Z/Web

This is the kind of gimmicky movie that can be poorly implemented, but I’m pleased to report that this was handled excellently. It’s the story of two elderly men who meet in the hospital while they are dying and decide to do everything on their “Bucket List” — the list of things they wanted to do before they died. The two aren’t exactly friends but become close, and the film takes what could be a grim and depressing topic and makes it entertainment, touching, and humorous, but without cheapening it. It is a bit Hollywood — that is to say light — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth enjoying.

Now this is an excellent film. It tells the true story of a group of young black kids at a black college way back when who become the first black debaters to compete against Harvard. It’s a terrific tale about the lives of these amazing young people, their fabulous teacher, and the very different world they inhabited in those days. The film is a nice blend of plot, personal stories, history, and drama. It’s definitely hte best movie I’ve seen this year. Of course it is only January, but I’ll remember this one for a long time. The cast is unbelievable. If there’s any justice, this will be remembered for the Academy Awards.