The Bucket List pairs two of Hollywoods most venerable elderly actors together in a film that seems to want

to be a globe-trotting version of Grumpy Old Men, but ends up being more of muddled, sappy, mess. Directed by Rob Reiner, who ought to know better, it tells the story of two old men diagnosed with terminal cancer. Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) is a wealthy, confirmed bachelor hospital owner and Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) is a middle class car mechanic with a big family and a longtime marriage. The film is supposed to be about the way they choose to spend their final days doing all the things they never got to do when they were young, but it wastes a good third of its running time hanging out in the hospital with Edward and Carter as they receive their initial diagnosis and come to grips with it. By the time the movie gets around to its titular Bucket List, youll have long since been bored with it. A Bucket List by the way, is a list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket. Once the movie finally gets around to having Edward and Carter make it, it picks up some steam. Edwards list is composed mostly of extreme sports and kissing beautiful women. Carters list seems to be about making a spiritual journey. For instance, Edward wants to skydive while Carter wants to experience a moment of true majesty. They decide to do everything together, and so with less than forty-give minutes to go in the movie Carter ditches his wife, hops on Edwards plane, and starts carousing his way around the world with a tracheotomy tube hanging out of his neck.

Watching Carter and Edward jet set is entertaining, but theres just not enough of it. Reiner squanders so much of the movie in that opening thirty or more minutes of hospital time that the meat of it feels rushed. The really frustrating thing about it is that those thirty minutes could have easily been boiled down to about ten, without the film losing anything. Since the real heart of the story is crammed into such a disproportionately small section, I never felt like I got a feel for these characters or what they were going through, and the obstacles in their way seem easily overcome and/or ignored. For a movie about such heady subjects The Bucket List lacks any real umpf, and while Freeman and Nicholson have their moments, theyre mostly going through the motions.

Remember that big hit from a while ago that really finally broke down some walls to bring positive gay characters to the forefront of mainstream entertainment? Huh? No, thats not it You know, the one about those two best friends who always had some kind of quick-witted banter going back and forth, but also always shared their deepest secrets with each other and no one else? No! Thats the same one you just said and I already told you thats not it. God, its right on the tip of my tongue . You remember, the one where they were supposed to be just great friends because their avowed sexual preferences were incompatible for any type of romantic involvement but, still, you couldnt help but get the sense that they might secretly be falling in love and that maybe they might still end up together? Ahhh, what was it . Come on, remember it was the one with Sean Hayes in it? He played the wisecracking other friend who was always getting those two into crazy situations. You really dont remember? NO! Thats not it! Jeez, how many times do I have to tell you? Well, I dont care how positive you think you are, thats not the one Im talking about. Its like, The List, or The something List, The Burial List uhhh . The Bucket List! Thats it. The Bucket List. I cant believe I couldnt remember that, I just finally saw it the other day. Have you seen it? You did, well how did you not get it then? What do you mean there are no gay characters in The Bucket List? There was in this one, are you sure there arent two movies called The Bucket List? Maybe the one I saw was a remake, updated with a modern twist or something, but this one definitely had a romantic subplot going on between the two main characters. It was about these two guys, Edward (Jack Nicholson) and Carter (Morgan Freeman). They had both lived these long and completely different lives Edward, a rich, single business tycoon and Carter, a hand-to-mouth auto mechanic struggling to raise a large family. But despite all their differences, there were two things they both had in common: an inability to maintain meaningful emotional intimacy with the women in their lives and, now, a terminal cancer diagnosis. So, now, with time for just one more chance at happiness in their lives, the two of them decide to throw off the shackles of conformity and run off together for one last wild, romantic adventure and shot at true lo-, huh? What do you mean thats the same one you saw and Edward and Carter arent gay? Are you crazy? Maybe youre just too sheltered to pick up on the subtext, but the Edward and Carter I saw were absolutely falling in love with each other. Well of course there wasnt anything

