While there are plenty of Stephen King adaptations that earn their R or TV-MA ratings, The Life of Chuck isn’t one of them. However, we are breaking down the reasoning for the age rating, so you can decide if you are comfortable with your kids watching the new Tom Hiddleston movie.
The Life of Chuck is based on a Stephen King novella of the same name. As the title suggests, we follow the life of a man named Chuck. Well, he’s called Charles “Chuck” Krantz, and the movie is told in reverse-chronological order. We get to see the way Chuck has an impact on the world around him, and there are many theories about how or why that is.
While Mike Flanagan has directed the movie, it’s not his usual type of horror. There’s a sweetness to the movie, and it does make me question the R rating.
The Life of Chuck age rating: Explaining the R rating
It’s hard to explain why the United States has rated this movie R. Around the world, it’s landed 15, 14A, and even PG ratings. I do think that part of the issue is that the United States doesn’t have anything between a PG-13 and an R rating, which limits things when it comes to the language.
Sex & nudity: There is one scene where two people kiss, but there’s nothing graphic or overly sexual about this kiss. It’s a cute, romantic one that will make you smile at how young love develops.
Violence & gore: In one scene, a character accidentally cuts his hand, but while we see the blood, it’s nothing overly graphic.
Language: This is arguably why the United States has rated it an R. There are multiple F-bombs throughout The Life of Chuck, and the S-word is also uttered multiple times. I still don’t think it’s anything too heavy, especially compared to some of the language kids hear on school playgrounds now.
Alcohol & drugs: There is a scene with a person smoking a pipe. That’s the only use of any alcohol or drugs throughout The Life of Chuck.
Overall verdict: Who is The Life of Chuck appropriate for?
This is one of those movies that I think teenagers could get a lot from. The storytelling is intriguing as it goes backward, and we get to see how one person can have an impact on the world around them. While there is a King essence to the story, it is still a great way for teens to see that they can have an impact, even if they feel small.
Overall, it’s the language that gives this movie the rating that it has. If you look around the world, associations view The Life of Chuck as something for older teens, and in some cases, it’s deemed suitable for some slightly younger audiences.
The Life of Chuck is now out in theaters.