43/27
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 all appear in the film. The Marvel Cinematic Universe, though none of them share any scenes 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 Verndarar Vetrarbrautarinnar (2014) films, Ejiofor is Baron Mordo from the Doctor Strange (2016) films, and Dastmalchian is Kurt from the first 2 Ant-Man films and Web in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).. Link to Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024). In conclusion, Mike Flanagan has created a deep, multi-layered, yet beautiful film about the value of life. It’s hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t waste a single shot. There’s a narrative throughout the film, but from the very beginning of Act Three; everything seen and experienced unfolds beautifully in Act One. Ejiofor & Gillan are fantastic in Act Three, but if Life of Chuck wants to be nominated for anything, it has to be the sound. From the cosmic elements in Act Three to the dance sequences in Act Two & One, Flanagan has done an exceptional job incorporating sound. Of course, everyone focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Thomas even mentioned that it was really a team effort in the second act and Annalize Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in the second act, and Taylor Gordon (who is credited as the Pocket Queen) , all three of them, along with their choreographer Mandy Moore. & Stephanie Powell really makes the dance scene sing. Taylor Gordon is talented in her short but great role. I was amazed by how young Chuck was handled in the first act and no one talks about how great the kids were. Their performances were just as great as the adults, if not more so when young Chuck gets a very haunting monologue from his grandfather (the incredible Mark Hamill) about certain life choices. The first act really helps to piece together the puzzle that was the third act, where the cosmic elements can be off-putting, but it all has a purpose. Stephen King is right when he says that Chuck’s Life is one of the best. The spirit and energy is palpable from start to finish, and with all the performances on board doing their best, Flanagan continues to establish himself as one of the greatest directors of our time. One thing I will say is that Chuck’s Life is dedicated to the memory of Scott Wampler. There are a few episodes in Chuck’s Life, but Scott’s inclusion just tugged at my heartstrings. A great movie.