Yes, you're right, this is a movie about dying. It's also a comedy--and it does both really well. Not only has Rob Reiner cast talented veteran actors (Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman) in the title roles, but he's also chosen a script that does a difficult topic right.

How are you supposed to deal with the news that you have cancer--and it's probably not going to get better? You laugh, you cry, you get angry. You do everything except for lie there and let it take you. That is the approach that Edward (Nicholson) and Carter (Freeman) take. Starting from a freshman philosophy professor's assignment to Carter some forty years ago, to list the things they want to do before they "kick the bucket", the two older gentlemen (who meet only because they find themselves in the same hospital room because of their cancer diagnoses) set out to . . . sky-dive, drive fast sports cars, see the world, and conquer the mountain.

The Bucket List gives the viewer an opportunity to join in this final journey, and becomes a touchstone for thought in the process. Carter, the mechanic who never finished his college education, proves to be rather deep as well as intellectual as he beats all the contestants to the right answers while watching Jeopardy! on television. Self-made multi-millionaire Edward proves to be the fool who learns deeper things while trying to cheer up his new friend. The movie and the premise seem to be surface much like the character of Edward. But viewers will laugh and even cheer as they discover the layers of depth in both the story and the characters. Questions of faith and philosophy are presented with eloquence and feeling in this excellent movie. The only drawback is the lack of development in all but one of the supporting characters. I couldn't put my finger on whether it was the fault of the writers or the actors (or a joint effort).

Beware, viewer, as with any movie dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of incurable disease, tissues will be necessary, if for no other scene than the one where Edward gets to cross off "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world" from the List. A task that trailers show Freeman saying, "How do you intend to accomplish that?" to which Nicholson replies with a smile, "Volume." Go see this one, it's worth the price (including the overpriced snacks). Of course you could wait until it comes out in video, but you'll miss out on some really good cinema. I'm glad my blushing bride wanted to see this one, and that I was able to find childcare and a theater to surprise her with it. You'll want to do so soon--in a theater near you. (Five out of five thumbs)

Sir Edmund Hillary, conqueror of Mt. Everest died today. Read about it here.

Today is Elvis' birthday. I love to tout my special family connection to Elvis. January 8th--the day Elvis Presley was born in 1937--is the same day that my big brother was born in 1960. August 16th--the reported day of Elvis' death in 1977 (notice I said "reported" for all you who still believe)--is the day on which I was born in 1963. So, the Elvis connection.

Happy birthday, wherever you are.