"You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you," says the quietly wise Carter Chambers, played with gravitas and grace by a Morgan Freeman. In Rob Reiner's moving, often hilarious film The Bucket List, a... more »ll sorts of people measure themselves against the two heroes, Chambers and his hospital suitemate, Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson). But as Cole finds, having spent his entire life building a Fortune 500 company, none of that much matters when cancer, the great equalizer, pays a visit. The film traces the adventures of the two unlikely friends, who meet in a hospital cancer ward, each given six months to live. The "bucket list" of the title refers to a lifelong list of goals that a teacher of Chambers once advised him to compile--and achieve--"before you kick the bucket." Soon the two are off on what may be the last grand adventure of their life, vowing to tick off as many goals (skydiving, race-car driving, seeing the wonders of the world) as they can in the time they have left. What starts as a medical melodrama becomes a road trip, yet the men's mortality realities are never far from thought. The two leads give impressive performances, and remind the viewer of just how few American films focus on the lives and loves of senior citizens. Nicholson even manages to lose his persona in his character, much as he did in About Schmidt. There's a lovely John Mayer tune, "Say (What You Need to Say)," that's perfectly matched to the film's clear-eyed view of life: What does one person leave behind as his true legacy? --A.T. Hurley« less
Barry A. from SACRAMENTO, CA Reviewed on 3/21/2013...
I very much enjoyed the whole movie, Jack and Morgan were the best, they fit the characters to the tee. Would recomend this movie to anyone who lost someone who lived their last days to the limit.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Nina E. Reviewed on 12/12/2012...
2 Classic actors and a movie to enjoy watching again and again. A great story!
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Shannon W. Reviewed on 11/3/2012...
a cute start and a few cute scenes. slow in parts worth watching or swap point.
0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Tien L. (junkdumpster) from HILLSBORO, OR Reviewed on 12/24/2011...
Excellent choice for a family movie. Really good movie about life..and forgiveness. :]
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jean W. from JORDANVILLE, NY Reviewed on 9/26/2011...
with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, what more can be said about this movie? It is terrific.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Kimberly N. (ksnapier) from LIMA, OH Reviewed on 6/24/2011...
This movie has revived people's thoughts on bucket lists, in a good way. It is never too late to start.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer C. from DEKALB, IL Reviewed on 6/17/2011...
Two of the best actors Ever! This movie makes you stop and think [at any age] about what you want to do in this life and what is important to you. You laugh, get teary eyed and really enjoy the ride. We all should have a bucket list.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sharon C. (Sierrastar) from MYRTLE BEACH, SC Reviewed on 4/10/2011...
I loved this movie. It was a good thought proviking one that makes you wonder about your own bucket list. I recommend it to everyone.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Teresa B. from FORT VALLEY, GA Reviewed on 5/7/2010...