In a year of serious war/downer dramas, The Bucket List is a refreshingly funny and insightful look at both life and death.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play roommates in the cancer wing of a hospital that Edward (Nicholson) happens to own. Upon learning they each have only a few months left to live, they set out on a trip around the world to fulfill the items on their collective "Bucket List" of things they wanted to do with their lives if they were given a clean bill of health.

The acting is first rate - a given considering the leads, but the real surprise is the screenplay which perfectly balances between humor, insight, and some truly wonderful dialogue.

This really came as a surprise to me, as I knew nothing about the film going in (save for the leads) but I found myself laughing throughout and crying at the end. When the credits finally rolled, the entire audience gave a roaring ovation and people were buzzing in the lobby when I walked out.

Really, don't miss this one.