The Bucket List (2007) User Reviews

Rob Reiner's best film since the turn of the millennium

[Davor_Blazevic_1959 · 8/10 · 5 May 2016]

Lovely, thoroughly enjoyable movie with lots of nice words and thoughts exchanged, some to make you laugh, some pretty profound to make you ponder on. Who would've ever thought that a story about two dying men could be such fun. Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman), so far complete strangers, with rather different economic and social backgrounds (billionaire hospital magnate and body shop mechanic), both terminally ill, thus inevitably at closing stages of their earthly lives, meet and, in order to try to experience things from their "bucket list" (a list of things to do before one "kicks the bucket", i.e. dies) before the final curtain falls, embark on nothing less than an amazing journey. Although age-wise much too "developed" for many youthful activities they engage themselves in, and despite their individual differences, however sufficiently open-minded and open-hearted, two protagonists, through their earnest performances and their great interaction easily draw us into their well believable story (with single fantastic twist at the end... (spoiler)... realization that rather than through eyes of the still surviving one, the story was told from the mind of his ensuing spirit), whether (constantly) putting smile on our face or tears to our eyes, ergo covering (well, for us viewers) one of listed items, "laugh till I cry".

...On a more personal note, eight years ago when I first saw this movie in a theatre, I was a solitary man, going fifty, thinking that I have already experienced things which could make my "bucket list" (climbed high mountains (Mont Blanc, Gross Glockner, Triglav, Durmitor, Fujiyama, Kilimanjaro... to name a few), visited Great Pyramids, well not Great Wall of China, but at least Great Wall of Ston, well not Taj Mahal, but instead many other magnificent temples (Angkor Wat in Cambodia, temple of Karnak in Egypt, temples of Nara, Japan... to mention a few), been on safaris in Tanzania and Rwanda...) to reference those matching items pursued in the movie. Now, after its second viewing, coincidentally on my wife's birthday, I'm almost sixty realizing that only by starting a family and having this cute little toddler of ours to chase and play with every day (and... quoting another listed item, in "kiss(ing) the most beautiful girl in the world", compete with her mother), I have pushed my life's wish list much closer to completion...

Finally, after a decade of his successes in 80-ies and beginning of 90-ies with movies that I have enjoyed watching very much ("This is Spinal Tap" (1984), "Stand by Me" (1986), "The Princess Bride" (1987), "When Harry Met Sally..." (1989), "Misery" (1990), "A Few Good Men" (1992)), "The Bucket List" marks Rob Reiner's successful comeback and it stands as his easily the-best-of-the-new-millennium directorial effort thus far.

Good and decent tag team effort from two legendary veterans(Nicholson and Freeman) that teaches us about life friendships and touches our emotions and feelings.

[blanbrn · 7/10 · 11 January 2008]

"The Bucket List" is certainly a sentimental favorite that as a viewer touches your emotions and has you hoping for finding a friendship in the end, even though the film is funny and somewhat unrealistic. The performances from Jack and Morgan as expected are top notch, and I personally like Rob Reiner's direction of showing how an unlikely and odd friendship develops between two guys on their way out of life by doing the things they've always wanted. The "Bucket List" in many respects is a good happy fairy tale that most ordinary folks would dream about before they die, yet the character types played by Nicholson and Freeman make it so believable.

Jack Nicholson is billionaire hospital CEO administrator Edward Cole who as a grumpy and aging four time divorced playboy finds he has terminal cancer. With Freeman a character that's much different a blue collar working class auto mechanic named Carter Chambers who's a loving family man with a wife and kids and on the side a beloved history buff and trivia enthusiast yet he discovers his fate of having terminal cancer. Upon meeting in the same hospital room they share at first it's a cold and tough bonding only later to grow into a friendship by journey and discovery. The concept is thought up by Chambers by making a list called "The Bucket List" of things to do before we die. Oddly opposites agree the journey starts. The adventures include the heart pumping sky diving, auto drag racing, and trips to exotic locations and foreign countries. Many scenes like the mountain tops and pyramids seem unreal, yet are carried on by the witty and funny lines from Jack's character.

