''You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you.''
Two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.
Jack Nicholson: Edward Cole
Morgan Freeman: Carter Chambers
The Bucket List is certainly a sentimental favourite that as a viewer touches your emotions and has you hoping for the equation of a bond of friendship in the concluded proceedings, even though the film is funny and somewhat unrealistic and unbelievable. The performances from Jack and Morgan as expected are effortlessly executed, and I personally like Rob Reiner's means of showing how an unlikely and odd companionship develops between two guys on their way out of this life by doing activities they've always wanted to do. The Bucket List in many respects is a real life fairy tale that most ordinary folks would dream about before they die, yet the character types played by Nicholson and Freeman make it what it is.
Edward Cole (Nicholson) is an incredibly wealthy hospital owner who firmly believes that he's running infirmaries instead of health spas, and therefore demands that each room contain two beds and two patients. When a twist of fate lands him in his own hospital, he's stuck sharing a room with Carter Chambers (Freeman). Both men are dying of cancer, and the doctors give each of them only a few months left to live. The two slowly but surely realize how much they enjoy each other's company, so when Carter begins writing a bucket list, Jack prompts him to see it through. The Bucket List is a list of all the things both Edward and Carter would like to accomplish in their remaining months (before they literally kick the bucket) and with Cole's wealth, the two end up touring the world, skydiving and race-car driving. As their list of goals begins to come to an end, they realize how much they've truly lived just in the last few months alone, and how much their short friendship has impacted the fading remnants of their lives.
''We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round.''
Jack Nicholson's performance is excellent as the curmudgeonly Ebenezer character that receives a change of heart and a change of view with Carter's friendship. Little character development is necessary as we have come to recognize Jack's style over the years. We're already familiar with his character and relate to him in much the same way we feel about all of his recent projects. He's attained a level of recognition that allows us to acknowledge him simply as Jack. Regardless of his role, he's still Jack, and he doesn't disappoint. The same can be said for Morgan Freeman who continues to play roles that accentuate his knack for worldly, wise and good-natured characters that can make us laugh and cry from moment to moment. Rarely do we see two actors work so well together? this odd couple appears to have been destined for these roles. The chemistry between these veterans is pleasantly refreshing, and because of it, The Bucket List is one of the most entertaining films of the year.
Another aspect, which is a great credit to screenwriter Justin Zackham, is the dialogue, which is continually hilarious even while it borders on heartbreaking. Sarcasm and cynicism are proudly worn by Jack, and the conversations conducted between the two are far from dull, although they do have their moments when a yawn is not far away. Meaningful, affecting and downright funny, the script seems amazingly well paced and flows more naturally yet the transition from start to end seems to be a series of stops and starts in areas.
''I'm proud of you.''
''Nobody cares what you think.''
Nearly everything is likable about The Bucket List, except the tone of the film, which many awards voters and critics may feel is too repetitious of late. The film is uplifting and heartwarming, and while the conclusion strives for unpredictability, comparisons may be drawn to similarly crafted works. Driving Miss Daisy and As Good as it Gets are immediately brought to mind, especially because these include the same actors, although the morals of A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful Life are clearly beneath the surface of this feel-good comedy.
Most importantly, 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 through one another. The Bucket List isn't really a tear inducer, yet it's a 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.
''The simplest thing is... I loved him. And I miss him. Carter and I saw the world together. Which is amazing... When you think that only three months ago, we were complete strangers! I hope that it doesn't sound selfish of me but... the last months of his life were the best months of mine. He saved my life... And he knew it before I did.''
It's a warm, funny, deeply moving and extroadinary movie. A joy-ride you wont want to miss. A powerful, outstanding and terifficly fun film. Astonishing, gripping, compelling and endlessly wonderful. Incrediably heartfelt and emotionally enduring. Tremendously entertaining and absolutely unforgettable. Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson are magnificent. They deliver two of the best performances of the careers. Their chemistry is such pure spun solid gold, every scene with them together is just real magic. Sean Hayes and Rob Morrow give great performances. This is a film surely to be treasured. A masterpiece. Director, Rob Reiners finest film ever. Theres heart in it's humor and charisma in it's stars. Absolutely perfect and superb in every way. It's riveting, wonderfuly original, remarkable, brilliant, endlessly enjoyable and breathtaking. When your not laughing you'll be smiling and perhaps crying. A feel good movie about death.
I feel like Morgan Freeman has looked the same age his entire life, and it's not that bad. Nicholson on the other hand went down hill fast and hard. Still, fun characters, and even though they tried very hard to make you cry...I did anyway.
Edward Cole: "Here's something to remember when you're older Thomas - never pass up a bathroom, never waste a hard-on, and never trust a fart.
Thomas: I'll remember that when I start "decrepitating" sir."
