The Bucket List - an Abnormal Movie Review with Insights from the Actors

I am calling this an abnormal movie review for a couple of reasons. The first reason being that I actually got to see this movie a few weeks before it is to be released. Second, Rob Reiner was there to talk about the movie. A few minutes later, Rob Reiner was joined on stage by the always entertaining, Jack Nicholson. If that was not amazing enough, a few minutes went by and Morgan Freeman ran through the audience and did a dance on stage before hugging Rob Reiner and then sitting down and joining the stars for a question and answer session about the movie. Third, I do poetry, not movie reviews!

Let's address the movie.

Bring a handkerchief or two. If you are taking a macho manly date with you make sure you don't warn them in advance that this movie is about guys that will die late in life of cancer. Tell them that it is about two guys that will finally do all of the things that they have ever dreamt of doing. This would include, kissing the most beautiful girl in the world. Driving, no, racing their dream car and to finally having the opportunity to sleep with a woman other than their wife without that wife ever finding out. There are many other things on this list but just tell the guys those.

Ladies, this is not just a guy's movie. This is a movie about what life can and should be about. It is about two strangers that meet due to them both having terminal cancer at the same time. Edward (Jack Nicholson) is filthy rich and can have anything he wants except friends. Carter (Morgan Freeman) has a family that loves him but no money to speak of. If they work together they can give meaning to their lives and find the joy that has been missing from them. It is about two people finding out just what they need to continue on in this life despite what the rest of the world says they should do. It is also about being a true friend in one's time of need. You don't have to be biologically related to be "Family."

Sean Hayes (Will and Grace) is brilliant in his role of Thomas, Edward's personal assistant. His dry whit holds it's own against Jack and Morgan's.

The actor's were given the opportunity to contribute dialogue at times and not be stuck by what the writer had written. Jack Nicholson is actually a very good writer and did contribute frequently.

Rob Reiner did encourage his actor's to take liberties with the script for the good of the story. I think you will agree that what comes across on the big screen is a very nearly comic genius. Along with a few laugh out loud moments you do have the sentimental side. Rob Reiner is able to make you feel for the characters on the screen. Edward has minimal social skills but yet you grow to care about him. You want him to find the joy he has been missing for most of his life. Carter has lived a very conservative life so you can root for him to experience things that without Edward's vast monetary status he would never have experienced.

Carter and Edward are each other's Yin and Yang. Together they help the other find the piece they need to finish out their lives happily.

When you look at the concept of going to see a movie about two men in their late 60's facing the end of their lives, that doesn't sound like a fun or uplifting moving. It is. It may even be categorized as inspirational.

During the question and answer session, Jack Nicholson was asked what was on his Bucket list. He said that the number one thing on his list was one more great love in his lifetime. I for one hope he finds it.

Morgan Freeman just wanted to leave for his dinner date but loves a great hug. Rob Reiner has a great heart and loves a good story.

It was great to see these legends in person and on the screen. I hope you will go out and support the movie and start your own "Bucket List." Why wait until it is time to kick it?