Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman) is an auto mechanic and a trivia expert. He has spent most of his life under the hood of a car making a living to support his wife and three children.

Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) is a self-made billionaire whose pursuit of the almighty dollar has left him lonely and without any family connections. They have in common terminal cancer and form an unlikely bond of fellowship.

The two men construct an itinerary based on things to accomplish before they “kick the bucket.” Their choices are influenced by their desire to have fun and go out of this world with guns blazing.

Director Rob Reiner puts everyone through their paces and leads these two superstars on an unforgettable, whirlwind globetrotting journey.

Audiences are in for a real treat as this movie puts you through an emotional ringer while finding the right balance between comedy and drama.

You get to know and really care about these two individuals faced with an imminent death sentence. This movie makes you feel alive in its quixotic quest to find the joy in life. It shows how precious life is and that we all have a lot of living to do right up until our last breath.

The original screenplay by Justin Zackham wisely mines the “seize the day” concept. It is powerful enough to make you laugh and cry.

This is a wonderful pairing of two consummate acting pros. Their timing is impeccable as they play off each other with a zestful chemistry that will put a lump in your throat.

Freeman adds just the right touch with narrative bursts sprinkled throughout the story. Nicholson has some memorable lines of dialogue and effectively uses facial and hand gestures to get the message across.

This satisfying movie-going experience is topped off with a perfect ending. A wonderful soundtrack by Mark Shaiman adds immensely to the pleasure. The moving closing song “Say” plays over the end credits.

Everyone will be talking about this must-see movie.

Review By:
Keith Cohen, "The Movie Guy"