"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
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 10/3/2022...
One of those movies that makes you laugh and cry at the same time. Lots of "old folks" laughs in this one.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Tina R. (Recor3) from MORRISONVILLE, NY Reviewed on 2/23/2018...
I just love this movie. Great acting by both Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It is an entertaining story that made me think.
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
John L. Reviewed on 8/28/2015...
I will watch anything with Jack Nicholson. He is just great !
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Larry N. from BEALETON, VA Reviewed on 12/8/2014...
There's not much with Morgan Freeman in it that isn't good. Add Jack Nicholson and it just steps it up another notch. Very funny at times and then a tear-jerker at other times.
2 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Bill P. (BroncoBill529) from LOUISVILLE, CO Reviewed on 10/7/2014...
Two of my favorite actors together in a delightful, fun filled movie. I've enjoyed this film several times and will watch it several more before I hang it up. Just when you think all the creativity has left Hollywood a film like this shows up. Pure entertainment and yet a movie script that tenderly portrays the tragic sorrow cancer can bring to its victims, family and friends.
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Barbara R. from STERLING, CO Reviewed on 8/4/2014...
Great movie
1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Jennifer D. (jennicat) from ST AUGUSTINE, FL Reviewed on 3/29/2014...
Not really feeling it. But only saw it once.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Barry A. from FAIRFIELD, 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.
3 of 4 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!
1 of 3 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.