Most important aside from the journey and discovery of friendship and caring by travel and adventure a special bond is formed. Each has learned before they meet the end they have made each a better person that cares they both found what's important in life thru one another. "The Bucket List" isn't really a tear jerker, yet it's story of two terminal cancer patients provides the need for compassion as the viewer feels pain during the early scenes and you are certainly touched by the way the characters emotions grow by friendship you as the viewer feel your emotions have taken a good friendship journey. Finally this film is made even better by the performances of the two veteran legends Nicholson and Freeman. I highly recommend anyone view "The Bucket List".

A Magnificent Journey of Friendship, Discoveries and Redemption

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 15 June 2008]

The quiet mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) is a man with a great general culture; has been married for forty-five years with his beloved wife Virginia (Beverly Todd) and has two sons – one lawyer the other engineer – and a violinist daughter. The caustic and bitter billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) owns many hospitals, has many divorces and one missing daughter. Following the policy of Edward, his hospital makes no exception giving a private room to him and he shares the same room as Carter. Along the days, they become close to each other and when Edward finds in the garbage the bucket list that Carter had prepared, listing all he wanted to do before dying, he includes his own items and invites Carter to a journey of friendship, discoveries and redemption.

"The Bucket List" has a wonderful screenplay, two fantastic actors and a predictable story about the journey of two terminal patients with cancer that find friendship, discoveries and redemption. The contrast between the two lead characters offers very beautiful moments with witty and spirituous dialogs alternating with funny and dramatic scenes. This is one of those movies that bring happiness to the viewer in spite of the unpleasant theme – illness and death. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Antes de Partir" ("Before Leaving")

Put two Brilliant Actors together and what can you expect

[nowego · 10/10 · 21 December 2007]

A simple premise done magically is all I can say about this movie.

Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson are by far and away two of my favourite actors. Jack Nicholson is just funny, no matter what he says or does, ever since Terms of Endearment he has made me laugh so hard that I cry and Morgan Freeman is just the best actor going around. I find it hard to remember a bad movie that he has done.

Probably not everyone will like this movie but it is definitely up there with the best feel good/sad movies that I have seen....and it has a moral that most of us miss in our hectic, live for the now short lives.

This is going to be up there with the best at the Oscars in 2008.

It will make you laugh and cry all at once...it did me.

As much silly as serious

[JohnDeSando · 14 December 2007]

"The tragedy of old age is not that one is old, but that one is young." Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Now and then I should rethink what I've been learning all these years as a critic because I predicted The Bucket List would have all kinds of holes in it. It did, but they were tiny blemishes in an otherwise solid frame. This is a good movie, as much silly as serious. And therein lies the skill of director Rob Reiner, who makes sure Jack doesn't kill the lines with bluster and Morgan doesn't drown them in vocal sweetness.

Edward (Nicholson) and Carter (Freeman) meet in hospital where they have been given less than a year to live because of cancer. They bond, create the "kick-the-bucket" list of ten things to do before dying, and then do them. The hokey process shots at several of the world's wonders indicate the surety of Reiner's direction where he evokes the old Hope and Crosby road pictures and emphasizes that the journey is the important thing, not the destination.

Both men laugh and cry and change in subtle ways that make this not a maudlin exercise in death denial but rather a celebration of love through friendship, regardless of the grim future. Although Justin Zachman's script is overall weak given the actors' worth, there are lines that save it all from mediocrity: As Edward the cynic says, "We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round." As Carter the humanist says, "You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you." The two philosophies, fate and love, caress in a slow dance to recognition of life's true value.

The Bucket List is not half as sappy as I sound so far; it is a sober rendering of life's lessons at the end by two different men who find their common humanity.

Oscar worthy

[katattack62 · 10/10 · 3 July 2007]

You know that feeling when you walk out of a movie and think "God, that was just such a great film"? It takes a lot for me to think that... especially when it's a movie about two men who have cancer... but this movie really did it for me, as well as everyone else in the theater. I saw the movie at its first ever screening in Pasadena and it was just wonderful... even with temp music and unfinished visual effects! Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman were truly amazing together - it's a film about cancer, and yet the two were able to balance the comedy and the drama of the script in such the perfect way that the audience loved every moment of the movie. The script was quite original, which was such a breath of fresh air, and the acting couldn't have been any better. I would recommend this film to anyone and everyone - as it was such a feel-good movie that made you both laugh and cry at the same time - something you don't come across too often. Not only did the audience applaud the movie at the end, but EVERY single viewer who stayed to give comments agreed that the movie was "Excellent"... I can't imagine how often that happens. I'd be surprised if this movie isn't up for some Oscar or another come next year.