explicit about it, thats the whole point! That portrayals of gay characters in this day and age dont need to play into antiquated stereotypes of flamboyant hairstylists or whatever, and that they need not be defined primarily by their sexuality. The fact that these were two men who had lived most of their lives in the closet, perhaps due to the stigmas of their generation, but who finally overcame their fear of societys judgment for one last chance at true love, is a triumphant story of heroic redemption. This movie would be completely ridiculous if they werent gay! You mean to tell me that you thought Carter found out he had six months to live and had the gall to tell his wife of almost half a century that he was going run off with a man he just met, with no plans to come back until he figured some things out, instead of coming home to spend any time with her because he was straight? You think that billionaire confirmed bachelor Edward found out he had six months to live and couldnt think of anything hed rather do than convince the guy hed been sharing a hospital room (as well as many secrets, during all-night conversations) with to throw caution to the wind and run away with him around the world for the rest of their lives because he was straight?? And you really mean to tell me that (*************************MAJOR SPOILER ALERT*************************) despite all the people theyd known in their lives, despite the fact that Carter had a longtime wife and several children and grandchildren, that in the end they both decide to be buried together, so that their remains can be together forever in the one romantic spot they werent able to make it to together in life (Not Carter buried with his wife, or at least in a place his family could visit. Not Edward buried with the family he tried to reconnect with along the way.) BECAUSE THEY WERE STRAIGHT???
Ray (Morgan Freeman) is an extremely well-informed automotive mechanic whos been married for 47 years to the same woman. Edward (Jack Nicholson) is a billionaire whos been married twice and has an estranged daughter. Ray and Edward meet as patients in a hospital room for two. They have practically nothing in common except a terminal cancer that will let them live six months more, a year if theyre lucky. Ray gets regular visits from his loving wife Virginia (Beverly Todd) and their four children; Edwards only visitor is his man-Friday Thomas (Sean Hayes). At first these two cancer patients do not like each other, but proximity and shared pain soon bind them together. Knowing death is just around the corner, Ray makes a secret list of things he has always wanted to do but has had no time for; Edward discovers the list, adds some of his own and entices Ray to do them all together before they kick the bucket. Shrugging off his wifes objections, Ray accepts Edwards invitation to see the world in Edwards private jet. Edward, of course, foots the bill, while his assistant Thomas makes sure everything goes smoothly. They skydive, race their dream cars, scoot through the Great Wall of China, stroll around Egypts pyramids and Indias Taj Mahal, live it up in Paris and Hongkong, brave the Himalayas, crossing off each item in their bucket list as they go along. Although the sights and the settings give The Bucket List a touristy appeal, the action and the thrills do not come in until about an hour into the film. Its real value is enveloped in the dialogue which the viewers must be attentive to if they must catch the message until it carries them away. The two lead roles (Ray and Edward) couldnt have been played better. The personalities of these two characters truly complement each other, and this fact is

enhanced by the crisp exchange of lines and the perfectly timed injection of humor in the otherwise heavy exchange. Keen direction and editing ensured that the two characters would match and equal each other word for word, close-up for close-up. Few actors could share a frame with Jack Nicholson without being eaten up by his presence, and Morgan Freeman is definitely one of them. The Bucket List is a great way to go around the world while exploring the inner depths of two men who know they have roughly 180 days to live. Before cancer claims their lives, they passionately pursue the things theyve missed; at the same time they gain clarity of vision that leads them to greater self-knowledge. The tension between the two characters together living up their last days could lead the viewer into examining their own values by asking themselves which character arouses their sympathy more. Theres Edward, not-so-subtly trying to convince Ray his lifestyle is superior; and theres Ray, also resolutely trying to talk Edward into thinking as he thinks. The film shows the transformative power of the deep friendship forged between mature persons coming from different backgrounds and social status. The price of admission becomes a wise investment for the viewer who is ultimately led to challenge himself into preparing his own bucket list. What would you do if you knew you had but six months to live? How far would you go to do that? Would you change anything about you? If so, what would that be? If not, why not?

