Bucket List
By MovieCritic on 01-18-2008
This story crosses two familiar genres to relative success -- the "buddy film" (too many examples to list!) and the "eat, drink, and be merry 'cuz the prognosis isn't good" theme of movies like Last Holiday (made in 1950 starring Sir Alec Guinness and remade in 2006 starring Queen Latifah.) First and foremost, it's a story of a quest (Idealist-friendly.) the focus on family relationships provides Guardian appeal. It is low on thrills and effects, so perhaps not as interesting to either Rationals or Artisans.
Two men, one wealthy executive Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson), the other mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) share a hospital room during their treatments for cancer. Both men get word that their chemotherapy has been unsuccessful. Each is expected to live about six months. The hedonistic Cole suggests that they band together for some real-life experiences that give some teeth to the philosophically minded Carter's list of abstract goals to pursue before "kicking the bucket." Examples: "See something majestic." vs. "Go skydiving."It is fitting that much of the action takes place in cars and airplanes; the primary purpose of this film is to be a vehicle for its two "senior statesman" lead actors. Happily, the chemistry between them works well enough that they give a pleasurable ride, even though the script has some weak points. Movie buffs will enjoy the allusions not just to the actors' familiar personae, but to previous roles: In the opening shot, we see a lone figure on a landscape of snow and ice and hear Morgan Freeman's paternal voice over ala his role in the American release of March of the Penguins. When Jack Nicholson's character's expressive face twitches in anger at his subordinates while he's undergoing brain surgery, he evokes the memory of his turn as Randall McMurphy on the electroshock table in One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest.
The weaker stuff: First, some of the attempts at slapstick come across as gross. A long segment before the bucket list is introduced includes Cole pratfalling into the space between a hospital bed and a gurney and retching up an expensive meal of prosciutto, mozzarella, and tomato after his first chemo treatment. Second, minor characters are relatively flat. Cole's assistant Thomas (Sean Hayes) might have been written for more of the expected humor of the long-suffering assistant, or he might have been given a richer, more surprising role. This film takes neither route, Hayes seems barely there most of the time. Similarly, Cole's wife and family are neither developed uniquely or mined for the easy stereotypes of the supportive family worried about Dad.
Verdict: In this reviewer's opinion, doesn't deserve some of the more negative reviews its received.
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Posted by JudyS on Jan 20, 2008
Went and saw it last night. Nicholson and Freeman are very good, as I expected - they are strong actors on their own, and even better working together. While the plot is somewhat predictable, there are enough small twists to keep it interesting and the viewer involved and caring. By the end there were more than a few hankies in use in the audience. I heard many in the audience commenting to each other "that was a very good movie", and I would agree. I would rate it a 4 out of 5. |
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Posted by Fer on Feb 6, 2008
I went to see it with my husband the Guardian. We both liked it very much. I was mermerized by the development of such a rich relationship (each side had so much to give to the other), and my husband, though he doesn't talk much, said "we hadn't seen a good movie together for a while, had we?". That in his own private language means he REALLY liked it. :) |
I like both Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, so I think I will check this one out, even though the slapstick you describe above sounds pretty juvenile.