Sunday, June 15, 2008

Amused

The Bucket List (2007)


Director: Rob Reiner

MPAA Rating: PG-13

with Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman and Sean Hayes

Corprate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) have nothing in common except for their terminal illnesses. While sharing a hospital room together, they decide to leave it and do all the things they have ever wanted to do before they die according to their bucket list. In the process, both of them heal each other, become unlikely friends, and ultimately find the joy in life.

The Bucket List is a quite charming movie where both Freeman and Nicholson get to show what they are made of. The characters are solid, the plot is engaging, and the overall tone is good. It is a story about regaining lost potential, and sucking the marrow out of life - not just for yourself, but for those around you. It handles the drama of life, death, personal crisis and fulfillment in unique way. The first act is a bit slow, but when the characters have established the motive for the film it picks up. The topic of faith is also brought up, and even though we do not see a transformed attitude in that area, faith is not ridiculed or undermined. Not a small feat for a secular Hollywood production. Set the foul language aside, the movie is worth while the watch.

Knudegaard Rating:
7 out of 10

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