So? What would you do?

What would you do if you knew you were going to die within the next few months? You could make a list of all the people you hoped to meet in heaven. You might make a list of financial responsibilities to complete but if you were fortunate, and still had moderately good health, you might make a list of places to go, people to see, and challenges to overcome. You could hope to die with your eyes closed and your heart open. The term Bucket List will now and forever mean a compilation of "to dos" for the terminally ill and making the absolute most out of your last days. It all began in the garage with "you really are sick."

Rob Reiner's movie The Bucket List was not the best movie for me to watch at this time and when it ended, somewhere between sobs, I asked Mr. Pestyside what he thought would be on our blond lab's bucket list. My strings were pulled (but all of our strings were pulled since we all know someone who has died from cancer), my buttons were pushed and this feel good/feel bad movie has quickly become a classic in the genre of good natured fatal illness and death movies.

Reiner brings together two of the professions best actors, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, and I would consider any film with this combination worth watching. They definitely make it a worthwhile experience and their performances in this comedy/drama had me laughing more than sobbing. Everyone knows the plot. Financially wealthy Edward Cole (Nicholson) meets life wealthy Carter Chambers (Freeman) in the hospital where they are both discovering the status of their cancers, they are both terminally ill. It was an "auspicious meeting" with Cole throwing tantrums. After a treacherous round with chemotherapy and some frustratingly boring days/months in the hospital, these two opposites begin to form a friendship.

The hospital is one of Cole's holdings and he's forced to share a room with another patient, he has to since he always says "I run hospitals, not health spas, two beds to a room, no exceptions". His roommate is some type of genius who remembers everything and is an amazing trivia whiz. The two men are polar opposites. Cole is the loner who chases women, he is self-centered and spoiled, and has an assistant (Thomas played by Sean Hayes of Will and Grace) who becomes the trusted caretaker for both men as they embark on their road trip. Chambers seems quite comfortable in his own skin, he's a history genius who remembers everything, has a loving family and a beautiful wife (Beverly Todd). Eventually the two begin to talk and share experiences (throwing up after chemo, sweating following treatments) and Cole becomes impressed by not only Chambers' life and knowledge but his character.

They both learn within the same few days about the status of their conditions-they are both devastated. Chambers begins to create a modest list of goals, last goals that are simple. His roommate finds the list wadded up on the floor and takes a look and begins to add to the list. Tempting Chambers into thinking bigger he adds his own copious resources ("How much money do you have?") and the two escape from the oncology unit and head off to complete their lists.

Self-discovery and coming of age can happen at many different stages of our lives. This beautifully done, moving, somewhat predictable movie of two men will touch all but the most cynical hearts. The unlikely friendship formed from common experiences and mutual respect warmed my heart. It also transformed both men.

When they escape they immediately proceed to seek challenges and feats loaded with phobias (sky diving). Their road trip goes far beyond Carter's initial modest list.

The Bucket List is full of subtle fighting-for-life humor. Thomas, the always attentive trusted caretaker, verbally abused but loved, assistant provides continuity as well as delightfully dry wit and observations. I was very impressed by his contributions.

Carter: "Is it Tommy or Thomas?"
Thomas: "It's Matthew, actually. He thought that was too biblical.
Carter: Is he insane?
Thomas: Depends"

OK, so maybe you had to be there, but I was and inspite of everything, I laughed.

After all of these years as an actor Jack Nicholson has to do something remarkable to overcome some of his earlier movie personalities and classic on-screen moments. He doesn't overcome them in this, he is Jack Nicholson complete with hobnobbing with celebrities but also he has a "shining" moment. Fortunately he fits the character of Edward Cole. Morgan Freeman's performance balanced perfectly against Nicholson's. Their friendship became believable. The story appealed, perhaps because at my age I can relate to the aging body process with pieces and parts failing, perhaps because my beloved dog is going through this, or perhaps because I would love a fantasy road trip like this as well as a friendship similar to what these two form.

Rob Reiner's The Bucket List, from start to finish, was funny, heartwarming, brilliant, delightful, and enjoyable and had me laughing more than crying at a time when crying is all too easy. This offered three stellar performances from Nicholson, Freeman and Hayes, it was definitely a good use of their talents. I braced myself for a difficult ending knowing I really don't like movies that intentionally push and pull on your emotions, but.... Yes, it has a difficult and predictable conclusion, but the packaging was touching, unpredictable and highly entertaining.


Details
Rating: PG-13
Runtime: 97 minutes
Release Date: January 11, 2008
Director: Rob Reiner
Carter Chambers: Morgan Freeman
Edward Cole: Jack Nicholson
Thomas: Sean Hayes
Virginia Chambers: Beverly Todd
Dr. Hollins: Rob Morrow


Trivia: Morgan Freeman's real life son, Alfonso Freeman, plays his son in the movie.