In THE BUCKET LIST, cancer doesn't discriminate in its choice of victims. It's equally eager in its attacks on kindly sage of a mechanic Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) and mean-spirited millionaire Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson). When the unlikely pair shares a room at a hospital, they learn that they both have less than a year to live as a result of the deadly disease. Inspired by the words of a college professor, Carter begins to make a "bucket list" of things he wants to accomplish before he dies. With Edward's limitless funds at their disposal, the men embark on an adventure that takes them from Egypt to France to Hong Kong, crossing items off their list as death grows closer.

Fans of the leading actors will be glad to see them in familiar territory: Freeman plays a narrator who's nearly godlike in his omniscience, while Nicholson stars as the lovable grump. Both men have won Oscars for similar roles (Nicholson for AS GOOD AS IT GETS, and Freeman for MILLION DOLLAR BABY), so they excel in these parts. Director Rob Reiner's career has jumped between comedy and drama, and despite its serious subject matter, THE BUCKET LIST resides firmly in comedic territory. But fans of weepies such as TERMS OF ENDEARMENT and MY LIFE will find much to like in this film that is sure to require a tissue or two.