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The Bucket List | 
 enlarge | Director: Rob Reiner
Actors: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow
Studio: Warner Bros.
Category: Movie
Buy New: $3.99
Rating:  187 reviews
Sales Rank: 53
Genre: Adventure
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: Video On Demand
Running Time: 98 Minutes
ASIN: B001BKV9TY
Theatrical Release Date: January 11, 2008
Release Date: August 8, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews: Read 182 more reviews...
 How do you measure a man's life? January 21, 2008
R. Kyle (USA)
60 out of 67 found this review helpful
By what they've accomplished? According to soft-spoken cancer patient, Carter (Freeman), you measure a man's life by who measures their lives by yours.
Edward Cole probably was a lot of people's yardstick. He was wealthy, powerful, and he ran hospitals.
"We run hospitals--not resorts!" E. Cole (Nicholson)
If Cole hadn't been so mercenary, he'd never have been stuck with another patient in his hospital room. At first, the very wealthy Cole doesn't care for the soft-spoken auto mechanic, but as time goes on the two develop a friendship--and Cole begins to both share food and care for Carter.
When Edward sees Carter's 'Bucket List,'(a list of items he wants to accomplish before he kicks the bucket) he realizes it's something the two of them can do--and says they should. That's when the two cancer patients break out of the hospital and go on a world tour. Together, they write out a new bucket list and work to make each other's dreams come true.
"Bucket List" is sentimental, predictable, and yet more than my words can encompass. The film's not just about dying, but friendship, and finding joy to spread to others--even at the worst times in a person's life.
In my opinion, the three best aspects of this film were Morgan Freeman's outstanding narration and Sean Hayes' well-done portrayal of Cole's ever-present assistant (Thomas). Another nod goes to actress Beverly Todd, who played Virginia Chambers. Even the young girls in the film were exclaiming how amazing she looked and acted.
Warnings:
Bring tissue
If 'laugh til you cry' is on your 'Bucket List,' you can check this item off
Be prepared to cry... and to think. July 28, 2008
N. Jenkins (Raleigh, NC)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
This movie made me cry so much and was so sad that it is really difficult to understand how I could recommend it so strongly.
The chemistry between Nicholson and Freeman was incredible and they played off each other beautifully. The humor was a welcome relief to the immense emotional subject matter.
This movie really made me think about what is important in life. I found several of the key themes in the movie something to think about and consider with respect to my own life. I loved the questions from the pyramids:
1. Did you find joy in your life?
2. Did you bring joy to others lives?
This movie probably isn't the one to reach for when you are in the mood for something light-hearted and funny. However, if you want to regain some perspective about what is important in life, this movie does a good job of making you think about what you want to accomplish in life -- particularly without being preachy.
how DO you understand the measure of a life ??? April 23, 2008
Matthew G. Sherwin
16 out of 19 found this review helpful
The Bucket List tells the sensitive and well thought-out story of two older men who are diagnosed with cancer so severe that they have six months to live--or maybe a year if they're lucky. Look for stunning performances from both Morgan Freeman as Carter Chambers and Jack Nicholson as Edward Cole. Beverly Todd also acts her heart out as Beverly Chambers, Carter's wife.
The action begins when Carter Chambers, a working class black man, and Edward Cole, super-wealthy self-made rich white guy who actually owns the hospital they're in become roommates in the oncology ward of the hospital. At first Carter and Edward don't exactly hit it off but it isn't long before they forge a friendship. When they each learn that by coincidence they have six months to a year to live, they embark on a trip to accomplish certain lifelong dreams and personal goals before they die. The list of things to do is called The Bucket List because it's a list of things to do before they "kick the bucket."
Of course, because Edward Cole is wealthy many scenes in this movie become almost miraculously possible. They travel the world by private corporate jet; and they live more in just a few weeks than most people ever do in a lifetime.
Of course, life has its ways of surprising just about any of us; so still the plot could go just about anywhere. How will Beverly, Carter's wife, react to all this? Will she understand and remain patient while Carter lives out a few lifelong dreams or will she want her husband home NOW? Will Carter and Edward be able to keep their cool when they are stranded in Asia during a monstrous snowstorm and they are not allowed to fly? What happens if one of them gets very sick along the way? What about Edward's refusal to make up with his daughter who disowned him long ago--will he ever decide to approach her or will he remain obstinate in his refusal to even meet with her? The results may surprise you. No plot spoilers here, folks--you'll just have to watch the movie to find out!
As a cancer survivor who is finishing my own chemotherapy soon, I will add that some of the side-effects of the chemotherapy they receive are exaggerated. However, I think director Rob Reiner added these elements to the film to make it somewhat more dramatic.
Overall, The Bucket List is an excellent movie; and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman turn in superlative performances that proves these guys can still act better than the vast majority of actors ever could. Beverly Todd does a great job as Carter's wife; and Sean Hayes also does well as Edward Cole's personal assistant Thomas. I highly recommend this film for fans of these terrific actors; and people comfortable with the subject matter will appreciate this motion picture as well.
Did you experience joy in your lifetime? January 31, 2008
Rosemary Thornton (Norfolk, VA)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
Morgan Freeman plays a brainiac, a highly intellectual, intelligent man who, as he says, "spent 45 years greased up under the hood of a car" so that his children would have the kind of life he'd always dreamt about for himself.
As was true for many men of his generation, he wanted to be sure that his children "would never want for anything and they didn't." He sacrificed and worked and toiled for a lifetime, always putting his family's needs ahead of his own long-cherished dream to get a college degree and become a history professor. And his lifetime of self-sacrifice bore much fruit: His three children went to college and became successful professionals.
Nicholson and Freeman forged a bond, and became friends despite the fact that the two men were complete opposites and would never have crossed paths in day-to-day life, were it not for their illness.
Nicholson lived an life that was the diametrical opposite of Freeman's character; a life which was characterized by debauchery, lasciviousness and general over-indulgence, always keeping a keen eye open, looking out for Number One. His legacy is a business, which has made him a multi-millionaire.
In the few weeks the men have left, Freeman gives Nicholoson a few life lessons about real success and love and the joy that can be found in self-sacrifice and Freeman shows Nicholson that the love we leave behind and the life example we leave behind can be our most enduring and important life legacy.
And Nicholson gives Freeman an extraordinary gift. Nicholson shows Freeman the world that he's spent decades reading about in books.
My favorite line in the movie: According to Egyptian lore, you're asked two questions at the gates of heaven: First, Did you experience joy in your lifetime? And two, did you bring joy to someone else in your lifetime?
Those two questions can leave a soul with a lot to think about.
The Bucket List is one those unusual movies that leaves you with an intellectual and spiritual aftertaste, where you go away pondering the many layers of messages contained in the rich, thoughtful dialogue. The metaphysical riches to the side, it's also a funny movie and Nicholson is in fine form.
I would highly recommend The Bucket List. Well worth your time and money.
White, Black, Death, Life, Perfect July 1, 2008
Robert D. Steele (Oakton, VA United States)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Jack Nicholson is as good as it gets for crazy in love with life, and Morgan Freeman is as good as it gets for smart, thoughtful, and good to the core.
This movie is one that I got, skimmed through, dismissed, and then sat down and watched all the way through.
It is NOT a depressing movie, nor is it a "joy" movie. It is a lovely mix of suffering, love, fulfillment, discovery, and reconciliation.
BRAVO.
See also:
Joyeux Noel (Widescreen)
Bonhoeffer
Sabrina
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
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