The Bucket List **1/2
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes, Beverly Todd, Rob Morrow
Director: Rob Reiner
Running Length: 1:37
MPAA Classification: PG-13

Edward Cole (Nicholson) and Carter Chambers (Freeman) have terminal cancer. They are opposites, with Edward being a rich CEO and Carter being a car mechanic. They are sharing a room at the hospital, and share the same diagnosis: six months to a year. Carter begins making a “bucket list” – things to do before he dies. Edward gets in on the list, and having the money funds their attempt to cross everything off that list. They see the Pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Wall of China. The skydive and drive race cars. They share their stories and become good friends. Soon they realize returning home will help them more than traveling the world.

Nicholson and Freeman are always good, and “The Bucket List” is no exception. They give their usual standout performances. On the downside, this is a movie that sets out to make views shed a few tears. This gives the film a feeling of trying to be more important than it really is. If that could somehow be toned down, this would be a better movie. There are some good laughs though, and that is the films saving grace. As it is, it is a harmless diversion for just over two hours. I would probably recommend this one for DVD viewing.

Something's Gotta Give **1/2

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Amanda Peet, Keanu Reeves, Frances McDormand, Jon Favreau
Director: Nancy Meyers

Harry, an older gentleman with a tendency toward the younger woman, is dating much younger Marin. Their getaway at a vacation home is interrupted by Marin's mom Erica and aunt Zoe. When Harry suffers a minor heart attack, he is left in Erica's care while the others return to their normal lives. And so it happens that Harry and Erica begin a relationship despite each of their intentions. This is a love story for the older generation, and that is part of the reason that I really did not connect with it. Nichlson and Keaton give solid performances as two people finding love in a place that they never looked before.