(************************* END SPOILER ALERT*************************) Come on! Do you see how ridiculous you sound? Look, Im not saying this was a great movie. It wasnt particularly funny, a lot of scenes were predictable, and there wasnt a single exotic locale that didnt look like it was pulled out of the backdrop recycling The Bucket List is one of the best movies of 2008, and it would be cruel not to give it an Oscar award. It teaches viewers how to make the best out of any situation, even a tragic illness like brain cancer. The Bucket List features 2 of the best and most experienced actors in Hollywood (Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson), and the chemistry between the two is marvelous. Some of the recurring themes throughout the movie are living for the present (having fun in the current moment); appreciating the little things in your daily life, while not worrying about what happens in the future. The work that was put into making the movie was tremendous, and it shows during the presentation. So whether you are young or old, The Bucket List is sure to have a strong inspirational message for everyone. Jack Nicholson plays Edward Cole, a billionaire hospital owner who is recently diagnosed with cancer. Carter Chambers, played by Morgan Freeman, is a mechanic working on an average salary, also fighting with cancer. When the two are placed in the same hospital room, they do not get along. Coles crummy attitude does not mend well with Chambers wise remarks. However, after spending more time together, they learn to get along and become friends. Later on, both create a Bucket List. It is a list of things you wish to do before your death. After some convincing, Cole and Chambers leave the hospital to explore the aspects of their lives that have been missing for quite some time. This is where the plot begins to develop, and the movie enters its lighter stages. There are many things in life which we have no control over; however, we

must learn to accept them and make the best of the cards that we are dealt. When someone is struck down by a terminal illness, it is debilitating. I was recently diagnosed with Crohns disease, and after spending some time in the hospital, I learned many things that were presented in The Bucket List. Everything happens to us for a reason, intended for self improvement. It is up to us if we want to learn the lessons presented to us, or ignore them. After leaving the hospital, they begin their journey to accomplish every task on the bucket list. There are some dangerous adventures, like skydiving and crashing race cars, but Cole and Chambers dont let anything stand in the way of their goals. They have some thoughtful conversations along their journey, filled with humor throughout. The light-heartedness of the film makes it so much more enjoyable for everyone. During the accomplishment of activities on their bucket list, Cole and Chambers experience true happiness, despite their poor health. This goes to show that no obstacle, big or small, can defeat the power of the human spirit. All you need is the willpower, and nothing can stand in your way. The main conflict occurs towards the end of the movie, where the relationship between our two main characters hangs in the balance. Edward blatantly refuses to confront the biggest obstacle in his life, which strongly upsets Chambers. This conflict goes on until the end of the movie; when both characters realize their flaws, and make a great effort to improve the lives of others around them. While watching the movie, expect to feel a strong emotional pull towards the characters, as the editing, screenwriting, and music incorporation is fantastic. It was very refreshing to see such an inspirational film like The Bucket List. The movie industry needs to learn from great movies like these, and just keep it going. We deserve to see a masterpiece, and we also deserve to have a chance to better ourselves. The Bucket List is a great movie to watch when you feel that life has given you a raw deal. Why? It can completely warp your perspective, and help you cope and improve any situation. This movie will definitely be on the list of movies to show my kids. While I may be a little bit young to make a bucket list, the idea will be inside my head as a guideline to live life by. We have such little time, why not make the most of it? bin on Warner Brothers studio lot. There were a few somewhat emotional scenes, heavy on the manipulation but effective nonetheless. But none of that is whats important here. This was a landmark in the history of gay characters in entertainment, marking a time where their sexuality did not have to be their definition and where two of Hollywoods major leading men portrayed a story of romantic love together in a mainstream release. Maybe you need to go back and watch this movie a

moral lesson
Life was Good, but then Everything Started Falling Apart