The Bucket List -- A Review

Cheryl and I saw The Bucket List this afternoon. Here's my recommendation -- see it and see it soon. It is simply an outstanding film. As we preachers might say, "it preaches."

Starring two of America's great film actors, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, this is the story of an improbable friendship between a white billionaire hospital magnate and a black mechanic who is so well read that he knows simply everything -- he'd leave Jeopardy's Ken Jennings in the dust. They meet in a hospital room -- in the hospital Nicholson's character owns.

The Bucket List is simply a list of the 10 Things you would want to do before you kick the bucket. Freeman's character -- Carter Chambers -- begins writing one as he contemplates his future from his hospital bed. Nicholson's character -- Edward Cole -- bites and uses his money to help them do the things they'd dreamed of doing. It is the ultimate buddy movie, that will bring both laughter and tears.

At one point in the movie, Carter turns to Edward -- their on ruins overlooking the Great Pyramid -- and he says to Edward, the Egyptians have a wonderful view of death -- when you get to the gates of heaven you're asked two questions:

1. Have you experienced Joy in your life?

2. Have you caused another person to experience joy in their lives?

The answer to both questions is answered by the movie. There is more to it than this, but you need to see it and I don't want to spoil the movie.

As for the actors, they are well suited to play together. Nicholson plays his typical maniacal crazy character and Freeman, the calm and dignified one.

There are a couple of points taken from the movie:

1. Live life fully!

2. Take joy in the things around you!

3. Develop deep friendships -- even if they are only for a short duration.

4. Bring joy to the lives of others.

5. Love comes in many forms!