There is no hole in my bucket...

''You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you.''

Two terminally ill men escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die.

Jack Nicholson: Edward Cole

Morgan Freeman: Carter Chambers

The Bucket List is certainly a sentimental favourite that as a viewer touches your emotions and has you hoping for the equation of a bond of friendship in the concluded proceedings, even though the film is funny and somewhat unrealistic and unbelievable. The performances from Jack and Morgan as expected are effortlessly executed, and I personally like Rob Reiner's means of showing how an unlikely and odd companionship develops between two guys on their way out of this life by doing activities they've always wanted to do. The Bucket List in many respects is a real life fairy tale that most ordinary folks would dream about before they die, yet the character types played by Nicholson and Freeman make it what it is.

Edward Cole (Nicholson) is an incredibly wealthy hospital owner who firmly believes that he's running infirmaries instead of health spas, and therefore demands that each room contain two beds and two patients. When a twist of fate lands him in his own hospital, he's stuck sharing a room with Carter Chambers (Freeman). Both men are dying of cancer, and the doctors give each of them only a few months left to live. The two slowly but surely realize how much they enjoy each other's company, so when Carter begins writing a bucket list, Jack prompts him to see it through. The Bucket List is a list of all the things both Edward and Carter would like to accomplish in their remaining months (before they literally kick the bucket) and with Cole's wealth, the two end up touring the world, skydiving and race-car driving. As their list of goals begins to come to an end, they realize how much they've truly lived just in the last few months alone, and how much their short friendship has impacted the fading remnants of their lives.

''We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round.''

Jack Nicholson's performance is excellent as the curmudgeonly Ebenezer character that receives a change of heart and a change of view with Carter's friendship. Little character development is necessary as we have come to recognize Jack's style over the years. We're already familiar with his character and relate to him in much the same way we feel about all of his recent projects. He's attained a level of recognition that allows us to acknowledge him simply as Jack. Regardless of his role, he's still Jack, and he doesn't disappoint.
The same can be said for Morgan Freeman who continues to play roles that accentuate his knack for worldly, wise and good-natured characters that can make us laugh and cry from moment to moment. Rarely do we see two actors work so well together? this odd couple appears to have been destined for these roles. The chemistry between these veterans is pleasantly refreshing, and because of it, The Bucket List is one of the most entertaining films of the year.

Another aspect, which is a great credit to screenwriter Justin Zackham, is the dialogue, which is continually hilarious even while it borders on heartbreaking. Sarcasm and cynicism are proudly worn by Jack, and the conversations conducted between the two are far from dull, although they do have their moments when a yawn is not far away.
Meaningful, affecting and downright funny, the script seems amazingly well paced and flows more naturally yet the transition from start to end seems to be a series of stops and starts in areas.

''I'm proud of you.''

''Nobody cares what you think.''

Nearly everything is likable about The Bucket List, except the tone of the film, which many awards voters and critics may feel is too repetitious of late. The film is uplifting and heartwarming, and while the conclusion strives for unpredictability, comparisons may be drawn to similarly crafted works. Driving Miss Daisy and As Good as it Gets are immediately brought to mind, especially because these include the same actors, although the morals of A Christmas Carol and It's A Wonderful Life are clearly beneath the surface of this feel-good comedy.

Most importantly, aside from the journey and discovery of friendship and caring by travel and adventure a special bond is formed. Each has learned before they meet the end they have made each a better person that cares they both found what's important in life through one another. The Bucket List isn't really a tear inducer, yet it's a 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. Finally this film is made even better by the performances of the two veteran legends Nicholson and Freeman. I highly recommend anyone view The Bucket List.

''The simplest thing is... I loved him. And I miss him. Carter and I saw the world together. Which is amazing... When you think that only three months ago, we were complete strangers! I hope that it doesn't sound selfish of me but... the last months of his life were the best months of mine. He saved my life... And he knew it before I did.''

7/10