Edward Cole (Nicholson) is one of the wealthiest and most obnoxious men in the galaxy. He made gazillions of dollars owning and operating no-frills hospitals, so imagine the irony when he finds himself a terminally ill patient at one of them. It would be bad PR for him to be treated like a bajillionaire at his own facility, so he shares a room with humble but wise mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman). The chemistry between the actors is a robust bond that's forged on delicate foundations of confidence and admiration. The performances are even more impressive if you consider that the screenplay by Justin Zackham is really just a series of philosophical monologues, with each character revealing themselves through extended personal reflection. It's not exactly snappy repartee, but Freeman and Nicholson dig into what they're given, finding the voices of Carter and Edward quickly, and slipping into their credible friendship with ease. To their nominal credit, Nicholson and Freeman each do their thing, in characteristic fashion, and that?s certainly enough to please undemanding viewers wanting only to see the two legendary actors together in frame.
This was awesome! Love Nicholson and Freeman, what a pair. The made me laugh, they made me think, they made me cry...excellent all around. Loved the whole story...why not enjoy life while you can, you never know when it's too late. Gotta see this one...appreciate your loved ones. ALWAYS
GROUCHY Old MAN! LOL Jack is funny & I LOVED the part when Morgan freedman's character hasa sheet of paper that explains HOW jack's character's Super rare & expensive coffee is made!! LOL & when he comes out with when he's done reading LOL You'd expect something else. Grab the tissues for the end jsut in case.
This movie is so great, it provokes you different felling like happiness, sadness, joy and grieve. The story although predictable, it is also very touching and emotional. Two completely different old men, one a billionaire and the other a mechanic, are dying from cancer; they will become friends by sharing a list of everything they want to do before dying. The direction by Rob Reiner is excellent, he knows how to express an infinite amount of emotions without being corny. The cast is simply excellent, watching Nicholson and Freeman together in a movie is wonderful, their performances are flawless just as we are custom from them and the secondary role from Sean Hayes gives the perfect support to the main actors. This is that kind of movies which leaves you a smile on your face after it ends and a message of live your life to the fullest until your last day.
I am SOO happy that Freeman & Nicholson finally did a movie together! They have GREAT chemistry and I just love the friendship between their 2 characters. I even started crying the first 2 minutes into the movie!! LOL! It's such an inspiring, touching, funny, sad film and in the end will leave you appreciating life and wanting to truly live as much as you can before you "kick the bucket" An excellent movie! I hope they work together again.
As a whole it really isn't a big deal. The concept is unoriginal and has been done like a million times before... It just happens to have two of the greatest actors of modern cinema working together. Even if the film was the worst ever made (which it obviously isn't), it would still get a 4 star rating: two for Jack Nicholson and two for Morgan Freeman.
Ok, first of all, Nicholson and Freeman will never give you a bad performance, so you already know the acting is going to be good. And they have great chemistry together too. Some of the shots in this movie were pretty breathtaking as well. However, there's just something missing here. From watching the trailer, you know the overall premise of the movie and it doesn't really stray much from there, which is disappointing. It's still a good story, good message, don't get me wrong, but there could have been more to it. There were a few times where the movie drags a little too much, especially in the beginning, it seems like they took too long establishing the characters. And there's nothing surprising about this movie, the ending is almost predictable, although it would have been easy to cry at parts. I still think this movie should be watched, because it has a good message (get out and live life b/c its over quick and you never know when your time is) but I was just hoping it would be more powerful, that it would touch me deeper and leave a longer lasting feeling with it. Its worth the watch for the humor, the acting and the overall story, but its missing the parts that would make this movie truly powerful.
The Bucket List is a very inspiring story showing you one meaning of life (which in this case is "not only to dream" but to actually live your dreams in time!) and how faith can bring two strangers together. It points out what immense effect a forecast of having only 6 months left to live can have on you and your life. Once you know how much time you have left everything changes - your attitude and your perception (this applies especially to Edward Cole). The Bucket List really manages to bring this atmosphere to the big screen which is rare to find in a movie these days.
Another thing that contributes to the quality and value of this movie is the acting which is completely over the top - thanks to this awesome cast. Nicholson and Freeman proved once again how good and experienced they are.
Good movie and I love the soundtrack. This movie makes me think about my bucket list now. I wonder if there's a movie with the same subject but the persons don't have very much money. What will they do?
Nothing groundbreaking or even just new here. We've all seen sappy movies like this before, but this one has a lot of heart. As expected, Nicholson and Freeman make a great team, but it mostly just made me think about how sad it will be someday to lose these two great actors.
A beautiful, touching movie, with great acting, directing and screenplay. Just the idea of it is lovely, and the way Nicholson and Freeman play is amazing.
What a great movie! I really enjoyed this one. It was so much better than I was expecting. Jack and Morgan were awesome together and so believable. The message in the movie was so eye opening and really made you think. I love the plot and the script was so well written. Would recommend everyone to see this heartfelt movie!
The Bucket List is a magnificient story about friendship, and the meaning of truly living. Delivered masterfully by 2 brilliant actors, Nicholson and my fave, Freeman.
This movie makes me realize that death should be faced with a bunch of positive hopes and activities. When it comes, it will come on time; we can never be considered ready for that but at least we are among them realizing that it must come when things are arranged beautifully.
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