Reel Critic:

If you’re an older American man and enjoy the acting of Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, round up your best buddy and see “The Bucket List.” It’s a heartfelt, funny and entertaining film that could add quality days to your remaining years. That’s a serious entertainment diagnosis from Doctor Bellner, but it will all make sense once you screen this film in your free time.

As you may have guessed or seen in the TV commercials, “The Bucket List” is about two terminally ill cancer patients, Freeman and Nicholson, who meet while sharing a hospital room. The two men eventually become friends and write a list of things to do before they “kick the bucket.” What’s on this list, and will they live long enough to accomplish each goal? These important life-changing questions will be answered in an emotional 97 minutes.

Any movie that stars Freeman is going to get my cash, and his performance is what makes “The Bucket List” work on numerous levels.

The talented director, Rob Reiner, is able to keep the manic Nicholson under control, and you really feel these two characters bond as the story progresses. The tone is very similar to the 1987 film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” minus the offbeat humor.

Obviously, this movie is intended for a more experienced demographic, but anyone considering getting older or knows someone older should take the time to view this project for themselves. Life is way too short, and if you don’t find yourself thinking of your own bucket list while sitting in the theater, it’s possible you may already be dead. That’s the message hidden within the plot and camouflaged by some excellent comedic writing and timing.

Since it’s playing in select cities, my only regret is that I didn’t get to see the film with my father while recently visiting my family in Texas. Once the film opens wide, I sure hope he takes a break from his late-night poker games to give this picture a chance.

It’s a sure bet that he and anyone else above the age of 55 will find “The Bucket List” to be truthful, uplifting and entertaining. I’d love for the fine folks at the Burbank Joslyn Adult Center to take a day trip to the theater to see this movie on the big screen, once it starts playing downtown.