29/41
A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King’s three-part novel about an ordinary man named Charles Krantz. Marvel Cinematic Universe, though the two don’t share a single scene together. 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 Verndarar Vetrarbrautarinar (2014) films, Ejiofor is Baron Mordo from the Doctor Strange (2016) films, while Dastmalcin is Kurt from the first 2 Ant-Man films and Web in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). Front Row Reference Flynn: SLEEPING DOGS – Karen Gillan, Adam Cooper, moderator Perri Nemiroff (2024). In short, Mike Flanagan made a deep, multi-layered, yet beautiful film about the value of life. It’s really hard to explain, but Flanagan doesn’t waste a single shot. The entire film has a narrative, but it’s precisely from the “Third Act” that everything seen and experienced is perfectly revealed in the “First Act.” Ejiofor & Gillan are fantastic in the third act, but if there’s one thing that La vida de Chuck is nominated for, it’s the sound. From the cosmic elements in the ‘Third Act’ to the dance scenes in the second act and One,’ Flanagan did an excellent job incorporating sound throughout. Of course, everyone focused on Hiddleston and his character, but Tom even mentioned that it was truly a team effort in the second act and Annalise Basso, Hiddleston’s dance partner in the second act, and Taylor Gordon (who gives credit to Pocket Queen), the three of them with their choreographer Mandy Moore & Stephanie Powell really make the dance scene sing. Taylor Gordon is a talent in her own right in her brief but brilliant role. I was amazed at how First Art went with young Chuck and no one talks about how great the kids were. Their performances were just as brilliant as the adults, if not more so, when young Chuck gets a very maddening 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 it all serves a purpose. Stephen King is right when he says that Chuck’s life is one of the best. The spirit and energy is palpable from start to finish, and with all the performances on board giving it their all, Flanagan continues to cement himself as one of the greatest directors of our time. One thing I will say is that Chuck’s life is dedicated to Memory Scott Wampler. And Chuck’s life has a few cameos, but Scott’s inclusion struck a chord with me. Great movie.