Some movies age like fine wine, while others turn into cheese. But every so often, a film manages to do both, becoming a beloved classic and a source of endless internet jokes at the same time. That's exactly what happened with The Edge, the 1997 survival thriller starring Alec Baldwin, Anthony Hopkins, and Harold Perrineau.
The plot is straightforward: three men—a billionaire (Hopkins), a fashion photographer (Baldwin), and an assistant (Perrineau)—find themselves stranded in the Alaskan wilderness after their plane crashes. They must battle the elements, a relentless Kodiak bear, and their own personal demons to survive. It's a tense, gripping story that still holds up today, nearly three decades later.
But if you've been on social media lately, you've probably seen clips of Baldwin's character, Bob, repeatedly yelling "Charles"—Hopkins' character's name—in increasingly frantic and bizarre ways. It's become a full-blown meme, and for good reason. Over the course of the film's 117-minute runtime, Baldwin says "Charles" a staggering 113 times. That's almost once per minute, and that includes scenes where he's not even on screen.
What makes it so hilarious is Baldwin's delivery. He goes from a calm, measured tone to a full-on manic shout, sometimes within the same scene. And his accent seems to shift randomly, making each "Charles" sound different from the last. It's a performance that's both intense and unintentionally funny, especially when you watch a supercut of all the "Charles" moments.
Despite the meme-worthy antics, The Edge remains a solid thriller. The bear attacks are particularly impressive, thanks to the use of a real trained bear, Bart the Bear, which adds a level of authenticity you don't see often in modern films. The dynamic between Baldwin and Hopkins is also compelling, as their characters' trust and suspicion of each other ebb and flow.
If you're curious to see the movie for yourself, you're in luck. The Edge is currently streaming for free on Tubi, so you can watch all the "Charles" moments without spending a dime. Just be prepared for a few commercial breaks. Or, if you prefer a physical copy, your local library might have a DVD you can borrow—a throwback to the days before streaming.
In an era where small thrillers can quietly conquer streaming, The Edge stands out as a reminder that even a big-budget studio picture can find new life as a cult favorite. And with Baldwin's unforgettable performance, it's a movie that's as entertaining now as it was in 1997—just for different reasons.
So whether you're a fan of survival stories, a lover of unintentional comedy, or just someone who wants to hear Alec Baldwin say "Charles" 113 times, The Edge is worth a watch. It's a piece of '90s cinema that has truly stood the test of time, and it's never been easier to access.
