The Bucket List

Plot synopsis:
Two 70-year-old men, blue-collar mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman) and billionaire hospital magnate Edward Cole (Nicholson) meet for the first time in the hospital after both have been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Although Edward is reluctant to share a room with Carter, complaining that he "looks half-dead already", they become friends as they undergo their respective treatments.
Carter is a gifted amateur historian and family man who had wanted to become a history professor in his youth, had been "black, broke, [and with a] baby on the way" and, thus, never rose above his status as a mechanic at the McCreath body shop. Carter loves sharing his knowledge and his favorite show is Jeopardy!. Edward is a four-time divorced health-care tycoon and cultured loner who enjoys nothing more than tormenting his personal valet/servant, Thomas (Hayes), who later reveals his name is actually Matthew. Edward prefers to call him Thomas because he finds the name Matthew "too biblical". Edward enjoys drinking Kopi Luwak, one of the most expensive coffees in the world.
During their time in the ward, both Carter and Edward seem to find common ground as they have intellectual personalities. Carter begins writing a "bucket list", or things to do before he "kicks the bucket". After hearing he has less than a year, Carter discards the list. Edward finds it the next morning and urges Carter to do everything on the list (and adds more things to do), and offers to finance the trip for both of them. Carter agrees and despite the protests of his wife, Virginia (Todd), Edward and Carter begin their around-the-world vacation. They go skydiving together, drive a Shelby Mustang, fly over the North Pole, eat dinner at Chevre d'or in France, visit and praise the beauty and history of Taj Mahal, India, ride motorcycles on the Great Wall of China, attend a lion safari in Tanzania and visit the base of Mt. Everest in Nepal (which was unfortunately shrouded in cloud).
Atop the Great Pyramid, looking out over the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, they confide about faith and family, revealing that Carter has long been feeling less in love with his wife and that Edward is deeply hurt by his estrangement from his only daughter, who disowned him after he drove away her abusive husband. In Hong Kong, Edward hires a prostitute named Angelica (King) for Carter, who has never been with any woman but his wife. Carter declines and realizing that he loves his wife, asks to return home.
On the drive back, Carter reciprocates by trying to reunite Edward with his daughter. Believing it as a breach of trust, Edward angrily storms off. Carter returns home to his wife, children and grandchildren where they have a nice family dinner telling stories and sharing jokes while a frustrated Edward stays home eating frozen dinners alone. The family reunion is short-lived. While preparing for a romantic interlude, Carter suffers a seizure and is rushed to the hospital, with the cancer having spread to his brain.
Edward, who is now in remission, visits him and they share a few moments, wherein Carter reveals with great amusement how Edward's Kopi Luwak coffee is grown in Sumatra and then fed to and defecated by a jungle cat before being harvested because of the special aroma of the gastric juices. Carter crosses off "laugh till I cry" from his bucket list and insists Edward finish the list without him. Carter goes into surgery, but the procedure is unsuccessful and he dies on the operating table.
As news of Carter's death is given to his wife and family, Edward finally attempts to reconcile with his daughter. She accepts him back into her life and introduces him to the granddaughter he never knew he had. After greeting the little girl with a kiss on the cheek, Edward crosses "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world" off the list. Edward delivers a eulogy at the funeral, explaining that he and Carter had been complete strangers, but the last three months of Carter's life were the best three months of his. He crosses off "help a complete stranger for the good" from the list.
The epilogue reveals that Edward lived until age 81 and his ashes were then taken to the summit of an unnamed peak in the Himalayas by his assistant Matthew. As Matthew places a Chock full o'Nuts coffee can alongside another can, he crosses off the last item on the bucket list ("witness something truly majestic") and places it between the cans. Carter's narration reveals the two cans contain their ashes and that Edward would have loved this, because he was "buried on the mountain and that was against the law".

Tags: romantic, comedy, philosophical, boring

Review:
And therein lies the skill of director Rob Reiner, who makes sure Jack doesn't kill the lines with bluster and Morgan doesn't drown them in vocal sweetness.Edward (Nicholson) and Carter (Freeman) meet in hospital where they have been given less than a year to live because of cancer.
Although Justin Zachman's script is overall weak given the actors' worth, there are lines that save it all from mediocrity: As Edward the cynic says, "We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round." As Carter the humanist says, "You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you." The two philosophies, fate and love, caress in a slow dance to recognition of life's true value.The Bucket List is not half as sappy as I sound so far; it is a sober rendering of life's lessons at the end by two different men who find their common humanity..
Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman were truly amazing together - it's a film about cancer, and yet the two were able to balance the comedy and the drama of the script in such the perfect way that the audience loved every moment of the movie.
The performances from Jack and Morgan as expected are top notch, and I personally like Rob Reiner's direction of showing how an unlikely and odd friendship develops between two guys on their way out of life by doing the things they've always wanted.
The "Bucket List" in many respects is a good happy fairy tale that most ordinary folks would dream about before they die, yet the character types played by Nicholson and Freeman make it so believable.Jack Nicholson is billionaire hospital CEO administrator Edward Cole who as a grumpy and aging four time divorced playboy finds he has terminal cancer.
"The Bucket List" isn't really a tear jerker, yet it's story of two terminal cancer patients provides the need for compassion as the viewer feels pain during the early scenes and you are certainly touched by the way the characters emotions grow by friendship you as the viewer feel your emotions have taken a good friendship journey.
I was glad to catch this movie before it's release date here in Canada, so I know to tell all my friends and family, and anyone I can possibly reach to go see this movie.Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman put on a terrific performance, playing two cancer patients who only have a year to live.
But instead the Bucket List is unique because it wasn't that completing this list made their last year worth living, it was the fact that the writers focused on the chemistry of these two men and how their friendship increased while completing this list.The witty dialog, the brilliant writing and the great performance really made this movie a post-Christmas treat.9/10.
we've all seen movies about people who find out they only have some time left and make a list of things to do before dying (Isabel Coixet's "My Life Without Me", with Sarah Polley, is my favourite of them), and "The Bucket List" is not original or innovative at all, but Nicholson and Freeman alone make it worth seeing.
I must say that watching this film was certainly a joy I was told that this was a must-see and i wasn't disappointed.Morgan Freeman and jack Nicholson put on a great performance and made the film great.Besides this, i think that the storyline is certainly well-developed and had a strong hold on me.The only downer i cold point out would be the depressing beginning but that's about it!
Mechanic Carter Chambers and hospital magnate Edward Cole meet each other in a hospital.They both have a terminal lung cancer.But instead of giving up, just waiting to die on a hospital bed, they decide to go on a journey.They make a list of things to do and places to go before kicking the bucket.The Bucket List (2007) is a comedy drama film directed by Rob Reiner.One of the reasons this movie rises from mediocrity to something better is the main actors, Morgan Freeman (Carter) and Jack Nicholson (Edward).They're both born in 1937 and they really know their game.Sean Hayes plays Edward's valet/servant Thomas.Beverly Thomas is Carter's wife Virginia.Alfonso Freeman (Morgan's real son) plays Roger.Rob Morrow is the doc, Dr.Hollins.This can be quite funny from time to time.I especially enjoyed how Carter kept giving answers to questions on Jeopardy while having a serious conversation.And the whole Kopi Luwak business is quite amusing.Also the drama works in this movie.The Bucket List doesn't make dying such a serious matter.Or at least you can make the best of it..
It's said that knowing the day of death makes one liberal from all those chains and bonds and probably it shows a clear path to go with what you really want in your life, you are bought to this world with no intentions but in the course of life you gradually ''try'' to find a way of happiness just like the calf finding for the hay.2007's 'The Bucket List' has that ''feel better'' stuff and the concept of Hope that always keep you alive and young, this movie is about a genius mechanic and the insane lonely business tycoon who are diagnosed with the cancer and decide to pursue in fulfilling their ''Bucket list'', they both get into some really crazy stuffs like skydiving, African Safari, racing cars, riding on the China wall and reaching the Himalayan summit with only intention to have their life fulfilled with joy and sense of content, both help each other to make feel better and lead their way in making their living meaningful, ''one day your life will flash before your eyes.
Make sure it's worth watching'' this single quote from this movie summarizes the entire story.The movie takes you in its narrative pattern and helps in getting along with the character and their feelings all through the story, its Jack Nicholson an actual super star of his kind who truly grab your attention with his ''go free'' kind of role and Morgan Freeman as usual portray his typical classic way of performance, this work is something different from the traditional movie making style and try to convey the valuable message for the life, it's the journey of discovering oneself..
