The odd, old couple.

If you were to do a movie about two old blokes, it couldn't get any better than the pairing of Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.

Freeman plays Carter Chambers, probably one of the smartest mechanics around. The Jeopardy whiz has been diagnosed with cancer and is in hospital for some experimental treatment. While there, he meets hospital owner and billionaire Edward Cole (Nicholson), who happens to have cancer, too. Sharing the same hospital room, the two terminally-ill men who have nothing in common - Carter is warm and friendly, and surrounded by loved ones, while Edward is grumpy and pompous, and has no visitors except his assistant Thomas - form a  unique friendship as they bond over card games and medical traumas.

Upon receiving his "death date", Carter makes a list of things he would love to do before he kicks the bucket. Edward chances on the list and goads Carter to turn his dreams into reality, but no before adding on his own wish list.

What ensues is a globetrotting journey that includes skydiving, car racing, an African safari adventure, dinner at the French Riviera, a trip to the Himalayas, watching the sunset atop the Egyptian pyramids and a visit to the Taj Mahal.

Trying to go out in style and living life to the fullest is easy, but matters of the heart are harder to conquer. What further strengthens the bond between the two men is their reluctance to face their loved ones. Carter has a loving wife, but after 40 years of providing for the family, he feels that the spark in their marriage is missing. Edward, meanwhile, has been married four times and has an estranged daughter whom he clearly misses. He yearns for a reconciliation, but is afraid of being rejected and doesn't want to use his condition as emotional blackmail.

Directed by Rob Reiner of When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men fame, the script of The Bucket List is schmaltzy, but the veteran acators add gravitas to this otherwise melodramatic film. Their impeccable chemistry sets this movie apart from the run-of-the-mill and cliched buddy films. Sean Hayes, who plays Nicholson's long-suffering assistant Thomas, deserves credit, too.

Overall, The Bucket List is sentimental and charming from start to end. The same can't be said about the extras on the DVD; apart from a John Mayer music video, there's not much else.