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.

Win a Date With Tad Hamilton! ***

Cast: Kate Bosworth, Josh Duhamel, Topher Grace, Ginnifer Goodwin, Gary Cole, Nathan Lane, Sean Hayes
Director: Robert Luketic

When Rosalee wins a date with her favorite actor, Tad Hamilton, her secret admirer and long-time friend Pete is not too thrilled. When Tad pursues her back to West Virginia, Pete is even less thrilled. Tad quickly realizes that he is not the only one who is after Rosalee's affections, and thus a battle of sorts for her affections ensues. Both funny and sweet at times, this movie was very entertaining, even though it was fairly predictable.

The Cat in the Hat **

Cast: Mike Myers, Alec Baldwin, Kelly Preston, Dakota Fanning, Spencer Breslin, Amy Hill, Sean Hayes
Director: Bo Welch

Dr. Seuss' feline creating comes to life in the form of a heavily made-up Mike Myers in this live action version of the children's classic. Unfortunately, it is difficult to stretch a small children's book with little real plot into a 80 minute movie. This movie was bound to happen with the success of The Grinch, but was it necessary? Mike Myers does what he can, but he only has so many impersonations he can do before he starts repeating himself. Plus, it is disturbing to see the Cat talking like Fat Bastard from Austin Powers. On the plus side, I did laugh a number of times and the movie looks great. Dr. Seuss' world is brought brilliantly into reality just like in the Grinch. Unfortunately, this is sometimes disturbing (Thing 1 and Thing 2). I am sure that this will do well in theaters, and that will probably mean another Dr. Seuss movie a few years down the road, but I don't think it is necessary.