Life of Chuck: This is a movie that flew under the radar for me, and I was able to watch it this past week. Starring Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Jacob Tremblay. It is voiced over by Nick Offerman. The story comes from the Stephen King novella, a tale about an ordinary accountant Charles Krantz or Chuck. Interestingly this is a story that is told back to front, specifically it starts with the Third Act, and passes backwards through time and watches what happens with Chuck who is played by Hiddleston. I will add that Ferris Bueller’s Day Off girlfriend Mia Sara makes a surprising appearance for me. It was great to see her after so many years. She plays Chuck’s grandmother. I will do my best to provide an overview but not take away from the wonder in this story.
The Third Act sets the scene in a town with a school, stores, traffic signals and various people. But things are a little strange, as things like the internet has been going down periodically and without any sign of abatement. We meet Chiwetel Ejiofor playing Marty Anderson, who is a teacher at the school. His ex-wife Felicia Gordon played by Karen Gillan is a nurse in the local hospital. Things have been odd during parent-teacher interviews as parents are being defensive and matter-of-fact about continuing education for their children. At the hospital, doctors and nurses are quitting while they deal with an onslaught of suicides in the town. It is a dark time. Together Marty and Felicia talk at length about Carl Sagan’s Cosmic Calendar, where the Big Bang takes place January 1. All of human history in this timeline of billions of years has human existence only within the final minutes of December 31. The Earth has been around a VERY long time. Throughout the town there are signs and billboards that have a picture of accountant Charles Krantz and the well wishes “39 Great Years – Thanks Chuck”. People in town puzzle as to who this Chuck is, and why is his retirement being so well publicized.
The Third Act ends suddenly. Then back in time we see the same town and some characters introduced. Something unexpected and magical happens. It took me completely by surprise. It also forms the basis for the next discussions and scenes which would provide some explanation for what happened. In Act Two Tom is a well dressed business man. In Act One he is a youngster who lives with his grandparents and learns many things from his teachers at school, including his hippy English teacher. In the end the story takes me back to a movie like Big Fish where one man’s life (Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor in that case) is far more amazing and magical than the stories that the father told to his unbelieving son. You learn things as the audience. There are some truisms about life, or at least there is speculation from a different perspective that you may not have considered before. As I was piecing together what I felt was going on, and realizing the end of Act One, it became more clear and I was that much more impressed with the result. Questions about life, those we meet and the world that we create are all laid out for the viewer to decide themselves. I like the A-ha moments in this, and where it takes me. The story stays with me still. I think that we need more movies like this, more so than more superhero movies. I may be showing my age, but so be it. I enthusiastically recommend this movie.
Sinners: I have heard quite a bit of a buzz online about this movie. I was anxious to check it out. On Crave, it is a story that delivered on many levels and more than I had been expecting. To dismiss this as a horror movie is to compartmentalize it too much, because it is much broader than that for me. Set in 1932 in Mississippi among the cotton fields, it tells the story of outlaw twin brothers Smoke and Stack played by Michael B Jordan who have returned to their town from Chicago. They are looking to purchase property and set up a Juke House bar for an evening of entertainment. The first part of the story is them doing exactly that; purchasing the plot, then obtaining food, drink and the musical entertainment.
The movie opens with a discussion about music and how some people are blessed with a gift of music that allows for a connection between the past, present and at times the supernatural (including evil). This is the first aspect which is a divergence from the typical horror film. This film is multi-layered with interactions with the twins who are gangsters in every sense of the word, shooting a couple young people who poke around too much in the contents of their truck. They set up the bar and invite the town to enjoy themselves. One of the musicians is the local preacher’s son who has an excellent voice and plays the guitar beautifully.
But there are other intriguing characters including the local healer Annie who is asked to cook for the customers. There is the harmonica player who gives an excellent explanation about short term profit over longer term gain. Also add in the store owners who provide the food, and the ex-girlfriend of Stack, Mary played by Hailee Steinfeld (newly married to Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen in real life), who is annoyed at being dumped unceremoniously by him and seeks an explanation. Together they gather and party. An outside force arrives and menacingly looks to disrupt the fun, and all hell breaks loose.
I was pleasantly surprised that the well-known historical truths of a fictional character were maintained thoughout, you’ll know what I am referring to when you watch this, and you should. The depth also comes from the times, and racial relations with segregation, The Klan, and a group of people that are interesting in their own right without just being targets. I will note that any viewer needs to watch past all the credits. You will be rewarded for doing so. I have never thought of music in the way portrayed but it does make sense. Music impacts us on various levels and can touch us unlike many other things. Andy in Shawshank Redemption knew it, and explained how time in solitary is easy time when you have Mozart in your head and heart. Music too is universal found in all cultures and across all religions. So I highly recommend this movie as well, although I was place one caveat that there are some gory bloody scenes, which are necessary to the story but may not be for everyone.
Mondays With Robbie 