The Bucket List

Two Hollywood legends showing why they're not ready to kick the bucket is the main draw of this one. Nicholson - who is certainly showing his age - plays a wealthy businessman who shares a hospital room with retired mechanic, and marginally better wearing, Freeman. Both are diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a year to live. The veteran thesps decide to compile a list of things to do before shuffling off their mortal coil. The tick list is filled full of adventures with fantastic comedic value; from skydiving to racing cars, climbing mountains in Tibet to hunting in Africa and the final few items provide some tear-jerking moments. The powerhouse performances by Nicholson and Freeman show why the pair are at the top of every director's wish list, as they and veteran director Reiner provide entertaining cinematic popcorn by the bucket load. [Kevin McHugh]