49/27

A life-affirming, genre-bending tale 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 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 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).. References in Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, hosted by Perri Nemiroff (2024). In short, Mike Flanagan has created a deep, multi-layered, yet beautiful film about the value of life. It’s really hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t waste a single shot. There’s a narrative throughout the film, but from ‘Act 3’ onwards, everything we’ve seen and experienced is perfectly woven into ‘Act 1.’ Ejiofor & Gillan are fantastic in Act 3, but if The Life of Chuck is to be nominated for anything, it has to be the sound. From the cosmic elements in ‘Act 3’ to the dance scenes in Acts 2 & One, Flanagan did an exceptional job of incorporating sound. Of course, everyone was focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that it was really a team effort in Act 2 and Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in Act 2, 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 made the dance scene sing. Taylor Gordon is a talent in her own right in her short but excellent role. What surprised me was how great the first act was with young Chuck, 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 scary monologue from his grandfather (the incredible Mark Hamill) about certain life decisions. Act 1 really helps to piece together the puzzle that was Act 3, where the cosmic elements can be distracting, but it all serves its purpose. Stephen King is right when he says that The Life of Chuck is one of the good ones. The spirit and energy are palpable from beginning to end, and with all the performances on board giving their best, Flanagan continues to establish himself as one of the greatest directors of our time. 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 really tugged at my heartstrings. A great film.

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