Classic Movies Live Season 6, Episode 12 – Two By King
June 18, 2025
This week on Classic Movies Live!, our hosts are talking about Stephen King!
An unbelievably prolific writer, King has produced dozens of novels and even more short stories, several of which have gone on to become some of the most iconic films of all time. The Shining, The Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, and who could forget Gerald’s Game?
In the first half of the year of our lord 2025, two of the hottest directors working today have adapted some of King’s yet-unadapted short stories, and the results, while fully in different genres, are shockingly similar.
From the director of Longlegs, Osgoode Perkins, comes The Monkey, a horror-comedy about an evil — or cursed — toy monkey that brings death to a small town in Maine. And from Mike Flanagan, creator of series such as The Haunting of Hill House, Midnight Mass, and the film adaptation of Doctor Sleep, comes The Life of Chuck, a feel-good story about an accountant told in reverse — and also the winner of TIFF 2024’s People’s Choice Award.
While the films may not seem similar, both deal with themes of fate and making the most of life… though they may reach somewhat different conclusions.
Join us today as we compare and contrast two by King. Should you check them out? What are the stories saying? And how does King think we should spend the time we have left?
For more on The Monkey, check out this interview conducted by Zachary Lee!
