50/13
Mentioned in Flynn Row: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderated by Perry Nemiroff (2024)
Chronology
A life-affirming, genre-breaking story based on Stephen King’s novel about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor and David Dastmalchian appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, although none of them appeared together in any scenes. Hiddleston as Loki, most associated with Thor (2011) and the TV series Loki (2021), Gillan as Nebula, most associated with Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Ejiofor as Baron Mordo from films “Doctor Strange” (2016), and Dastmalchian – Kurt from the first two films “Ant-Man” and Web from Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantum Mania (2023)..
It’s really hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t miss a single frame
Summing up, it can be said that Mike Flanagan made a deep, multi-layered, but beautiful film about the value of life. Throughout the film, the narration is conducted, but already from the “third act” everything seen and experienced unfolds beautifully in the “First Act”. Ejiofor and Gillan are great in the third act, but if “The Life of Chuck” should be nominated for anything, it’s for sound.
Taylor Gordon is a talent in her own right in her short but excellent role
From the cosmic elements in Act Three to the dance walls in Acts Two and One, Flanagan has done an exceptional job incorporating sound throughout the action. Of course, everyone was focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that it was really a team effort in the second act, with Annalize Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in the second act, and Taylor Gordon (who is credited as “The Queen of Pockets” ), a street musician, all three combined with their choreographers Mandy Moore and Stephanie Powell really make the dance floor sing. What surprised me was how the first act was with young Chuck, and no one talks about how great the kids were.
Stephen King is right when he says that “The Life of Chuck” is one of the good ones
Their performances were just as brilliant as the adults’, if not more, when young Chuck receives 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 cosmic elements can be repulsive, but it all serves a purpose. The spirit and energy is palpable from start to finish, and with all the actors on board showing everything in their path, Flanagan further establishes himself as one of the greatest directors of our time.
One thing I will say: “The Life of Chuck” is dedicated to the memory of Scott Wampler
And there are a few cameos in The Life of Chuck, but the inclusion of Scott just touched me to the core. Excellent film.