to piece together the puzzle that was Act Three, where the cosmic elements can be disappointing, but they all have a purpose. Stephen King is right when he says that Chuck’s Life is one of the best. The spirit and energy are felt from beginning to end, and with all the performances on board giving their best, Flanagan continues to establish himself as one of the greatest contemporary directors. One thing I will say is that The Life of Chuck is dedicated in memory of Scott Wampler. And there are a few cameos in The Life of Chuck, but the inclusion of Scott just tugged at my heartstrings. Great movie.