It's easy to to have the former I suppose, and easily quantifiable goals such as travel the world and the likes, but I'm beginning to appreciate the meaningfulness of making a difference in the lives of others, especially so since I think I haven't done anything in that respect.Two of Hollywood's veteran actors, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, team up as two unlikely characters turned friends when they find themselves holed up in the same hospital room seeking treatment for their terminal illness.
It's not a movie you should go see in the cinema's, but watch it at home on a rainy Sunday afternoon.Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are both outstanding actors who showed an amazing chemistry together and it seemed like they were best friends even before the movie was shot.This movie made me laugh, smile, cry and think A LOT...Go rent it !.
"The Bucket List" - a movie wherein two protagonists i.e Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, when meet in a hospital owned by one of them and other being a terminal patient become friends in their last lap of life.
Finding Joy. In Rob Reiner's "The Bucket List" Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson play virtually "in position".
Yep who knew an idea about two men about to die can be so enjoyable and uplifting?The Bucket List worked on only one thing: The chemistry between Edward and Carter (of course played by Nicholson and Freeman).Both are as different as oil and water : Edward is well-off,flamboyant yet stubborn while Carter is more quiet,intelligent and philosophical.Yet they meet one day in the same hospital room,both suffering from a terminal disease with only little time left.So they end up hating each other,then taking a liking and a mutual understanding for each other.Then came the Bucket List,something Carter made up,things they have always wanted to do and Edward with all his wealth left behind,convinces Carter (and his reluctant wife) to go and pursue those unfinished dreams..And you name it,they do it : Skydiving,traveling around the world in a private jet,patching up thing with estranged loved ones.
All that before they,well,kick the bucket.So it might not be realistic at parts,like traveling lavishly,but this is such a feel good film,it doesn't come off as corny or cheesy in parts and instead what it did to me was that I ended up smiling by the end of the movie,and that dosen't happen very often.Nicholson is hilarious with his one-liners and and his familiar stubbornness that we've proceed to experience over the years.We've seen him in similar roles before,yet he has the power to charm the audience every damn movie.Morgan Freeman,like Nicholson,we've seen him in similar roles but the powerful persona he brings to the screen about a quiet,loving,intelligent man about to die is a treat.Yes,its not a flawless film,nothing much of a script,yet its a great film,which fills you up with emotions during every scene and I'm very glad I saw it.And if you happen to be reading this,do see it too,you just might end up loving it just like I did...
He's had a slump as a director for what seems like the better part of fifteen years (oddly enough the last time the co-lead of this film, Jack Nicholson, appeared veraciously in A Few Good Men, was then) when before that he had one of the strongest careers of any Hollywood director.
This goes without saying Zackham doesn't reveal too much about Edward until late in the game, and only provides enough in the meantime for Jack to be "Jack" that we all know and love- perhaps, sad to say, too much so- while Freeman plays it touchingly, making the most out of a more well-rounded character with a few very good scenes (i.e. him at the bar in China).It should be way too schmaltzy to recommend, and if you do want the kind of studio movie-making that tries its absolute hardest to tug ever so hard at your heartstrings The Bucket List it certainly is that.
Rob Reiner, the director of Sleepless in Seattle brings forth this warm and tender film, The Bucket List starring Academy Award winners Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
The plot was at times predictable but simple with Nicholson as Edward and Freeman as Carter who are both cancer patients sharing a ward,and decide to make a bucket list {a list of things they would like to do in their life} and aim to complete it before they die.What i liked about this film is how the cynical minded Nicholson in this movie works with an optimistic freeman to give this film more emotion and humor.
While this movie certainly offers up its humorous scenarios, it's mainly a very heart-tugging buddy film featuring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman as two very different men who get diagnosed with cancer at the same time and are placed in the same hospital room together.
Prior to watching "The Bucket List", I had doubts as to whether or not I would like it: Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are both really good actors, while Rob Reiner has directed good and not so good movies.
Jack Nicholson always knows how to project just the right amount of sarcasm to make his role a cool one.OK, so maybe it is becoming a cliché to have Morgan Freeman narrate movies, but this one does a good job showing how both his character and Nicholson's use the trip to eventually make peace with their families.
Among other things, I could relate to the scenes where Freeman watches "Jeopardy!"; I also like to shout out the answers as I watch it.Overall, I would say that this is not a great movie - far from the best film of Nicholson, Freeman or Reiner - but that it goes to show that all three still have what it takes to create a worthwhile piece of cinema.
