You only live once, so why not go out in style? That's what two cancer- ward roommates, an irascible billionaire (Jack Nicholson) and a scholarly mechanic (Morgan Freeman), decide when they get the bad news. They compose a bucket list - things to do before you kick the bucket - and head off for the around-the-world adventure of their lives. Sky dive? Check. Power a Shelby Mustang around a racetrack? Check. Gaze at the Great Pyramid of Khufu? Check. Discover the joy in their lives before it's too late? Check!Under the nimble direction of Rob Reiner, the two great stars provide the heart and soul, wit and wiles of this inspired salute to life that proves that the best time of all is right now.
Features:
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Condition: New
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Format: DVD
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Color; Full Screen; Widescreen; NTSC
Product Details:
Actors:
Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean P. Hayes, Rob Morrow
Average Customer Review:
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70 of 73 found the following review helpful:
A Bucket, Brimming Over, of LifeJun 15, 2008
By Grady Harp Selecting a category for this very fine film results in the all-encompassing label 'mixed media', for lack of a better term. It is smart (with an excellent script by Justin Zackham), addresses some important social issues, and it has moments of touching tenderness and equal moments of very sold comedy. AND it greatly benefits from the casting of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, two consummate actors playing out a theme that is unexpectedly a solid study of friendship and love.
Carter (Morgan Freeman) narrates the story: Carter gave up his dreams for a college education and major career to support his surprise child from his wife Virginia (Beverly Todd) and has worked as a mechanic to support his own family, including his son Roger (Alfonso Freeman, Morgan's son in real life also!). After his children have all become successful, Carter is suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is hospitalized for chemotherapy, only to be placed in the same room with the wealthy and cantankerous owner of the hospital, Edward (Jack Nicholson) who also has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is also in the hospital for chemotherapy. Edward's only 'friend' (he has basically alienated the world through his behavior) is his assistant Thomas (an excellent Sean Hayes) who tends to his every need. Gradually the two disparate men grow into a friendship united by the common bond that they both must face impending death. Together they create 'the bucket list' - things they want to do before dying, and because of Edward's wealth, they leave the hospital on a worldwide adventure of skydiving, racing cars, visiting the pyramids, etc. The manner in which these two elderly men bond casts a warm glow over the film without ever touching on the maudlin risk of communication. They simply grow in their appreciation of life as they learn from each other.
Freeman and Nicholson are in peak form here and the supporting cast is very fine. But special credit must go to director Rob Reiner for giving us yet another film about humanism that would enrich the lives of anyone who takes the time to watch this very fine film. Grady Harp, June 08
34 of 36 found the following review helpful:
how DO you understand the measure of a life ???Apr 23, 2008
By Matthew G. Sherwin The Bucket List tells the sensitive and well thought-out story of two older men who are diagnosed with cancer so severe that they have six months to live--or maybe a year if they're lucky. Look for stunning performances from both Morgan Freeman as Carter Chambers and Jack Nicholson as Edward Cole. Beverly Todd also acts her heart out as Beverly Chambers, Carter's wife.
The action begins when Carter Chambers, a working class black man, and Edward Cole, super-wealthy self-made rich white guy who actually owns the hospital they're in become roommates in the oncology ward of the hospital. At first Carter and Edward don't exactly hit it off but it isn't long before they forge a friendship. When they each learn that by coincidence they have six months to a year to live, they embark on a trip to accomplish certain lifelong dreams and personal goals before they die. The list of things to do is called The Bucket List because it's a list of things to do before they "kick the bucket."
Of course, because Edward Cole is wealthy many scenes in this movie become almost miraculously possible. They travel the world by private corporate jet; and they live more in just a few weeks than most people ever do in a lifetime.
Of course, life has its ways of surprising just about any of us; so still the plot could go just about anywhere. How will Beverly, Carter's wife, react to all this? Will she understand and remain patient while Carter lives out a few lifelong dreams or will she want her husband home NOW? Will Carter and Edward be able to keep their cool when they are stranded in Asia during a monstrous snowstorm and they are not allowed to fly? What happens if one of them gets very sick along the way? What about Edward's refusal to make up with his daughter who disowned him long ago--will he ever decide to approach her or will he remain obstinate in his refusal to even meet with her? The results may surprise you. No plot spoilers here, folks--you'll just have to watch the movie to find out!
As a cancer survivor who is finishing my own chemotherapy soon, I will add that some of the side-effects of the chemotherapy they receive are exaggerated. However, I think director Rob Reiner added these elements to the film to make it somewhat more dramatic.
Overall, The Bucket List is an excellent movie; and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman turn in superlative performances that proves these guys can still act better than the vast majority of actors ever could. Beverly Todd does a great job as Carter's wife; and Sean Hayes also does well as Edward Cole's personal assistant Thomas. I highly recommend this film for fans of these terrific actors; and people comfortable with the subject matter will appreciate this motion picture as well.
