Movie Review - The Life of Chuck

Magical.

Do you need to know anything else?

7:42●●● 95%

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It's co-written by the director and... Who's this other guy named Stephen King?

Within the first 30 minutes of the movie, I was thinking this had that ineffable Stephen King quality. By the end I thought, "It's either King, or someone trying very, very hard to channel their inner-King." And sure enough, it's co-written by King and the director Mike Flanagan. But let's face it. It's mostly King.

Acting

Credit for consistently superb acting by the entire cast has to first be given to the writer(s) for writing something that gives actors something to work with, plus the direction. This is what happens when you have a polished script. I've ranted many times about movies that fall short of their potential because the script just didn't get the needed polish. Not here. This is not a simple script. There are heaps of simple things that tie together in unexpected ways.

Delightful casting

Chuck's grandparents are wonderfully cast. I'm so happy to see Mark Hamill in a really good role that he can own. He still does a lot of voice work. But it's nice to see him on screen. And if, like me, you grew up in the 80s, you'll love the casting for Chuck's grandmother. During the movie, I had no idea who it was. When I looked it up... It made me smile. (Link to actress at IMDb.)

Chiwetel Ejiofor was his typical, brilliant self. First, this role of a teacher fits him well, but then he gives everything so much gravitas. It's a great way to start out a movie by leaning into his performance.

Lastly, Matthew Lillard, known for his role in Scream, gets a small but poignant scene. I hated making a Peetime out of his introduction, but sacrifices had to be made. But the best part of his performance comes after the first Peetime ends.

Once isn't enough

This is a movie that I'll watch again, as soon as it streams. There are many subtle connections throughout that require two viewings to fully appreciate the meaning of everything.

Grade: A++

Plot
A life-affirming, genre-bending story based on Stephen King's novella about three chapters in the life of an ordinary man named Charles Krantz.