"The Bucket List" Review

"The Bucket List"
2007
*** out of ****
Director: Rob Reiner
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes

Sunday I had the opportunity to go to the movies. Hooray!!! No evil school work! I was happy, because I not only got to see one movie, but two. Yes, it was a rare double-feature from me. And besides from the old lady sitting in front of me who yelled at Tony and I whenever we coughed or sneezed or rattled the popcorn bag, my movie-going expierience was pretty good. "The Bucket List" was first on our agenda, and ended up being my favortie of the two. (The other was "I am Legend")

Two terminally-ill men infected with cancer decide one day that they are going to break away: Break away from the hospital... Break away from their cancer... Break away from their lives. They meet in a hospital, and become close friends despite their huge differences. Together, the create what they call a "bucket list", a list of things to do before they 'kick the bucket'. And they set off in the hopes to cross everything off of the list before they meet their final fate.

I thought this film was pretty decent. I thought the trailers looked funny, and looked forward to seeing it in theatres. I have always been a fan of Nicholson, and also have taken a liking to Freeman in the past couple of years with films like "Bruce Almighty". I will admit, the film held up to my expectations.

Edward Cole (Nicholson), a rich white man who owns the hospital he is staying in, is diagnosed with cancer, and is given 6 months to 1 year to live. He has a personal assistant, has 5 star food delivered to him personally, and has the best doctors in the hospital working fom him, hand and foot. The man he is sharing a room with, ironically, is the exact opposite of him.

Carter Chambers (Freeman) is an African American, who has also been diagnosed with cancer and given little time to live. He seldom has any visitors, eats hospital food, and his doctors somewhat neglect him.

Two men that are so different prove that they are similar at the same time by bonding through this dream that they share: That they still have a shot to enjoy life and to do the things they always wanted to. The friendship and strong bond that forms through this little piece of yellow paper is unbelievable. Such a small material object... such a large symbloic meaning: a piece of paper that significantly changed two men's lives for the better in a span of a couple of months... The Bucket List.

Such an inspirational story that touches the hearts of many critics alike, "The Bucket List" provides for us not only a seroius story, but also a comedic story. The writing was excellent. Edward and Carter go on their journeys crossing off objects from their list. They visit "must-see" places in the world such as the Egyptian pyramids and take part in "must-do" activities such as sky diving and race-car driving. Throughout it all, Nicholson's wise-crack comments as well as just seeing the two men smiling leave a smile on your face the entire time. The acting from these two men was phenominal. They played their roles accordingly, and did a great job being both comedic and serious at the same time.

The ending of this film was great. Now if you are a tender-hearted person, you won't be pleased with this ending. You will be rather upset and most likely will cry. Because quite frankly, the ending is sad. However, in a way, it is happy as well. If you enjoy film, you will recognize that this is how it has to be, and will appriciate it. I, for one, think this was an awesome ending, and don't think it should end any other way.

I noticed one plot-hole/plot error. In the beginning of the film, Edward has to shave his head to undergoe brain surgery. Shortly after, Edward and Carter start their journey, and he has a full head of hair again. Now, it doesn't tell us the exact time that goes by in between, but it is highly unlikely that his hair grew back that quickly.

Overall, this film was good. The combination of good actors, directors, producers, and most of all, writers, made this film an instant hit in my book. It didn't blow me away, and isn't one I would call a favorite, but it is one that impressed me for the first time in a while. This film gets 3 stars from me. I recommend this to all old people, and to young people who don't mind being yelled at for sneezing.