With pros Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman at the center, one can count on excellent performances. They make an amusing combo. The plot involves Nicholson as wealthy loner Edward Cole and Freeman as Carter Chambers, both terminal cancer patients who become acquainted while hospitalized. Under Cole’s goading, the two prepare wish lists of things they had always wanted to do before they kick the bucket. Carter’s wife is furious, as she wants to care for her doomed husband, but the two are unstoppable, and off they go toward adventure.

There are a series of funny exploits involving the rogues at play, with Cole the ladies man and Chambers the faithful husband despite temptation. Had the storyline stuck to the comic, the film could have been non-stop hilarity, even with pending doom. But not letting well enough alone, the filmmakers dredge up estrangement between Cole and his daughter that must be bridged. There is also the pressure on Cole to give of himself instead of living selfishly. And so on. Tickling of the ribs must be replaced by a lump in the throat as the pals learn from experience and each other.