The Bucket List (PG-13)

Bittersweet dramedy approaches death with humor.

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About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
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Movie details
  • Studio: Warner Bros., Warner Bros.
  • Directed By: Rob Reiner
  • Cast: Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson, Sean Hayes
  • Running Time: 98 minutes
  • Release Date: 12/25/2007
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 06/09/2008
  • Genre: Comedy
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • MPAA Explanation: language, including a sexual reference.

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this movie is a comedy, it deals with cancer and death: The first half of the movie shows how the illness ravages the body and wrecks the spirit (or at least attempts to). Patients are shown getting their heads shaved, doubled over toilets retching, and wandering hospital corridors tethered to IVs. Through it all, there's a fair amount of strong language (including "f--k," though it's sparing). Ultimately, though, the film is about overcoming challenges and staring death in the face without blinking -- an uplifting note on which to end.

Families can talk about why Hollywood is enamored with movies about terminal illness (Terms of Endearment, Mask, My Life Without Me)? Why do you think that subject is so compelling to producers -- and audiences? How does this film find humor in the subject without going too far? What about it is realistic? And unrealistic? Do you know anyone who's battled cancer? What was that like?

Message

Social Behavior:

For all of the bluster of one of the characters, the movie's overall message is heartwarming and affirming: A list filled with exotic adventures is fun, but the biggest task to check off before your time is up is staring life (or death) in the face and embracing its daily joys.

Consumerism:

Numerous raves for the kopi luwak, Indonesian coffee known to be the most expensive on earth. Signage for Cole's hospital, Reed Hill. A glimpse of a NYC taxi logo. One character loves to watch Jeopardy.

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Some drinking in social situations (restaurants, etc).

Violence

At one point, Cole and Chambers scream at each other on a sidewalk. A married couple also argues (not much screaming, but there's tension).

Sex

A flight attendant leaves an airplane washroom looking unkempt and fastening the buttons of her blouse; a man leaves the same washroom soon after (shenanigans are implied). A woman propositions a married man (he turns her down). Some semi-crass discussion of sex. A husband and wife embrace tenderly and reminisce about the first time they got together. One entry on the list is "to kiss the most beautiful woman in the room."

Language

Everything from "goddammit" to "s--tty" to "f--king" (though the "F" word is used sparingly). One character gives another the finger.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by S. Jhoanna Robledo

Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson at his preening best) and Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman as his usual noble self) are exact opposites: One is a hedonistic multi-millionaire playboy, the other is a loyal, long-married mechanic. But when they're both stricken with cancer, they wind up roommates in one of Cole's hospitals and become fast friends. When their prognoses turn grim, they make a pact to complete a "bucket list" -- an inventory of things they need to do before they die -- and set out to complete it. Naturally, their plan isn't as simple as it sounds. Both have unfinished business back home, and soon their journeys are interrupted by real-life demands. They also have metaphorical baggage to unpack, the biggest of which is facing death knowing that they've made peace with their lives.

Is it any good?

3
Viewers looking for innovative storytelling and surprises won't find much of either in Rob Reiner's THE BUCKET LIST. It's straightforward and predictable, with nary a divergence from the standard Hollywood playbook. But that doesn't mean it's not engaging -- and for that, it has its two leads to thank. You have to give the producers props for trying, but it's all a bit too treacly. Save for one unexpected twist, within the first half hour, you can pretty much tell which loose ends will be tied up before the credits roll. (No offense to Freeman, but can we do away with his now-ubiquitous, gravitas-filled voiceover? The man has other talents.) Cole will be revealed to have a soul much more complicated than the movie first hints; Chambers will become a man much more conflicted than his serene exterior suggests. And you can bet that each helps the other fully realize his potential.

Still, there's a certain delight in seeing Nicholson and Freeman interact; it's a heavyweight duet in which Reiner clearly takes delight. He gives them time to playfully spar and do what each does best (Nicholson is playful, Freeman is grave). Maybe the next movie they'll be in -- and they ought to team up again -- will have a more insightful, original script. Though, truth be told, obvious as The Bucket List may be, you may find yourself hard pressed not to be moved -- if only a little -- in the end.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 13 reviews.

Age 13+
3

Posted on 07/03/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

4


Posted on 06/29/08 by Zim448 Kid contributor, age 11

Whoa....

It's an alright film. It definetly leaves you thinks and feeling. The end was very sad, and i kind of wish i hadn't seen it, it was so sad. It's a large cliche' it's self. But its a good time.
Age 13+
3


Posted on 06/19/08 by ninjaofthewind Adult contributor

Bittersweet

This is a pretty good movie. It is very sad at some points, but opposing some of the other reviewers, I thought it was pretty funny. The F word is used once, so watch out for that. I would say it's ok for 15 and up; 13 and 14 year olds should watch it with parents.
5


Posted on 06/13/08 by elbobo Kid contributor, age 13

I luaged and cried.

