The Bucket List

This is truly one of those Sunday afternoon feel good kind of movies. Two terminal cancer patients find themselves thrown together by a hospital policy of two beds to every room, no matter what. Oddly enough Edward Cole is the business tycoon who for years preached the "We run hospitals not day spas" policy that is until he was the patient at his very on hospital. Then he demanded a private room, to which his assistant Tommy (who real name is Matthew lol) told him would be a PR nightmare so he has to settle with being roomies with Carter. Carter is an all around family man/mechanic, whom gave up on his dream of being a history teacher to make sure his children never wanted for anything. During the year he attended college his professor had them create a "bucket list" which essential is a list of things that you want to do before you kick the bucket aka die. Once Carter was given his test results he throws his list which Edward finds, thus leads to the adventures of Edward and Carter, setting out to complete their bucket list. This isn't some thought provoking heart tugging film, but as previously stated it's a feel good movie, that shows that someone rich ole fogy can help a complete stranger for the good.

Let me ask you a question, if you could know the date or at least the approximate time frame of when you were going to die, would you want to? If you did choose to find out, would you live out the remainder of your days in fear of that final moment, or regretting things you may or may not have had the chance to do? On the other hand, would you take whatever time you were allotted to do your best to live your life to its fullest potential? That is a question, and is essentially the basic theme, that is presented in the new comedy/drama "The Bucket List" starring Morgan Freeman ("The Dark Knight") and Jack Nicholson ("The Departed").

"The Bucket List" is the story of two complete strangers, one is a cantankerous billionaire named Edward (Jack Nicholson), and the other is a very kind and wise mechanic named Carter (Morgan Freeman), who find themselves in the same depressing situation when they discover they both have the same prognosis... cancer. Rather than letting this sort of news send them headlong into the depths of depression, these two men embark on an inspiring journey to see and experience many of the world's greatest sights and adventures; showing to everyone around them that just because your time is short, that does not mean your life is over already.

Director Rob Reiner ("A Few Good Men"), along with writer Justin Zackham, have done a very good job of balancing an incredibly serious subject matter that hits close to home for many viewers, while at the same time injecting the story with a hefty dose of humor to lift the mood of the film. For some, mixing such a serious subject with comedy may seem offensive or disrespectful, but the story never becomes so humorous that the primary subject ever becomes watered down or treated lightly. I also like that along with the very well-written story, the movie poses some thought-provoking questions that will cause you to think about whether you would like to know when or how you will die, and what exactly you would do with that knowledge. It is always nice when a movie is willing to become a little more than just entertainment and good storytelling, allowing itself to create some form of discussion over its subject matter or themes.

Regarding the stars of the film, it's not surprising that the two lead actors do a terrific job, after all both are veterans of the film business, and their performances have never once disappointed me in any film. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman were the absolute perfect choices to play these two characters; and through their growing friendship, respect for each other, and the realistic problems and challenges they must face, along with the cleverly written dialogue, we are effectively drawn into their lives, easily relating to and becoming emotionally invested in them. Actor Sean Hayes, best known for TV's "Will and Grace", is the witness to the inspiring adventure these newfound friends embark upon, and his own sarcasm fits in perfectly with Edward's sardonic nature and Carter's keen intellect and quick wit. Every member of the cast did an excellent job of gracefully moving back and forth between the serious nature of the disease plaguing the two leads' lives and the humorous moments spread throughout the film, never once failing to appropriately portray either side of the situation.

"The Bucket List" is the perfect example of what has been dubbed a dramedy by many people; it's a mixture of a drama and comedy, never becoming solely one or the other. The cast is perfect, giving the characters a depth and realism that is needed for a film such as this; the script is well-written and crafted to perfectly balance the gravity of the situation with some light-hearted humor. Overall, this is just a really good movie that will undoubtedly hit closer to home for some more than others, but it still should be seen, as it is an inspiring example of not letting your life's circumstances, grave or otherwise, get the best of you.

"The Bucket List" is rated PG-13 for language and sexuality and violence.

This is a great movie. It's about living life to the fullest. My brother-in-law turned 50 and I'm buying his this movie for a birthday present. I bought it for my dad for Father's day and I will buy a copy for myself.

Love these guys together. Nicholson is the greatest. My brother is a clone to him so I always buy one for him. Love Morgan Freemon. Always funny. Loved it. Were at an age when we should be thinking of our bucket list and the younger ones behind me will be there before you know it. Trust me. Great laughter for two icons in Hollywood.

I brought home the The Bucket List on a slow night filled with popcorn and pizza. I put the movie on, and the pizza in oven, and by the time I heard the beeping from the kitchen, I welcomed the break. I didn't even find the need to pause it; I just listened for the 20 minutes I was eating out of eyesight. I am afraid The Bucket List will sit in my collection of DVDs in till someone comes along who hasn't seen it before, or I am excruciatingly bored.


Although the movie had its touching moments, and the acting of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman isn't horrible to watch. In my opinion they both belong to the small group of brilliant actors that are alive today. The story line was there - both were suffering from terminal cancer, and were sharing the same hospital room. They begin by taunting each other from across the room having been stuck in this awkward situation which was character Edward Cole's (Nicholson) fault, since he owned the hospital and enforced a two bed to a room policy. They bicker a little more; the character Carter Chamber's (Freeman) family comes and goes, while Edward Cole only is visited by his flamboyant assistant (played by Sean Hayes from Will and Grace). Eventually Carter Chamber is writing a "bucket list", with modest but heart-warming things he wants to do before he dies. When Edward Cole gets a hold of the bucket list he spruces it up with crazy adventures due to his extensive fortune. They eventually go off on a super vacation around the world, checking off endeavors from the "bucket list" as they go. Eventually Carter Chambers has had enough, and is feeling tired, sick and missing his wife and family. Before he heads home, he attempts to help Edward with his family problems, having been helped with his "bucket list" dreams. Edward refuses to meet up with his estranged daughter who Carter brings him to talk with. They then part ways angry and frustrated. I will stop here, for the sake of those who will end up buying the DVD.

Unfortunately you may be able to guess how it ends, because that isn't a strong point of the movie. It is very predictable, even from the beginning. This caused me to lose interest fast, and forced me to inevitably give it a solid 3.

In my opinion, if you want to see this movie, I would suggest renting it. Or due to the ridiculous cost of renting movies now a day, I suggest buying it from the half-off bin after Christmas.