The Wheels on the Bus

[ferguson-6 · 7/10 · 12 January 2008]

Greetings again from the darkness. Yes, this can be viewed as Hollywood formula with mass appeal and loads of stereotypes and clichés. On the other hand, it can be taken as a very accessible commentary on friendship, companionship and finding the joy in life. I prefer the latter. Either way, it does require a certain suspension of reality. Just ask Roger Ebert, who has made it his personal mission to bash the film.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are both in prime form, and after a string of weak films, director Rob Reiner does a masterful job of keeping Nicholson from going over the top and from having Freeman kill us with sweetness. Even more impressive is the pacing of the early hospital scenes ... nothing is forced, no line of dialogue or shot seems hurried. This is two patients coming to grips with their situation. While the worldly travels are impressive, my favorite parts of the film are the scenes between the two beds in the same room.

On the downside, will someone please tell Hollywood that Morgan Freeman in the cast does not mandate a blasted voice-over from the man? We know he has a great voice, but if the narration adds nothing to the story, please just let the film do its thing.

There are some laugh out loud moments and one-liners, but there are also some strong moments of drama ... death has a way of creating those. This is a combination of road trip, buddy film and coming-of-age ... very unusual for two senior citizens! So while the story line surprises are few, sit back and enjoy excellent acting (including Sean Hayes), wonderful direction and a few life lessons. Good stuff for a movie that all ages can enjoy.

I've cried during many films....

[somf · 10/10 · 27 December 2007]

I, like you probably, love the movies. I want to laugh, cry , be scared, be informed. I love every genre. But only three films have made me sob. Maybe it is where I am in life right now. I am no spring chicken, but this film moved me like no other. Is it the best film ever? No. Neither were the other two that made me sob. For the record they were "Men Don't Leave", and "My Life". This is a better film than both of those fine films.

The operative word is sob.I have certainly shed a tear or two at countless films. You get a dedicated teacher and a bunch of misfit students, you'll get a tear out of me. You throw some adversity at an athlete or a team that overcomes it you'll probably see a tear as well, but this film just struck a chord. Not everyone who sees it will feel this way. I know that, but Nicholson is so damned brilliant as is Freeman. It is a joy to watch their characters for a little over 90 minutes, and the message, well, I hope it hits you as it did me. I wanted to go hug everyone that means anything to me. Sure the film has some flaws, but Reiner and company are to be commended. Thanks for opening up some feelings that I have spent years learning to hide. For the record I laughed a fair amount as well. Go see this film.

A fantastic duo brings in the money

[Mr-Mingz · 7/10 · 6 March 2008]

I must say that watching this film was certainly a joy I was told that this was a must-see and i wasn't disappointed.

Morgan Freeman and jack Nicholson put on a great performance and made the film great.

Besides this, i think that the storyline is certainly well-developed and had a strong hold on me.

The only downer i cold point out would be the depressing beginning but that's about it! The rest was lovely.

I can guarantee that many elders will find this a warm-hearted flick to see.

heart warming story of friendship-strong male performances

[jewbearjosh · 9/10 · 3 January 2008]

On new years day, 2008, I saw the film "The Bucket List." It was not my first choice of a film that I wanted to see. To be honest, however, I probably would not have enjoyed any of the films that I would have chosen more. This film is very well done. I liked the screenplay, by Justin Zackham. I liked the direction, by the real talented Rob Reiner. And I was very impressed by the acting. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman did a superb job, playing two dying old guys who befriend each other, and together have the adventure of their lives. The film is very good. The plot involves this hospital owner-Edward Cole-who is dying from cancer, and another cancer victim-Carter Chambers-who meets Cole while getting treatment at the same hospital. After they both find out that they each have only a few months to live, they agree to travel together all over the globe, and follow this list of tasks. They call it the bucket list.

