"The Bucket List"

Seen on: January 13, 2008

The players: Director: Rob Reiner, Writer: Justin Zackham, Cast: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Rob Morrow, Beverly Todd

Facts of interest: Rob Reiner also directed "Rumor Has It..."

The plot: Two terminaly ill cancer patients (Freeman and Nicholson) flee the hospital to travel around the world and do all the things they want to do before they die.

Our quick thoughts: Much to my surprise, “The Bucket List” didn’t turn out as bad as I thought it would be. Justin Zackham’s script is infested with plot holes and annoyingly saccharine dialogue, but Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman save the day with a lot of enthusiasm and refreshing acting performances. Indeed, watching the two forge a friendship and embark on a unique adventure around the globe turns out to be quite an entertaining experience. Especially Nicholson shines in the role of Edward Cole, a sarcastic businessman who never blows smoke about anything and dares to challenge Freeman’s redundant, spiritual speeches.

Unfortunately, director Rob Reiner seizes every opportunity to turn “The Bucket List” into a melodrama. Many of Edward and Carter’s conversations quickly lose energy and uniqueness because they mutate into banal jabbering about finding joy in life and learning to forgive. Such scenes always pop up in the middle of the most exciting parts of the film, usually ruining the party. All in all however, the plot moves along swiftly, offering just enough variety to keep the audience engaged until the end.

Freaky quote: "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." - Jack Nicholson

The final word: Although both Freeman and Nicholson deliver deliciously authentic performances, the latter takes the lead early on, provoking the most laughs and supplying the best one-liners. If only Justin Zackham had spent more time polishing his script and taking his characters a little more serious, “The Bucket List” would have easily been a much better film. At least it’s worth the price of admission, and that’s a good start.