When wealthy hospital owner Edward Cole (Nicholson) is diagnosed with cancer, he is immediately checked into one of his many hospitals.
But his controversial 'two to a room' policy means he is stuck with mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman).

With death inevitable the two decide to achieve as many life long ambitions as possible on their 'bucket list: a collection of things to
do before they kick the bucket.
But in travelling the world and finding new experiences, they soon start to develop a friendship that neither expected.

For many cinema-goers, the thought of these two seasoned veterans of the screen sharing the same celluloid space is something of an event.
Especially with director Rob Reiner – of When Harry Met Sally fame - steering them through the buddy-movie/odd-couple format.

And for the most part, the film works well.

Nicholson portrays his playboy character quite close to the bone, with less than subtle parallels to himself: successful, enigmatic, but ageing; and it is this level of honesty that makes his performance so compelling.

Freeman also puts in an expected strong performance (complete with seemingly compulsory narration duties), and a peripheral supporting cast more than ably serve their stereotyped roles.

But with such a personal and character based film that focuses on bringing the elusive 'real' to the screen, it is let down by the abundance of green screen and special effects that have clearly been implemented for cost-saving rather than practicality.

International locations like France and Egypt are clearly fabricated, making it hard to suspend your disbelief and believe in the characters if it is obvious that they are sitting in a studio and not atop a majestic pyramid.

While the film will undoubtedly strike a chord with older audiences and be more than watchable for everyone else, Reiner's usually steady hand does occasionally tip into the realm of cliché, leaving the film a little too sickly sweet.

7/10 – A pleasant albeit predictable film that treads the well-worn route of finding the meaning in life.