D.C. MOVIE GUYS

January is usually a difficult time at the multiplex.  After all the Christmas movies have been seen, there’s little left except cheaply made horror films. Every once in a while, a film that hoped to get its Oscar buzz going moves into wide release.  Usually these films don’t offer much.  But “The Bucket List,” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, actually lives up to its presumed pedigree.Freeman is an ato mechanic who’s worked hard all his life to provide for his family.  His character, Carter, is a thoughful, decent man, full of intellectual curriosity and some unrealized dreams.  Nicholson’s Edward is a wealthy businessman who has utilized cold, calculating business ethics to build a health care empire of very profitable hospitals.

Carter and Edward find themselves thrown tgether when both are diagnosed with aggressive, life threatening cancers.  Edward checks into one of his own hospitals and, because they require two patients to a room (no exceptions,) his roommate turns out to be Carter.
When both men are diagnosed as terminal, they begin to asses their lives.  Carter remembers an idea from a philosophy class he took in college where a professor asked the students to make out a lisst of all the things they wanted to do before they died.  Inspired by the story, Edward convinces a reluctant Carter to join him in making a real “bucket list” and fullfilling its wishes.

Screenwriter Justin Zackham has trod a well-wirn path in creating this story.  Its message-that life is precious and to be savored and enjoyed-has been presented in other films with more artistry and grace.  But this movie has two things going for it:Nicholson and Freeman.  These two old pros weave a spell of friendship and humanity between them that overwhelmes the familiar plot.

To the movie’s credit, it actually does throw in a couple of gentle surprises that add to the pleasure of watchig it unfold.  Sean Hayes of “Will & Grace,” is very effective as Nicholson’s often put-upon personal assistant.

Director Rob Reiner has wisely decided to let his stars carry the film and they do so admirably.  He paces the film perfectly, drawing in viewer’s interest and emotions.  Don’t be surprised if, by the time the final credits start rolling, you don’t have a lump in your throat and, perhaps, a tear in your eye.

MPAA RATING: PG-13 for profanity and mild sexuality.
JOE’S RATING: THREE AND A HALF STARS.

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Movie-Made America: A Cultural History of American Movies

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