| The Bucket List (2007) |
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| Written by Daniel Cann | |
| Thursday, 22 January 2009 | |
 This sees the pairing of corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) when they meet at a hospital room whilst receiving chemotherapy. Both men are approaching the end of their lives and with this grim knowledge form an unlikely friendship. As the two get to know each other they draw up a list of all the things they wish to see and do before the final curtain comes down, ‘The Bucket List’ of the films title.
The action follows the odd couple as they embark on the experience of a lifetime. Despite the sober reality facing the men the film sparkles with witty dialogue and Nicholson and Freeman have great chemistry together. Their camaraderie and shared gallows humour is convincing. Although it is an unlikely friendship the circumstances shared bring them together and it is enjoyable to see both of them up to comic antics as they sky dive, race cars and travel around the world in a celebration of life. Some of it is a little clichéd and it’s a familiar story on a path well trodden, but brought off to great comic effect here. Despite being a little uneven midway I thoroughly enjoyed their exploits and found myself laughing out loud several times. The film avoids the major pitfall of being overly sentimental or sugary thanks to the two strong central performances. This will please anyone who feels life is getting a little too dull and puts everything into perspective. I know I probably sound like the producers press agent as I say this, but I could not help but like this film. It will tickle your funny bone as well as tug at your heart strings as it races on to its conclusion. It is a poignant, funny and moving film that will strike a chord with people of all ages. Go and see it! |
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