The Bucket List review

Last Saturday night I saw The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It is the story of two men who have cancer and share a hospital room during their ensuing treatment. They also soon are told that they only have months to live. This revelation drives their ideas of a 'bucket list.' A list of things to do before they "kick the bucket." Things are grandiose as witness something truly majestic, and as mundane as laugh until I cry. There were a few that I would love to have on such a list. Such as driving a 1960s Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, see the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids. The one that sticks out most in this movie however, could be the easiest, and the most difficult. Both at the same time.

The task was to help a complete stranger for the good. That seems like it would be so simple, yet often times, takes tremendous courage and humility. Such character traits are found in Freeman's character Carter Chambers. A man whose dream in life was to become a history professor. But as often is the case in life, a wife and kids changed his direction and he settles into being a mechanic. Nicholson's character Edward Cole is the typical rich, hard-nosed business tycoon. He needs nothing and wants for nothing. or at least he thinks so, until he comes face to face with his own struggle to live. Carter knows he doesn't have too much time left, and begins his bucket list. After learning of the short amount of time he has, he crumples the paper and forgets the notion. Edward finds the paper and scoffs that it fails to have some other exciting experiences on it. Cole tells Carter he will finance their list if he will participate. This is where the fun, the laughter and even a few sad times begin.

I went into this movie having read a few reviews by major film critics, who lambasted the movie as being formulaic and uninspiring. They all left me wondering the same thing. Did they see the same movie?! Sure the formula was similar to so many other films, but since when is originality a grand commodity in Hollywood these days? There were some extremely funny scenes, many great site gags, and final explanation about what is wrong with the expensive coffee is priceless!! There are also some very poignant and moving scenes scattered throughout. I really must say that if you don't feel a lump in your throat at the end, you really must have ice in your veins.

I cannot recommend this movie enough! I am certainly not a professional movie critic, but I do know enough to go into a movie to enjoy it on its face value. In this case, I was well rewarded.