Nicholson gives a real touching performance as Ed Cole. He plays Cole funny, sad, stubborn, angry, strong, fearless, and loud. Morgan gives an equally touching performance as C. Chambers. He plays Chambers smart, cool, romantic, funny, fearless, and emotional. Both men are very moving in this film. They are great sharing the screen. I really enjoyed watching them play scenes together. It was for me a real treat. These guys, Nicholson and Freeman, are two of our finest actors. And this film is no exception.

Even though "The Bucket List" is a small film about friendship, and the meaning of truly living, I do not recommend it for the preteens. There are some very adult scenes. However, families with teenagers will enjoy seeing it together.

Josh Weinman

Simply a good story with good actors

[nuhc · 7/10 · 18 March 2008]

I can tell if a movie is good by the way it keeps me riveted to the story. And this is no exception. It's no surprise that a movie with highly talented actors like Nicholson and Freeman would be good. It's not that I'm normally attracted to movies with a deep inner meaning, but this is one movie which didn't beat you over the head with it. I mean, here are two guys who are facing death and decide to go out & do all the things they've ever wanted to. Some scenes are dramatic, others are funny, and in the end, the deep inner meaning just kind of shines through without a bunch of sappy sentimentalism. And yes, I did get a bit watery eyed near the end, which means this is a good story that you can get into & feel part of.

The critics have it all wrong.

[spielberg00 · 8/10 · 31 August 2011]

The big thing about this is that this is the one film where you should not look at the critics' reviews before watching it. Rotten Tomatoes averaged up 40% of critics liking it, and Metacritic's averaged score is currently 42 out of 100. Both, all in all, are mixed or average scores. This is definitely not your average comedy/drama in any way, shape, or form. If anything, it deserves an Oscar. Maybe not Jack Nicholson--it's easy to admit that he does not give his best performance; plus he had an easy role to deal with--but Morgan Freeman definitely should have won the Oscar for Best Actor. He was smart, funny, witty, clever, and lovable. If the Academy didn't want that, what a pity.

engaging examination of two men

[antoniotierno · 7/10 · 4 February 2008]

This story shows an excellent chemistry between the two leads, of course the result is a bit syrupy, but Bob Reiner has struck a nice balance between drama and comedy, showing both the sentimental factor but also values , good humor and poignant conversations. Everything is entertaining, also due to Morgan Freeman's and Jack Nicholson's class and capacity to display emotions. Overall it's convincing, despite not being that original and for not being a tear jerker story; of course many moments are moving and touching but never honeyed and trite. Landscapes shown in the movie are wonderful, though everything was shot in a studio and not on the spot.

The two performances make it worthwhile

[phantomtristan · 5/10 · 21 January 2008]

"There was a survey once, a thousand people asked, 'If they could know in advance, would they want to know the exact day of their death?'—96% said no." This is the core base of this film as the two main characters find themselves pushed into the other 4%.

These two characters are billionaire tycoon Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (played by Morgan Freeman) that are both terminally ill with cancer, have both been given less than a year to live, and find themselves sharing the same hospital room. During the weeks they spend at the cancer ward, Carter makes a "bucket list" for fun, but Edward takes it more seriously and wants to start checking things off. So, after a fight with his wife Carter and Edward embark on a luxurious tour of all the finest locations in the world—the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, a Safari, etc.—as well as crazy stunts like: sky diving, racing sports cars, and even getting a tattoo.

This is one of those warm, cozy films that you can use for pure entertainment, and it works well. The script is horrible but you do not notice it as much since the performances from the two leads more than make up for it. There are plenty of "how could…" (especially the fact that a billionaire would share a common hospital room in the first place) but to enjoy this film you have to take everything as it is presented.

The once thing that did upset me was the portrayal of Carter's wife as the nagging wife who only naturally would be devastated finding out your husband is leaving on a world tour just after hearing the news that he will only be around for about a year longer.

Still, this is one of those films that despite the poor production quality (it is really poor when the pyramids look like fake back-drops in our CGI-obsessed world) the performances by two of Hollywood's most veteran actors (both Oscar winners) make The Bucket List something you might want to add to your list of movies seen.

A Magnificent Story About Friendship

[desiplaya · 21 December 2007]

Usually I'm not into these kinds of movies, but with the casting of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman I had to see it. I'm really glad that I decided to give this a try.

