rating:
(out of
4 stars)United States; 2007
Directed by Rob Reiner; produced by Alan Greisman, Neil Meron, Rob Reiner, Craig Zadan; written by Justin Zackham
Starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow, Alfonso Freeman, Rowena King
Here is a film that shows potential in many ways, but we are left with some nice moments and two performers clearly having fun with at least each other. Most of time, unfortunately, we are not really in on the joke. I would say it treats its subject matter - living an entire lifetime in six months because you're dying of cancer - fair and balanced, but the balance between the drama and comedy is uneven, and therefore some might be offended after all.
Two men are dying of cancer. One is the very rich and powerful Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson), owner of hospitals where there are always two beds in a room, no exceptions. Period. Of course he ends up in one of those rooms, where the second bed is filled with Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman). He is much poorer, but, unlike Cole, he has loved ones around him. Both men share the same fate; in less than a year they'll be dead. Before they die there are things they, at first jut Carter, want to do. A so-called "bucket list". The first stop, believe it or not: skydiving.
The getting-to-know-each-other part takes almost half the film, which is way too long. There some smiles there, Nicholson's effect on a lot of people, but not that much more. In fact, cancer is no joke, and drama and comedy follow each other in a weird kind of way. It made me feel awkward instead of really caring for the characters. On the other hand, the film, at least from time to time, tries to be honest about cancer. Of course, not many sick people would go skydiving and climb the pyramids in Egypt, but I have known some who did similar things.
Although I can not recommend it, I would not keep you away from this film either. In the end it does deliver some laughs, and quite some smiles. Sean Hayes, from "Will & Grace", as Cole's assistant has some funny moments too. Still, almost in every scene you think something more could have come out of it, and that is a shame. With two very respected actors together expectations are high, and, unfortunately, not met.