Rated PG-13 for language, including a sexual reference
Directed by Rob Reiner (Princess Bride, A Few Good Men, Misery and
The Story of Us)
Starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, and Rob Morrow
A well-done, powerful film about life, death, and missed opportunities.
Corporate billionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) and working class mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) have lived worlds apart, but terminal cancer has brought them together. At this crossroads in their lives, they share a hospital room and a desire to spend the rest of their days doing everything they want to do before they “kick the bucket.” Not willing to go quietly, these two men set out on the road trip of a lifetime, becoming friends along the way and learning to live life to the fullest.
TODD’S WORD: The story itself is sentimental, simplistic, and often cheesy, yet I found it entertaining from beginning to end. Chalk it up to the movie's two stars. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman once again deliver phenomenal performances, this time as unlikely friends who find themselves staring death in the face. Jack is typical Jack and I love it, while Morgan Freeman is just plain great.
JONATHAN’S WORD: I agree about it being great… but I can’t agree with calling it cheesy. I think this film was cheese free.
Freeman and Nicholson were both incredible. But the writing was really what shined. The character development wasn’t forced in any way. It was realistic, and dare I say, charming.
TODD’S WORD: I love the list these guys developed. What started out as Chamber’s pipe dream becomes a reality with the wealth of Cole and their list includes: Help a complete stranger, see something majestic, visit the Himalayas, drive a Shelby 350, skydive, kiss the most beautiful girl in the world, get a tattoo, etc. They decide to go all out and discover that the greatest joy in life is the joy you bring to others. Not exactly Biblically accurate, but plenty of room for discussion.
JONATHAN’S WORD: There were a few scenes with good discussions about spirituality and death. I’d definitely use a film like this to springboard discussion. Not to mention… I’m a sucker for “feel good” films. This one is definitely one of them.
TODD’S WORD: I agree. I told you it was sentimental and I loved the emotional response it created in me. As cliché as it may sound, I have started my own bucket list. Kiss my wife on a Hawaiian beach at sunset, attend GMA week in Nashville, TN, visit Scotland and of course take my kids to Disney.
JONATHAN’S WORD: That’s cool! Now ya got me thinking!
TODD’S WORD: Sure it’s pretty predicable and loaded with cheese…
JONATHAN’S WORD: (Cough, cough) Nonsense! (Cough, cough)
TODD’S WORD: … but it’s definitely worth seeing and it just might inspire you to make your own bucket list.
JONATHAN’S WORD: Rob Reiner did it again. A great film, based on a good script with quality performances… and NO cheese!
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
I would say no for pre-teens and younger. It might be boring for them anyway. The content (cancer, death, regret, etc.) is definitely adult oriented and while not overly offensive; it will be lost on even most teens.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