The story is quite predictable, but I still enjoyed it. Never mind how impossible the storyline is because it is a great movie about friendship - how two men become great friends in a short time and help each other out throughout the time they are together. It moves along at a smooth pace and I never got bored, so the writer gets credit for that. The acting was top notch as Nicholson and Freeman draw forth the right emotion in the audience at the right time. The emotional parts are done just right, but the funny scenes are the best. I laughed throughout the movie but not as much as I would in a true comedy movie, but the comic scenes in this one really work and Nicholson is the "main man" in them. It does have a message at the end about how you should live your life to the fullest, how your family is important, and how you should be happy in life and the movie delivers that message perfectly.

Other than the predictable storyline and the sometimes cheesy dialog, the movie is great. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a feel-good movie.

8/10

A brilliant piece of art.

[steeped · 9/10 · 2 January 2008]

I was glad to catch this movie before it's release date here in Canada, so I know to tell all my friends and family, and anyone I can possibly reach to go see this movie.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman put on a terrific performance, playing two cancer patients who only have a year to live. They both decide to make a "Bucket List", a list of events they never accomplished in their lives. This list ranged from kissing the prettiest lady in the world to patching up the problems with their family.

The performances of this movie was phenomenal, but what really made this movie unique was the writing. We have all seen movies with a similar plot like in The Holiday when Queen Latifa spends all her money living like a Queen because she only has a few months to live. But instead the Bucket List is unique because it wasn't that completing this list made their last year worth living, it was the fact that the writers focused on the chemistry of these two men and how their friendship increased while completing this list.

The witty dialog, the brilliant writing and the great performance really made this movie a post-Christmas treat.

9/10

Going in style.

[planktonrules · 10/10 · 12 September 2020]

Two men, Edward (Jack Nicholson) and Carter (Morgan Freeman) are terminally ill from cancer. Both are essentially waiting to die. However, instead of just waiting for the inevitable, they come up with a plan...to create a bucket list AND do as much of it as they can before they can't. And, because Edward is mega-rich and has no family, he offers to take Carter along and include his list among the activities they'll do. But their globe-trotting adventure, while exciting, isn't quite as smooth as they'd planned. See the film and find out why.

The main reason to watch this movie is to see the acting. After all, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson are amazing actors and seeing them here is quite nice...and touching. The other reason is for the cinematography...the film is filled with gorgeous locations and looks simply incredible. And, of course, there's the story....which is touching and makes you think.



This film is not an easy one to watch. For me, having been a cancer survivor, seeing how realistically it's portrayed in the film is a bit jarring....as Nicholson actually had his head shaved for this. It's also not going to be easy for anyone who's had someone close to them die from cancer...it's bound to bring back a lot of memories and pain. I mention all this because I think you should be aware of all this before you choose to see the film.. Now I am NOT saying you shouldn't...I'm just telling you to be prepared.

By the way, I like the idea of a bucket list. But I also like the idea of NOT waiting until you are on death's door to do it like they did in the film. Do it as soon as you can....don't delay until you cannot complete your list. At age 50, I started....and have done an amazing number of once in a lifetime experiences. Don't wait too long.

A Nutshell Review: The Bucket List

[DICK STEEL · 7/10 · 27 March 2008]

From morbid time to time, I'd wonder what my own bucket list will be, when I'm given a certain number of months left to live. Will I have things to accomplish being totally selfish for personal glory, or will the list consists of things that're more charitable toward others? It's easy to to have the former I suppose, and easily quantifiable goals such as travel the world and the likes, but I'm beginning to appreciate the meaningfulness of making a difference in the lives of others, especially so since I think I haven't done anything in that respect.

Two of Hollywood's veteran actors, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, team up as two unlikely characters turned friends when they find themselves holed up in the same hospital room seeking treatment for their terminal illness. And they cannot be more different of course. One's a family man, earning his keep in a modest job, whose source of entertainment is trivia. The other's a billionaire, having a personal assistant attend to his every whim and fancy, and having generally a mightier-than-thou attitude toward everyone, unleashing caustic remarks toward others for the heck of it.

