Mentioned in Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024)
Scenario
A genre-smashing true-life story based on Stephen King’s short story 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, but none of them appear together in any scenes. Hiddleston is Loki and is most associated with the Thor (2011) films and the Loki (2021) TV series, Gillan is Nebula and is most associated with the Čuvari galaksije (2014) films, 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: Kvantumanija (2023).
It’s really hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t waste a single shot
Overall, Mike Flanagan has created a deep, multi-layered, yet beautiful film about the value of life. There’s a narrative running through the entire film, but from ‘Act Three’ onwards everything seen and experienced plays out perfectly in ‘Act One’. Ejiofor and Gillan are fantastic in the third act, but if Life of Chuck is going to be nominated for anything, it has to be solid.
Taylor Gordon is a talent in her own right in her brief but excellent role
From the cosmic elements of ‘Act Three’ to the dance scenes in ‘Acts Two and One’, Flanagan did an exceptional job incorporating sound throughout the entire spectacle. Of course, everyone was focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that it was truly a team effort in Act Two, with Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in Act Two, and Taylor Gordon (who is credited as The Pocket). Queen), a street musician, the three combined with their choreographers Mandy Moore and Stephanie Powell really make the dance scene sing.
Stephen King is right when he says that Life of Chuck is one of the good ones
I was amazed at how the first act was with young Chuck and no one talked about how perfect the kids were. Their performances were just as brilliant as the adults, if not more so, when young Chuck gets a very touching monologue from his grandfather (the incredible Mark Hamill) about certain life choices. The first act really helps put together the puzzle that was the third act, where the cosmic elements may be off-putting but everything serves a purpose.
One thing I can say: Life of Chuck is dedicated to the memory of Scott Wampler
The spirit and energy are palpable from start to finish and with everyone on board giving it their all, Flanagan further cements his place as one of the best directors working today. And there are a few cameos in Life of Chuck, but Scott’s inclusion hit me right to the heart. Great movie.