The Life of Chuck (2025)

The sci-fi drama The Life of Chuck is based on a Stephen King short novella of the same name, which is included in the 2020 story collection called If It Bleeds. The screenplay and film are written and directed by Mike Flanagan (Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep). The film is broken down into three acts told in reverse chronological order. Despite being based on a Stephen King story, this is not a horror film and is drama more in line with films like The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile. In the not-too-distant future, the world is crumbling. The internet is down for good, California has di…

It’s incredibly frustrating to watch a film that has so much potential but ultimately fails to capitalize on it. Such is the case with one of the most heavily anticipated offerings of the summer movie season, “The Life of Chuck, from writer-director Mike Flanagan, based on the short story of the same name from author Steven King. Told in three acts in reverse chronological order, the picture follows the life of Charles “Chuck” Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) and how his adult self emerged from a childhood of mixed experiences under the care of his paternal grandparents (Mark Hamill, Mia Sara). It focu…

This movie is cute, sweet and warm. There is also a mid-run dance and musical number. I liked this better before we knew Chuck. Not that Chuck is a bad guy. I just liked it better. I wanted something funny. This is smiley. I didn't want something so lacking in any excitement beyond its shiny exterior. It looks good. It seems good. Whatever.