Through their interaction, they soon find common ground in having an obstacle in their lives to overcome, and that's whether to sit around and mope, hoping for a miracle cure, or to go out there and do things that they've always craved to do, of course with money never being an issue because one of them's a loaded man. So off they go on the adventure of their lives, visiting exotic countries, and taking risks that they don't normally accept. It's easy though to diss their list as implausible to mimic because frankly speaking, one does really need a lot of cash to accomplish exactly what they did. Needless to say, both Nicolson and Freeman are such strong actors, that you really wonder if they're really acting their roles, or are genuinely enjoying themselves as they feed off each other's energy as they have fun with the taskings.

But if you take a step back and examine the list, they are in fact quite modest statements, which the characters themselves joke about as being quite lame and without balls. It depends on how one interprets those statements I guess. A majestic view can be a view from the highest of mountains or from the depths of oceans, or it can be, in simpler terms, like one of the most beautiful evening skies I've witnessed in a long while when walking to the cinema.

And to top it all, it's again a reminder, like all films dealing with death as a subject matter, to live your life to the fullest every day, and not let it go to waste. Some of us are so busy trying to figure out our purpose in life that we fail to live it, and some, never taking a step back and appreciate what we already have, until it's too late. For now, my bucket list will look something like this: Witness the Aurora Borealis, trek around the world on a modest budget, race in an F1 car, and hey, I share one with the characters too - kiss the most beautiful girl in the world. Some of course could stay impossible dreams, but that's what makes it a bucket list, right? The last chance to go all out and complete the taskings. What's yours?

It's like 4 seasons in one day

[northernsean · 9/10 · 15 January 2008]

Two of Hollywood's Greatest actors bounce off each other in this bittersweet comedy - the likes of which are a sad rarity. There are so many emotions portrayed by the two leading roles ( as well as supporting actors )it's like a roller-coaster ride in slow mo ... This is a must see for anyone wanting a feel good movie , it won't disappoint.This isn't a fast paced action movie with no guns a-blazing or exploding helicopters but a timely reminder that as acting goes, these two guys are far from "out to pasture", OK i'm slightly biased here as i have followed these two actor's careers for over two decades now and nothing surprises me about this movie ...GO SEE IT !!!

Movie that makes you feel good

[shreekara-1995 · 7/10 · 22 February 2015]

What if you get to know about the day you die? It's said that knowing the day of death makes one liberal from all those chains and bonds and probably it shows a clear path to go with what you really want in your life, you are bought to this world with no intentions but in the course of life you gradually ''try'' to find a way of happiness just like the calf finding for the hay.

2007's 'The Bucket List' has that ''feel better'' stuff and the concept of Hope that always keep you alive and young, this movie is about a genius mechanic and the insane lonely business tycoon who are diagnosed with the cancer and decide to pursue in fulfilling their ''Bucket list'', they both get into some really crazy stuffs like skydiving, African Safari, racing cars, riding on the China wall and reaching the Himalayan summit with only intention to have their life fulfilled with joy and sense of content, both help each other to make feel better and lead their way in making their living meaningful, ''one day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it's worth watching'' this single quote from this movie summarizes the entire story.

The movie takes you in its narrative pattern and helps in getting along with the character and their feelings all through the story, its Jack Nicholson an actual super star of his kind who truly grab your attention with his ''go free'' kind of role and Morgan Freeman as usual portray his typical classic way of performance, this work is something different from the traditional movie making style and try to convey the valuable message for the life, it's the journey of discovering oneself.

Brilliant rebirth of an old story

[petrov-s-a · 9/10 · 9 March 2008]

The first thing that came to my mind after reading a small review on our local movies web-site was a film Knockin' on Heaven's Door by Thomas Jahn which is actually one of my favourite movies ever. And the question for me was something like "Is it possible for someone to make as much brilliant film as Knockin' on Heaven's Door was, basing it on the story that is pretty much the same?".

That was really striking, but the answer, it turned out, is yes, yes and yes. The Bucket List is the kind of a film after watching which you came out of the cinema realizing that it couldn't been made anyway except the way it was actually made. And the actors (Freeman and Nicholson were really perfect) were the only ones who could play such roles.

I don't wanna talk about the meaning of the film and it's essence, cause' everyone can find something special for himself. But it's a film that really worth seeing. And one more evidence of this were those tiny drops of tears which were running down my face as the light was turned on...