0

Posted on 06/11/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11

5


Posted on 06/11/08 by mrt123 Kid contributor, age 13

a great movie

this movie is one of the best movies ever. its sad, funny, and has a litle something for everybody! its the first movie i have ever seen 60 year old men cry at. no seriousy i went out of the theatere and a group of men were crying! this movie is good because it can introduce kids to great actors like jack nicholson and morgan freeman. this movie is pretty much pg-13 for cursing(well its jack nicholson what do you expect) that includes D**n s--t f--c and at one point a guy gets flicked off by jack nicholson(gee how did we see that one coming) the movie though is probobly best for 12 and up seeing that the younger ones probobly won't understand it or get bored.
Age 8+
5

Posted on 03/08/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

A story that all should want to hear

It's about life choices, a friendship from a horrific disease. A chance to see what really matters to someone. Speaks of faithfulness and honor and to hold onto your commitments even when it isn't what you wanted to do with your life. Make whatever you may have the best you have. Money doesnt bring love and home!
Age 17+
3

Posted on 02/15/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Not for kids

It was an ok movie, but definately not for kids. Based on the previews you think it's a comedy, but my 12 year old and I left the theatre depressed. It is just not suitable supject matter for a saturday at the movies.
Age 13+
4

Posted on 01/29/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I loved this movie. It made me laugh, cry and think all in the same theater. Very thought provoking and sad, but very funny at the same time. I think these were the perfect actors to do this film. They played well off of each other. I have always been a fan of both men. My 13 year old loved the movie as well.
Age 13+
5


Posted on 01/25/08 by bfranklin Adult contributor

EXCELLENT

This was by far the best movie I've seen in quite some time. I laughed out loud and I cried real tears. Two wonderful actors working off each others outstanding talents. GREAT movie! A must see in my book.

See all 13 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 8 reviews.

Age 13+
3

Posted on 07/03/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Age 13+
3


Posted on 06/19/08 by ninjaofthewind Adult contributor

Bittersweet

This is a pretty good movie. It is very sad at some points, but opposing some of the other reviewers, I thought it was pretty funny. The F word is used once, so watch out for that. I would say it's ok for 15 and up; 13 and 14 year olds should watch it with parents.
Age 8+
5

Posted on 03/08/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

A story that all should want to hear

It's about life choices, a friendship from a horrific disease. A chance to see what really matters to someone. Speaks of faithfulness and honor and to hold onto your commitments even when it isn't what you wanted to do with your life. Make whatever you may have the best you have. Money doesnt bring love and home!
Age 17+
3

Posted on 02/15/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Not for kids

It was an ok movie, but definately not for kids. Based on the previews you think it's a comedy, but my 12 year old and I left the theatre depressed. It is just not suitable supject matter for a saturday at the movies.
Age 13+
4

Posted on 01/29/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

I loved this movie. It made me laugh, cry and think all in the same theater. Very thought provoking and sad, but very funny at the same time. I think these were the perfect actors to do this film. They played well off of each other. I have always been a fan of both men. My 13 year old loved the movie as well.
Age 13+
5


Posted on 01/25/08 by bfranklin Adult contributor

EXCELLENT

This was by far the best movie I've seen in quite some time. I laughed out loud and I cried real tears. Two wonderful actors working off each others outstanding talents. GREAT movie! A must see in my book.
Age 13+
5

Posted on 01/18/08 by Anonymous Adult contributor

Great Movie, but not sure it appeals to the younger audience

Wonderful movie - wonderful idea, great actors and something worth thinking about in our own lives. I didn't really see much of anything that would make it not suitable for young teens, but I don't know that teens would choose this movie to attend. My 15-year-old daughter didn't want to go see it w/me. Worth seeing.
Age 13+
5


Posted on 01/13/08 by mpr18c Adult contributor

See all 8 adult reviews>

Kids Reviews

There are 5 reviews.

4


Posted on 06/29/08 by Zim448 Kid contributor, age 11

Whoa....

It's an alright film. It definetly leaves you thinks and feeling. The end was very sad, and i kind of wish i hadn't seen it, it was so sad. It's a large cliche' it's self. But its a good time.
5


Posted on 06/13/08 by elbobo Kid contributor, age 13

I luaged and cried.

0

Posted on 06/11/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 11

5


Posted on 06/11/08 by mrt123 Kid contributor, age 13

a great movie

this movie is one of the best movies ever. its sad, funny, and has a litle something for everybody! its the first movie i have ever seen 60 year old men cry at. no seriousy i went out of the theatere and a group of men were crying! this movie is good because it can introduce kids to great actors like jack nicholson and morgan freeman. this movie is pretty much pg-13 for cursing(well its jack nicholson what do you expect) that includes D**n s--t f--c and at one point a guy gets flicked off by jack nicholson(gee how did we see that one coming) the movie though is probobly best for 12 and up seeing that the younger ones probobly won't understand it or get bored.
3


Posted on 01/12/08 by Stanley Kid contributor, age 13

This bucket has holes, but you'll be crying by the end...

Rob Reiner has not been treated kindly by the box office in the last few years, with bombs such as Everyone's Hero, Alex and Emma and Rumor Has It. He was hoping for change when he made 'The Bucket List', a tearjerker comedy starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. Did he overcome his curse? That's for you to decide, but in my opinion, the film was just OK. Parents, while there's nothing extremely bad in this movie, don't take your kids to this; they won't appreciate it, no matter how good it is. Overall, most of the jokes weren't funny, and the acting wasn't Oscar-worthy, but that won't matter, because I can guaruntee that by the end of the movie, you will be in tears. The movie is best at the points where it takes itself seriously, and it doesn't try to crack lame jokes. Go see this movie just for the end!
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