'The Bucket List' saved by Nicholson, Freeman but barely Two of Hollywood's most well-respected and recognized acting statesmen star in this philosophically-based film about aging and end of life decisions. Both Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman put in capable, charismatic performances that help carry an otherwise average story.
Nicholson gets to play his usual cantankerous self, as seen in “As Good as It Gets,” and gets the funniest lines in an otherwise serious film. Freeman acts as both narrator and costar, performing the sage role while dealing with his own set of problems. Watching the pair play off each other is enjoyable in itself, but sadly, the story is the weakest performer in “The Bucket List.”
Nicholson is Edward Cole, the owner of a company that manages private hospitals. At the beginning, it is clear he is an unlikable man who runs his business much like how he treats people - without much thought. He falls deathly ill, has to check into one of the hospitals he owns, and is paired with a roommate against his wishes based on a policy he instated. Freeman is roommate Carter Chambers, who is suffering from his own illness that may be life threatening. Chambers is a highly intelligent man, with many regrets about things he was unable to accomplish in his life. He begins creating a “Bucket List,” a list of things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket. When his grumpy roommate discovers the list, the two begin a peculiar relationship based upon their mutual suffering, regrets and aspirations.
While a movie about fulfilling your life’s dreams before you die is an interesting concept, it really depends on execution to make it inspirational. Sadly, Rob Reiner’s (“A Few Good Men”) directing appears to be rusty, as the pace of the story oscillates between rushing through the list and having the two sit around and talk at length. While giving insight into the main characters, the beginning scene in the hospital room stretches on a bit too long. And some of the more obvious interests the men have are overlooked when creating the list.
Having Carter, who was unable to complete college while he was young, receive an honorary degree or appear on Jeopardy – a show he enjoyed watching while bedridden - would have been more inspiring than giving him an opportunity to cheat on his wife.
Nicholson has a worthy foil in his assistant, Thomas, played by Sean Hayes (TV’s “Will & Grace”), itself a piece of inspired casting. Hayes is able to go toe-to-toe with Nicholson as they both trade barbs and neither looks the wearier for it. Freeman’s voice as narrator is therapeutic and relaxing, giving you a nice segue into succeeding scenes. Nicholson has some opportunity for understated expression while performing with Freeman. However, there aren’t enough of these emotional moments to challenge the two elder actors and draw out more complex performances.
The end of the story is poignant and touching. Without the strength of these two actors’ performances throughout, however, this straightforward story with a lethargic tempo would have been nearly unwatchable.
Rated PG-13 for language, including a sexual reference.
