39/16
Mentioned in Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024)
Line of Events
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 appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though none of them have any scenes together. Hiddleston is Loki and is best associated with the Thor (2011) films and the Loki (2021) television series, Gillan is Nebula and is best associated with the Guardians of the Galaxy (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).
It’s really hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t waste a single shot
In short, Mike Flanagan has created a profound, multi-layered, yet beautiful film about the value of life. There’s a narrative throughout the film, but from “Act 3” on, everything we see and experience unfolds perfectly in “Act 1.” Ejiofor and Gillan are fantastic in Act 3, but if 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 and 1,” Flanagan does an exceptional job of incorporating sound throughout the performance.
Taylor Gordon is a talent in her own right in her short but excellent role
Of course, everyone focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that Act Two was truly a team effort, and Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in Act Two, and Taylor Gordon (who is credited as The Pocket Queen), a busker, all three of them, along with choreographers Mandy Moore and Stephanie Powell, really make the dance scene sing. I was surprised 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 moving monologue from his grandfather (the amazing Mark Hamill) about certain choices in life.
Stephen King is right when he says that Chuck’s Life is one of the good ones
Act One really helps piece together the puzzle that was Act Three, where the cosmic elements can be off-putting, but everything has a purpose. The spirit and energy are palpable from start to finish, and with everyone on board giving their all, Flanagan solidifies his place as one of the best directors working today. I can say one thing: 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 presence just tugged at my heartstrings
Great film.