Today was another cold, rainy day on the coast and so there was only one thing for us to do - go to the movies. My parents and I decided to head over to the theater earlier this afternoon to catch the matinée showing of The Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
The plot starts out kind of slow with the introduction of the two main characters, Edward Cole (Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Freeman). Edward is a cynical billionaire and owner of many successful hospitals. He enacts money saving policies and is known for “[running] hospitals, not health spas. Two beds to a room, no exceptions.” Essentially, both characters find out that they have been stricken with sudden illness and find themselves placed in the same hospital room, much to Edward’s disgust. Over the course of story, the two get to know each other and slowly become friends.
After both men hear the news that they only have an estimated 6 months to live, Edward stumbles upon a crumpled list that Carter had started writing. The list is titled ‘The Bucket List’ and, according to Carter, is a list of “all the things we wanted to do in our lives before we kicked the bucket.” The rest of the film overviews the duo’s travels around the world where they go sky diving, take an African safari, visit the pyramids, etc.
Through these journeys and adventures, the two return forever changed. Though Carter learns to grow his appreciation for his family’s love and rekindles his relationship with his wife, Edward is the one who experiences the most drastic improvements as a result of the Bucket List. To avoid ruining the conclusion to the movie, I’m just going to end with a quote from Carter’s final letter to Edward: “Dear Edward, there’s no way I can repay you for all you’ve done for me. So rather than try, I’m just going to ask you to do something else for me. Find the joy in your life.”
Overall, I thought that this movie was produced very well and would recommend taking the time to watch it. It was definitely worth the 97 minutes inside the theater.
