44/22
Based on the short story by Stephen King, the life-affirming, genre-bending tale 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, though 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 Nebula and is most associated with the Verdant Vetrarbrautarnarin (2014) films, and Ejiofor is Baron Mordo from the Doctor Strange (2016) films, while Dastmalchian is Kurt from the first two Ant-Man films and Veb in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023).. Link: Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderated by Perri Nemiroff (2024). In summary: 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 miss a beat. The narrative is throughout the film, but it starts right in “Act Three.” everything seen and experienced unfolds perfectly in ‘One Act’; Ejiofor & Gillan are fantastic in Act 3, but if The Life of Chuck is to be nominated, it has to be the sound. From the cosmic elements in ‘Third Act’ to ‘Act Two & One,’ Flanagan did an exceptional job of incorporating sound. Of course, everyone focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom also mentioned that it was really a team effort in Act 2 and Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in Act 2, and Taylor Gordon (counted in The Pocket Queen), the busker, all three. along with their choreographer Mandy Moore, together & Stephanie Powell actually sings the dance scene. Taylor Gordon is a gift in her own right in a short but excellent role. I was surprised by 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 harrowing monologue from his grandfather (the incredible Mark Hamill) about certain life choices. The first act really helps put together the puzzle that was Act 3, where the cosmic elements are established, but everything has a purpose. Stephen King is right when he says that Life of Chuck is one of the good ones. The spirit and energy are palpable from start to finish, and all the performances are at their best, and Flanagan has increasingly established himself as one of the greatest directors of our time. One thing I have to say is that The Life of Chuck is Remembering Scott Wampler. And there are a few cameos in Life of Chuck, but Scott’s involvement tugged at my heartstrings. Great movie.