Reiner's The Bucket List is a treat for Nicholson and Freeman fans

[tavm · 7/10 · 14 January 2008]

My best friend and I went to see The Bucket List on our day off from work (actually, this friend of mine is unemployed right now) and we both enjoyed it. What a joy seeing two veteran Oscar-winning pros, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, on screen together! Their characters, Ed Cole and Carter Chambers, are two middle-aged men who suffer cancer at approximately the same time and bond sharing a hospital room (at the building Cole owns). The movie picks up when they see the world together. Also loved Sean Hayes as Nicholson's assistant Thomas (actually Matthew but Jack's character thinks that's too biblical) and Beverly Todd as Freeman's wife, Virginia. Didn't recognize Rob Morrow as the doctor which is ironic since I watched him for years on "Northern Exposure"! Corny and maybe contrived in spots but for the most part this was a heartfelt and occasionally humorous movie. So on that note, I recommend Rob Reiner's The Bucket List. P.S. Alfonso Freeman, Morgan's son, plays his son here. And the grandson of legendary director Frank Capra, Frank Capra III, is a co-producer and first assistant director here.

Appreciating life

[Petey-10 · 8/10 · 30 June 2011]

Mechanic Carter Chambers and hospital magnate Edward Cole meet each other in a hospital.They both have a terminal lung cancer.But instead of giving up, just waiting to die on a hospital bed, they decide to go on a journey.They make a list of things to do and places to go before kicking the bucket.The Bucket List (2007) is a comedy drama film directed by Rob Reiner.One of the reasons this movie rises from mediocrity to something better is the main actors, Morgan Freeman (Carter) and Jack Nicholson (Edward).They're both born in 1937 and they really know their game.Sean Hayes plays Edward's valet/servant Thomas.Beverly Thomas is Carter's wife Virginia.Alfonso Freeman (Morgan's real son) plays Roger.Rob Morrow is the doc, Dr.Hollins.This can be quite funny from time to time.I especially enjoyed how Carter kept giving answers to questions on Jeopardy while having a serious conversation.And the whole Kopi Luwak business is quite amusing.Also the drama works in this movie.The Bucket List doesn't make dying such a serious matter.Or at least you can make the best of it.

Worth watching.

[CineCritic2517 · 6/10 · 23 December 2007]

'Bucket list' explores the old theme of the 'things you want to do before you die'. The theme is no way deeper than, say, 'what would you do if you had a couple of million dollars' or 'what would you do if you had only one more day to live'. In fact, The Bucket list finds a way to combine the two.

Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) owns the hospital he gets to be in after being diagnosed with cancer. His roommate Carter Chambers (Freeman) is a middle class Auto mechanic who, as it turns out, is faring no better. Both men are told they have approximately one year left to live, at best.

After this the men decide to draw up a list of things they have always wanted to do but never did. With entries like 'race a shelby Mustang and 'kiss the most beautiful girl in the world' the two men set out to fly around the world to achieve all the entries on the list.

The film is really nothing more and nothing less than what the tagline describes and often feels a bit schmaltzy in it's deliverance. Both Freeman and Nicholson give away ample performances but the real chemistry between them I hoped to see fails to emerge due to the often slightly ponderous script.

The story could have easily been more insightful if the writers had chosen not to let the men pursue such soapy theme's like Nicholson looking up his long lost daughter. Then again, real life usually is pretty soapy, isn't it...but I digress...

That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong in bringing this one home for a view. It just could have been a lot better.

6.5/10

You know which camp you're in.

[merricatnyc · 3/10 · 5 January 2008]

You know that movie where Morgan Freeman is the dignified black man who helps some messed up white person become a better human being?

You know that movie where Jack Nicholson is a jerk with a heart of gold with a nugget of jerk at the center?

Put all 50 of those movies into a blender with a dash of brain cancer and a not so surprising surprise ending and you have Bucket List.

If you're not tasting bile in the back of your mouth right now, you should click over to Fandango and get your tix. There is no in between.

I felt it to be the worst kind of made by committee corporate dreck, but I've been moved to laugh and cry at movies that could be described the same way. I loathed it, but can see what is appealing about it to others. It's important to understand what you're getting into before you shell out two hours of your life for it, that's all I'm saying.