This weekend for Family Night we watched “The Bucket List” with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.  It’s a wonderful comedy directed by Rob Reiner, one that warrants a second watch.  I saw it in the theater but I wanted to see it again.  The second time I heard some of the memorable quotes that I missed the first time.

The basic plot is that Edward (Jack) and Carter (Morgan) are terminally ill with cancer.  Once the news hits them they create a bucket list… fun things they want to do before they “kick the bucket.”  Some of the things they do are skydiving, driving hot rods, eating caviar, climbing the pyramids.

Along the way their life stories come out.  Carter had always wanted to be a history teacher so he’s an avid book reader and watches the TV show, “Jeopardy.”  Edward has been married and divorced 4 times and is pretty much addicted to working and making money.  He’s quite wealthy… but he never tells us just how much.

Both of the men are transformed during their adventure together.  Carter’s wife said that “he left a stranger and returned a husband.”  Edward finally found his joy.

Here are some of the other memorable quotes from the movie:

Thomas: “I’m proud of you.”  Edward: “Nobody cares what you think.”

Edward: ” I envy people who have faith, I just can’t get my head around it.”  Carter: “Maybe because your head’s in the way.”

Edward: “Have I fired you lately?” Thomas: “Not since the Oprah incident.”

Carter: “Edward, I’ve had baths that were deeper than you.”

Carter: “You measure yourself by the people who measure themselves by you.”

The message I took away from the movie was from the two questions they discussed sitting on top of the pyramid:

Have you found your joy?

Have you brought joy to others?

I think these are the best way to live and judge your life.

We rate this movie 2 Thumbs Up.

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