11 of 11 found the following review helpful:
A Universal DVDJun 14, 2008
By Aglae de Mizrahi The Bucket List
A Universal DVD
This is a story that coveys the close relationship that develops between two utterly different men that must share the same hospital room after being both diagnosed with advanced terminal cancer. The first, Edward Cole- Jack Nicholson- is the CEO that runs the hospital and is a ruthless persona and the second is a mechanic, Carter- Morgan Freeman-, who wanted in his youth to be a history teacher but life circumstances did not allow him to do so. They share the common adversities of the infirmity and they, ant the same time, share a long trip that will tie the relationship even further.
One day, Carter starts to write a "Bucket List" containing all the things that he would like to do before he dies and Cole finds it out. Afterward, they decide to write the "Bucket List" together and start going on marvelous trips around the world and sharing precious moments and becoming the best of friends. Two utterly different persons become the closest friends ever in the last months of their lives.
What really stroke me about this DVD was that it not only applies to two terminal cancer patients: What stroke me the most is its universality. If we think a little deeper, it could apply to two or more persons sharing similar adversities- or joyfulness for that matter- and relying on each other for comfort, understanding, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences.
The performances of the two principal actors are outstanding and make you laugh and cry at different times during the performance.
Highly recommended!!!
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
Be prepared to cry... and to think.Jul 28, 2008
By Mahlers2nd
"Mom of Many Interests"
This movie made me cry so much and was so sad that it is really difficult to understand how I could recommend it so strongly.
The chemistry between Nicholson and Freeman was incredible and they played off each other beautifully. The humor was a welcome relief to the immense emotional subject matter.
This movie really made me think about what is important in life. I found several of the key themes in the movie something to think about and consider with respect to my own life. I loved the questions from the pyramids:
1. Did you find joy in your life? 2. Did you bring joy to others lives?
This movie probably isn't the one to reach for when you are in the mood for something light-hearted and funny. However, if you want to regain some perspective about what is important in life, this movie does a good job of making you think about what you want to accomplish in life -- particularly without being preachy.
18 of 21 found the following review helpful:
Worthy 'List'Jun 18, 2008
By "Rocky Raccoon"
"Hey, Doc, It's Only a Scratch!"
(3.5 *`s) You've probably seen the previews, so much elaboration isn't needed, but `Bucket List' is still a worthy journey even if the plot is laid out for you already. Sweet, sage, and funny, Rob Reiner delivers another heartwarming gem that's rejuvenating to watch.
They couldn't be more opposite. Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) is a wealthy owner of hospitals where the frills are fleeting at best. "We run hospitals, not health spas," Edward brashly tells his potential clients. "Two guests to a room, no exceptions." Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) is mild and wise. He is a mechanic at a garage supporting his family, but is an academic at heart and a trivia expert who would make Cliff Claven blush. A fellow colleague is always trying to stump him with questions from a trivia book, and Carter's favorite past time is to blurt out the answers (questions really) while watching 'Jeopardy'.
You guessed it. They both have cancer and have to share a room in one of his hospitals. Thomas* (whose real name is Matthew, but is too hard for Edward to keep track of) is his assistant. He can't have his own room because it would be bad PR not to follow his own rules. Edward does get top service by his doctor (Rob Morrow who plays a far different MD than he did on `Northern Exposure'.) The odd couple take a while to warm up to each other. Each is absorbed in his own interests, and each has foibles that would annoy anyone.
As their prospects both turn terminal, Edward comes across Carter's "bucket list". Meant to be a whimsical exercise from Carter's philosophy professor, it gets them thinking about using their precious last moments to do what they haven't done before. Edward has the money but Carter has the wisdom, so sorting out their priorities turns from a final blessing to a final battle. Carter, who always wanted to be a history professor, decides to take up Edward's offer to take a whirlwind tour of the world and discover the joys of skydiving and race car driving to name just two. ("You gonna drive it or give it a dress?" asks an impatient Edward to Carter the mechanic who would truly appreciate the opportunity.)
This is all to the chagrin of Virginia, (also Ginny)[Beverly Todd], Carter's devoted nurse wife. ("You're a fool who's figured out a way not have cancer," she chides her husband. And to Edward: "My husband is not for sale.") Carter rekindles Edward's ability to think deeply. He offers Edward the challenge that below the surface relationships and getting one's house in order really matter. It's not just about the fun.
Once they're on the road, they have several disagreements. One of the best merits of the movie is how it can transition from fun and funny to philosophical. Some may find the whole affair ponderous, but I loved the way both grapple emotionally, physically, and intellectually to the challenges that death provides. If you liked books and movies like 'Tuesdays with Morrie,' then surely 'Bucket List' should appeal to you.
We've all seen "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena" routine so often: Gramps or granny is in a hot rod, saying displaced things like "cool" and "far out." It usually is funny and offensive at the same time. This factor couldn't be more remote from the film. There's never a bitter aftertaste when watching the elderly men doing young things. It's all done thoughtfully and tastefully. The dialogue is excellent. The jokes are funny; the questions posed are interesting, but without the dead ends, for they provide some thoughtful answers as well.
Watching this film reminds me that watching a three-and-a-half-star film can sometimes be more rewarding than watching a full five-star film. In the end, 'The Bucket List' is a feel good movie with some substance that should be put on your movie "list".
(*Sean Hayes whom I recognized, but didn't figure out 'til late to be the 'Will and Grace' star in a far different role.)
based on 335 reviews
( 335 customer reviews )