The Bucket List is one of the best films I have seen in years, who is directed by Rob Reiner and starts the incredible and unforgettable cast Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
The Bucket List is about two men, who are two completely different people with two different jobs and life styles, who find out they have cancer and get placed into the same hospital room and decide to make a 'Bucket List' of things they want to do before they kick-the-bucket.The film's story definitely relates to real life and what dying cancer patients go through and think what will happen what will happen to them when they die.
Nicholson gives one of his best performances in this movie since "The Shining", "As Good As It Gets", and "Five Easy Pieces." Not to mention Morgan Freeman who did an outstanding job since "Million Dollar Baby".Even though the film tackles on a depressing and true life subject, screenwriter Justin Zackham gives us great dialouge from each character, making you laugh hysterical and make you want to cry.
One of the reasons to watch this movie is that there are two great stars who play in it, Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson.
"There was a survey once, a thousand people asked, 'If they could know in advance, would they want to know the exact day of their death?'96% said no." This is the core base of this film as the two main characters find themselves pushed into the other 4%.These two characters are billionaire tycoon Edward Cole (played by Jack Nicholson) and car mechanic Carter Chambers (played by Morgan Freeman) that are both terminally ill with cancer, have both been given less than a year to live, and find themselves sharing the same hospital room.
There are plenty of "how could" (especially the fact that a billionaire would share a common hospital room in the first place) but to enjoy this film you have to take everything as it is presented.The once thing that did upset me was the portrayal of Carter's wife as the nagging wife who only naturally would be devastated finding out your husband is leaving on a world tour just after hearing the news that he will only be around for about a year longer.Still, this is one of those films that despite the poor production quality (it is really poor when the pyramids look like fake back-drops in our CGI-obsessed world) the performances by two of Hollywood's most veteran actors (both Oscar winners) make The Bucket List something you might want to add to your list of movies seen..
Don't get me wrong there were a lot of funny parts, but as mentioned above I was HeartwarmedThis isn't a movie Just for women, I would recommend this to couples looking for an Entertaining evening.Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman both Outstanding actors had amazing chemistry together and it seemed like they were Best Friends LONG before the filming of this movie commenced.Morgan Freeman made a remark in the film "We were supposed to write down things we wished to achieve before we kicked the bucket, and i wrote things like Earn a Million Dollars and Be The First Black President." I thought this line was Ironic Because he clearly has earned 1 Million Dollars and he was a black President in Deep Impact..
The second is that they don't seem to care about anything but themselves, not worrying about friends or loved ones who may be concerned about them.The two men at the center of the story are played by a pair of great actors, namely Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
Of course, when you have two of the best actors in today's world, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, I figured it would be worth seeing.Am I recommending this movie?
"...and another bucket list item bites the dust...(Laugh until You Cry...)Of course I have no idea how much make-up or pre-filming character work Nicholson did to 'get ready to look sick', but I must say 'it was a little 'startling' to see him and all his 'few extra pounds'...Maybe its been longer than I realize since 'The Departed' was filmed???...but he sure has changed in look since playing the part of Harry Sanborn in 2003's Something's Gotta Give...really a dramatic difference in appearance."95% of the people are always wrong"...there's another (sorrowfully truthful, however) remark that'll make this a treasure trove of quotes that you can use for about any situation...Heck you'll look like the fastest car in the garage whipping out smartarse remarks like a I just hope those were POS 'junk cars' they were smashing-up on the track...there's some things you just shouldn't do...regardless of the budget!" Our lives are streams flowing into the same river towards whatever heaven lies in the mist beyond the falls...Find the joy in your life ________________."P.S...This is definitely one of the movies that may be even more enjoyable at home...versus the theater...So you can take your time and really enjoy the dialogue between these two, not to mention the scenery..
The two great actors that they are, Morgan Freeman & Jack Nicholson inject subtle warmth to their dying screen-selves that makes them at once likable and identifiable.The Bucket List may not make you look back at your own life, but it may inspire you to do the things you always wanted to.
Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play terminally-ill men who get a chance to enjoy themselves before they "kick the bucket".
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.
Sad, Sad. Bucket List, The (2007) * 1/2 (out of 4) Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman learn that they're both going to die of cancer so they set out on a trip to see and do everything they've wanted to in life.