Rating: R | Runtime: 111 minutes
Release Date: June 6th, 2025 (USA)
Studio: Neon
Director(s): Mike Flanagan
Writer(s): Mike Flanagan / Stephen King (novella)

Would answers make a good thing better?

How wonderful it is that Mike Flanagan finally got to follow Rob Reiner and Frank Darabont’s footsteps insofar as bringing one of Stephen King’s quietly inspiring and hopeful tales to life after excelling at doing the same for the author’s darker horror stories this past decade. The Life of Chuck truly is a balm for the soul.

It’s also one that begs for multiple viewings to catch all the callbacks whether dialogue, mannerisms, set dressing, or actors populating Act Three. None of those things can exist at the end of the world if they didn’t first exist in the periphery of Chuck’s vision. So, it becomes a little game to catch the references amidst Nick Offerman’s fun narration and Flanagan’s brightly surreal imagery of nightmare, dream, and reality.

The dance numbers are pure joy. A Matthew Lillard appearance was a welcome surprise and seeing Mia Sara’s name in the credits an absolute delight that allowed my mind to click on why Chuck’s grandmother looked so familiar. And I truly hope Flanagan and Samantha Sloyan never stop working together.

I’m already wondering if I’m undervaluing just how great it is too. If I watched it again right now, would I end up adding another star to my score? Probably. Or, like Chuck, maybe I’m just smart enough to know when to quit.

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Annalise Basso and Tom Hiddleston in THE LIFE OF CHUCK; courtesy of Neon.