Edward Cole (Nicholson) is a greedy billionaire who, thanks to his own cost cutting measures, is sharing a hospital room with hard-working mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman).

• Click here to listen to a review of the film in Chad's new podcast, Entertainment Weekly

After a rough start, the two men get to know each other and on learning their fate decide to embark on a tour of the world fulfilling their dreams –– whether that be sky diving or dining in Monte Carlo.

The film is as predictable as they come –– Nicholson plays the same slightly unpleasant wealthy rascal who comes good we saw in Something's Gotta Give.

Of course, his signature eye-brow raises and other mannerisms are all present –– and typically Freeman takes up the role of narrator, where he excels, as well as playing the more likable blue-collar character.

The contrast between the pair's acting style works well, with Freeman so straight-laced he acts as a platform for the ever wild Nicholson to bounce off.

And although the stars are hardly being tested, and there are no real surprises in the plot, the film still manages to make you care about the characters.

The Bucket List chooses to ignore the realities of such a serious illness and cheats by making Nicholson's character a billionaire –– giving them the resources to live out their ultimate fantasies.

But then again the message of this film is not really about how we should hope to live out our last days, but about living our lives to the fullest while we still have our health –– seeing and doing as much as we can while remembering to look after our loved ones.

3/5