Over the course of his storied career, the writerStephen Kinghas become synonymous with creepy stories about trauma and turbulence. But, he has also written his share of heartwarming tales, many of which have been adapted into memorable movies. JoiningStand By Me,The Shawshank RedemptionandThe Green Mileon this list is this week’sThe Life of Chuck, directed by the acclaimed filmmakerMike Flanagan. The moviewon the coveted audience prize at the Toronto International Film Festivallast year, and was released theatrically by Neon this week.
StarringTom Hiddleston,The Life of Chuckopened to critical acclaim, and is currently sitting at a “certified fresh” 80% score onRotten Tomatoes.In his review, Collider’sJason Gorbercalled it “amodern fable told with the deftness of a fairy tale, with the sheer exuberance of a musical while exuding the same sense of wonder one gets staring up at the heavens.” King himself was excited about the movie, describing it in a social media post as “one of the good ones.” Sharing the film’s teaser on X some weeks ago, he wrote that he loves the film.
This shouldn’t be taken for granted. King has been famously vocal about his dislike forStanley Kubrick’s adaptation ofThe Shining. He’s seen it all through the course of his career; the first adaptation of one of his books,Carrie, is nearly five decades old at this point. Many of these adaptations have been directed by Flanagan. In the past, he has directedGerald’s GameandDoctor Sleep, both of which received positive reviews. He’s currently putting together an epic adaptation of King’s magnum opus, The Dark Tower.
Stephen King Fans Have a Lot to Look Forward to This Year
One King adaptation has already hit the screens this year. Directed byOsgood Perkins,The Monkeygrossed over $60 million worldwide. Later this year,Francis Lawrencewill unveil his adaptation ofThe Long Walk, starringCooper Hoffman. A television adaptation ofThe Institutewill premiere in July, whileIt: Welcome to Derryis expected to debut later this year. You can watchThe Life of Chuckin theaters, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
Predator: Killer of Killers
