The Life of Chuck Works Too Hard For Its Warm Fuzzies

Stories about the meaning of life tend to work at cross-purposes with the job of actually living it, particularly when they pedal hard to activate the tear ducts. Mike Flanagan’s science-fiction life affirmer The Life of Chuck—adapted from a Stephen King novella—is an ambitious little film that has already earned some laurels: it was an audience favorite at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, winning the People’s Choice Award. Thanks to a few key moments, and the strength of its actors...