Mentioned in Front Row Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS: Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024)
Synopsis
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 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 Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) films, Ejiofor is Baron Mordo in the Doctor Strange (2016) films, while Dastmalchian is Kurt from the first two Ant-Man films and Veb in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantum Realm (2023).
It’s hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t miss a beat
In short, Mike Flanagan has made a profound, multifaceted, yet beautiful film about the value of life. There’s a narrative throughout the film, but from “Act Three” onward, everything that’s been seen and experienced flows seamlessly into “Act One.” Ejiofor and Gillan are fantastic in Act Three, but if Life of Chuck is going to be nominated for anything, it has to be for its sound. From the cosmic elements in “Act Three” to the dance scenes in “Acts Two and One,” Flanagan did an exceptional job of incorporating sound throughout.
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 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). the street artist, all three combined with their choreographers Mandy Moore and Stephanie Powell really make the dance scene sing. What surprised me was how Act One went with young Chuck, and no one talks about how excellent the kids were.
Stephen King is right when he says that Chuck’s Life is one of the best
Their performances were just as brilliant as the adults, if not more so when young Chuck gets a very scary monologue from his grandfather (an incredible Mark Hamill) about certain life choices. Act 1 really helps to piece together the puzzle that was Act 3, where the cosmic elements may be unpleasant, but they all have a purpose. The spirit and energy are felt from beginning to end, and with every performance on board giving it his all, Flanagan continues to establish himself as one of the greatest directors of our time.
One thing I will say is that Life of Chuck is dedicated to the memory of Scott Wampler
And there are a few cameos in Life of Chuck, but the inclusion of Scott just touched my heart. Great movie.