The Bucket List (2007)

	Directed by: Rob Reiner	COUNTRY USA GENRE Drama/Comedy NORWEGIAN TITLE Nå eller aldri RUNNING TIME 97 minutes
	Produced by: Alan Greisman Neil Meron Rob Reiner Craig Zadan
	Written by: Justin Zackman

Cast includes:
CHARACTER	ACTOR/ACTRESS	RATING
Edward Cole	Jack Nicholson
Carter Chambers	Morgan Freeman	½
Thomas	Sean Hayes	½
Virginia Chambers	Beverly Todd	½
Dr. Hollins	Rob Morrow
Roger Chambers	Alfonso Freeman
Angelica	Rowena King

Review

I guess we have now reached the stage where the appearance of Morgan Freeman's voiceover at the start of a film is just as likely to be an omen as a hallmark. In Rob Reiner's The Bucket List it doesn't turn out half as bad as it could. Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson obviously enjoy each other's company (although it seems the former has a bit too much respect for the latter) in this lighthearted comedy about two terminally ill men about 70-ish who decide to use their remaining time on the planet to do things they hadn't gotten around to until now. So they parachute off a plane, race Shelbys at a racing track, and travel around the world – crossing off the items on their "bucket list" as they complete the tasks.

Rob Reiner has never been the subtlest of directors, which he's probably aware of himself. And for that reason, The Bucket List never tries too hard to deal with the graver aspects of its subject matter. This is a joyous film, first and foremost meant to encourage – in any way it can. And it manages to do so in a dignified manner, without pretending to make the most profound statements. That doesn't mean that Reiner eludes discussions of death or disease, but it means that he wants to focus on life and what it might bring as long as we have it. My father, who was also a cancer victim, largely subscribed to that way of thinking.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman both tread familiar waters with their performances, and although they are still a joy to watch, the acting department is not necessarily The Bucket List's best asset. They both have their moments, and Nicholson is great in some crucial scenes, but the chemistry between the two veterans won't send them to the top of buddy movie lists. Then again, this was never meant to be a list-topper, but rather a little glimpse of light and whiff of warmth – familiar and enjoyable Rob Reiner territory.