26/17
A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on a short story by Stephen King, it follows three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and David Dastmalchian all appear in the film. Marvel Cinematic Universe, although none of them share scenes together. Hiddleston is Loki, and is most associated with the Thor (2011) films and the Loki (2021) television series, Gillan is The Mist, and most associated with the Verdant Vetrarbrautarinnar (2014) films, Ejiofor is Baron Mordo from 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).. Reference: Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderated by Perri Nemiroff (2024). In summary: 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 waste a single shot. There is narration throughout the film, but right from “Act Three.” everything seen and experienced unfolds perfectly in ‘Act One.’ Ejiofor & Gillan are fantastic in Act Three, but if The Life of Chuck is to be noted for anything, it has to be the sound. From the cosmic elements in ‘Act Three’ to ‘Act Two & One,’ Flanagan did an exceptional job of incorporating sound. Of course everyone was focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom also mentioned that it was a real team effort in the second act and Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in Act 2, and Taylor Gordon (who is known for The Pocket Queen), the busker, all three of them, along with their choreographer, Mandy Moore. & Stephanie Powell really sing the dance scene. Taylor Gordon is a talent in her own right in her short but excellent role. What surprised me was how the first act 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 better, when young Chuck gets a very haunting monologue from his grandfather (an incredible Mark Hamill) about certain life decisions. The first act really helps to put together the puzzle that was Act 3, where the cosmic elements are determined, but it all serves a purpose. Stephen King is right when he says that Chuck’s Life is one of the good ones. The spirit and energy are palpable from start to finish, and the performances from all sides are at their best, with Flanagan increasingly establishing himself as one of the greatest directors of his time. One thing I have to say is that Chuck’s Life is dedicated to Scott Wampler in memory. And there are a few cameos in Chuck’s Life, but Scott’s inclusion really tugged at my heartstrings. It’s a great movie.
