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nicholson & freeman kick it

Two old guys, Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman), are from radically different backgrounds, but both are terminally ill and sharing a hospital room. Edward Cole is the billionaire owner of the hospital and Carter is a car mechanic who wanted to be a history teacher. Carter used his knowledge of history to watch and play Jeopardy on TV. The two have nothing in common but the cancer ravaging their bodies. However, they become friends and formed the basis for a buddy road picture with enough gushing sentimentality to dry up all the tears in Los Angeles.
The two curmudgeonly geezers escaped from the hospital to fulfill a list of things that they wanted to do before dying, called the Bucket List. Thus begins Carter and Edward’s journey into the unknown. Yes, it’s a lame premise for a movie, however the casting saved this Rob Reiner film from the dumper with funny lines and skillful characterizations by Nicholson and Freeman.
Although Edward is a typical filthy rich megalomaniac, he has likable qualities. Having terminal illnesses has bonded these characters in their struggle against the awful side-effects of chemotherapy and their fear of impending death. Edward has only an estranged daughter, but Carter’s family is close. His grown up offspring have done well for themselves. Carter first introduces the Bucket List as a philosophical exercise from his youth. Edward sees it as a chance to get away and have an adventure of a lifetime before they kick the bucket.
The two unlikely buddies take off on their wild adventure with Edward paying the tab. Carter’s wife is very unhappy that he has gone off with this stranger on a trip that could kill him. But at this point, neither man has anything to lose. Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) is a cast standout as Edward’s personal assistant. He gets some of the funniest lines in the script and he has clever comebacks for Edward’s snide remarks to him.
Carter is introduced to a lavish lifestyle beyond his wildest dreams. The two men travel on Edward’s private jet and stay at the most exclusive hotels and resorts. They travel to the South of France, South Africa, the Pyramids, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Himalayas, and Hong Kong. Clearly director Reiner skimped on the travel segments using interior sets more than exotic outdoor locales. But, the dialogue is well written and funny so viewers will not miss extended outdoor shots.
This globetrotting adventure doesn’t really cheer up the two dying men. Carter has a loving wife to go back to, but Edward is alone with all his money, which, at this stage of his life, is meaningless. As in all movies released during the holidays, the message is that family trumps all. And adventure is especially inappropriate for two terminally ill older men. Still, they got out of the hospital, which was killing them faster than their cancer. The trip made them see what was important. For Edward, his friendship with Carter meant more to him than all his wealth.
Eventually, Edward makes peace with his daughter for the sake of his grandchild. He and Carter have fond memories of their great adventure, but the love of family brought them strength to face the end of their earth journey. Screenwriter Justin Zackahm’s script goes for the emotional jugular, and although I knew this, I could feel myself tearing up. He knew what buttons to push.
All things considered, The Bucket List is a better-than-average holiday movie with two very appealing and funny actors doing their shtick with Rob Reiner at the helm.