The Bucket List (DVD, 2008)

Although this movie is portrayed as a comedy, the overall tone of the film is much more serious- even heartwrenching at times. The acting of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman is STUPENDOUS- and you should definitely be prepared to shed some tears.

Carter (Freeman) and Edward (Nicholson) become friends when they are forced to share a room in the hospital's cancer wing. Although they are polar opposites- Carter has lived frugally and Edward is a millionaire, Carter is mild mannered and Edward is harsh... thier common experience battling cancer brings them together, as they reflect on the lives they have lived and discuss thier dreams for the future. But when they each receive the news that thier illnesses are terminal they decide to create the bucket list- a list of what each hopes to accomplish before they die. At once they decide to leave the hospital behind and travel all around the world to accomplish the items on thier list, all the while dealing with the question of mortality.

Although I refuse to divulge how this movie ends, I will tell you that it allows for a full resolution and a feeling of satisfaction that is sometimes missing when a film of this nature ends too quickly. Not the case here. And the very last line will definitely make you smile :)

It's true that "our lives are stream flowing into the same river toward whatever heaven lies in the mist beyond the falls. Close you eyes and let the waters take you home." This quote came directly from the film by Morgan Freeman's character as he narrates along parts of the movie about his feelings towards his life and about his new found friend.

Although Freeman's character had a wife and family in the film, it really didn't seem to matter about the time he had left to spend with them, he wanted something different for once out of his experience.

Although we get the idea from the beginning that Jack Nicholson was a bitter and frustrated individual who thought money could buy happiness, we find later that his heart had been cold to many important things in life such as his relationship with his daughter.

Here, we find to aging men who up until know, have led quite different lives, but, when faced with their own mortality, become good friends and decide that they will try and complete a bucket list. The list consists of things they both wanted to do before they died. One item on the list was skydiving. Another was to see something majestic. Another was to help a total stranger.

This film is a real downer most of the film, but has a fantastic lesson to teach us all about life. The most important message about this film to me was, that we all must work hard to find the Joy in our lives.

I'm going to give this film a 4/5 for its wit, zeal, and tackling spiritual issues that everyone could benefit from coming to grips with.

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Reviewing the Seller or Ebay or the quality of your dvd or vhs is quickly becomming a pet peeve of mine..It states plainly this section is to review the movie not the Seller or ebay..can anyone read? Now onto the review:

This film brought back alot of bad memories..I lost my Father to brain cancer and I saw him go through alot of these same things so this movie was kinda upsetting for me, but I persevered because 1) my baby wanted to see it and 2) I love Morgan Freeman..if you are looking for alot of comedy this is not the film for you..yes it does have it's moments, but this is mainly about two Men one wealthy Jack Nicholson the other working class Morgan Freeman dealing with death..there are tears, anger and a few laughs..but mainly imo this is a serious movie that has it's comedic moments here and there..I did love the ending Sean Hayes from "Will And Grace" is in this one..I like him alot better here then I did on W&G mainly because he's not obnoxious..he's rather likable in this yes even funny, but in a strained kinda of way...I did love the ending it was totally out of left field..and I like that! This is a Great movie if you love Jack and Morgan or even if you just want a good cry!

If you're a fan of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as I am, this movie won't disappoint. Jack plays his typical irascible character that you love to hate, while Morgan comes across as the "steady as a rock" type of fellow. This unlikely pair end up being roommates, in a hospital that Jack calls the shots in, because of his wealth and connection with the hospital. There are all the expected cliches, along with some bathroom humor that some might find offensive, as well as some of the language that Jack uses throughout the movie. Some of the humor is subtle and I had to explain it to my 21 year old daughter, such as the line, "Don't buy any green bananas". So the younger set might not appreciate or even get some of the lines. I loved the humor that was throughout. Jack discovers Morgan has a "Bucket List", and makes him an offer he can't refuse. The rest of the movie is about them fulfilling their last wishes together. You see how each influences the other throughout their escapades. Some of their interactions with one another is reminiscent of Jack Lemon and Walter Matthau in Grumpy Old Men. It gets a little sappy here and there, but I wouldn't call it a chick flick, as my husband was able to enjoy the movie. This movie won't ever be in the same class as Gone With The Wind or Citizen Cane, but is worth the watch.

The Bucket List is a great movie that makes you think. The movie stars Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson who both have incredible roles.

The movie centers around Freeman's jack of all trades mechanic character and the ultra rich Nicholson's characters both getting cancer. Freeman is a self taught scholar and Nicholson is the millionaire that owns the hospital.

Through circumstances out of their control they end up sharing a room together and forging a friendship. Through this friendship they create "The Bucket List". Things that they want to do before they "kick the bucket".

The rest of the movie is priceless. Truly inspirational right to the end.

5/5 It'll make you laugh and cry at the same time.

Latsyrhc
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