Don't Kick It Before Watching It

We probably all theoretically have that list of things that we all hope to accomplish before we meet our fateful end here on Earth. Whether the list include tangible sort of goals like run a marathon or climb a mountain or somewhat more intangible things like being a better person or contributing to society, the reason as to why we might choose to list such items is to sort of set some goals in the life that passes us by so quickly.

Often times we might not take seriously the list of things to achieve until it is too late. We might be caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that removes our focus from what might be a priority and what might not be. There are times when we might fail to start addressing the things that might be classified as goals until "everything else" is done.

Directed by Rob Reiner, The Bucket List is a humorous yet somewhat philosophical film that maybe even for just a few seconds reminds us that maybe there is more to life than just the rigmarole of our professional lives. In a society that is driven by numbers, results and expectations, a failure to step back every now and again could indeed push each of us to our passing in a more expeditious manner.

The Bucket List gets its name because it is one man's listing of things that he hopes to accomplish before he kicks the bucket.

Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) is a mechanic by trade but perhaps a professor by knowledge and action. Carter seems to know just about every fact there is to know about just about everything. A Jeopardy wizard, Carter is satisfied with his life as a mechanic but cannot help but wonder if decisions that he made perhaps could have forever changed the life that he lives.

One day while working in his shop, Carter comes out to find that he has terminal cancer and likely does not have much time left to live. Though he has sort of found his peace with the diagnosis, Carter does try some experimental cancer treatment in an attempt to give not just himself but his family some more time.

By matter of circumstance, Carter ends up becoming hospital roommate with Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) who is, interestingly enough, the owner of the hospital where the two are staying. Edward has made his fortune in the health care industry owning and operating hospitals. His business approach to health care has always been more about the dollars and cents more than it has been about providing quality health care.

But when Edward comes to find out that he too is on a quick path to death due to a cancer diagnosis, as well, Edward finds a new perspective on life. His friendship with Carter is a unique and interesting one that at times is about nothing more than playing gin while at other times it is all about personal and emotional issues the two might be sharing.

Sean Hayes plays the role of Thomas, who is Edward's right hand man and does it remarkably well. There is the right level of cynicism directed back at the boss that truly makes the dynamic between the two shine.
Needless to say, the two friends each start to look at the things that are on their joint bucket list and wonder whether or not they will be able to accomplish many of them before they pass. As the absurdity of some of the tasks grows so does their friendship that really was like a phoenix that rose from the ashes of being nothing more than hospital roommates.

What makes The Bucket List such an enjoyable film is really the message that it gets across. Though certainly it is meant to be watched partially as a comedy, there is also the right amount of a sort of deeper meaning to the film that makes it a complete film. Freeman and Nicholson are the ideal actors for the parts that they were cast for and it is clear to see why they were chosen.

The Bucket List is an amazingly well done film that is certainly worth while to add to your own bucket list of movies to watch. After all, it could help to shed some perspective as to your own daily living.