I've blogged before about going to the movies on Saturday afternoon with my wife, Donna. Well, we went to one last Saturday that we really enjoyed. We saw The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. The critics haven't been too favorable toward this movie, but we really enjoyed it.
It's a fun story about two old men who were both dying of cancer and one of them, Jack Nicholson, of course, has all the money and Morgan Freeman is a garage mechanic. And Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman make up a list of all the things they want to do before they die.
Jack Nicholson funds this roaring party on the road. They travel all over the world and they have a great time together. But they're sitting in Egypt, on top of one of the buildings close to the pyramids, looking out at the pyramids and the sunset and Morgan Freeman says to Jack Nicholson, "Do you know the two questions that the Egyptian gods ask when they decide whether or not you're going to be admitted to heaven? And Jack, of course, doesn't know.
Morgan says, "Well, the first question they ask is, 'Have you had any joy in your life?' And the second question you're going to be asked is, 'Have you brought joy to others?'" I thought those were two great questions. And, of course, the movie ends up by pointing out the fact that you get joy in your life by bringing joy into the lives of others.
This happened between these two great actors in this wonderful movie. I recommend it, it's got a good moral to it and you'll feel good when you leave the theater.
This is Bill Marriott and thank you for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
Anyone know why Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson wanted black walnut ice cream?
I love black walnut ice cream, but never thought about it in China...
Posted by: Marcy | 02/18/2008 at 04:01 AM
Yes, our family loves the movie too! Another movie is The World's Fastest Indian - Anthony Hopkins The Indian, being a motorcycle. Anthony Hopkins was so inspired he did the movie at a deep discount. Seeing it and Who Killed the Electric Car and you'll understand what I'm doing at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.
Posted by: Brent Singleton | 02/17/2008 at 02:13 AM
Hi Bill! Let me start by saying thanks for all the many good memories you have giving to me and my family as we have vacationed at your hotels.Also as an personal assistant I have a hard time leaving the city were I live in that I am always on call.I have three children ages 3,8 and 9 years old.My wife and I enjoy going to the different locations were we can relax in the hot pool as the children play in the larger pool.We do not have to cook and your professional customer service people always cater to all are needs. They are always friendly to the children as they play and run about the hotel.Marriott team thank you all !
Posted by: James Ascher | 02/15/2008 at 03:22 AM
Hi Bill,
Yes, I watched the Bucket List as well. An amazing movie indeed!
This weekend, I'll be listening to your speech at the IFA tradeshow in Orlando.
I founded the first social network for franchising, FranchiseCircle.com, with support from your friend David Neeleman.
I hope to see and talk to you at the International Franchise Association show!
Shawn
PS: I love your blog!
Posted by: Shawn Ames | 02/07/2008 at 09:29 AM
My whole family watched The Bucket List! Even my thirteen year old son whom usually talks during a movie was silent and intent on hearing every word. It's thought provoking, human, humorous, and reminds us
of our immortality. We tend to lose ourselves and each other. This movie brings us back for a moment. The flow of the beginning to the end is one of the finest. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman should be applauded for their outstanding performance. I think critics have become too cynical and have forgotten from where they come and will return. If it doesn't have sex, swearing and violence they're not happy. People are getting bored and desensitize to that mixture. THE BUCKET LIST is a must see.
Posted by: Laura | 02/05/2008 at 11:48 AM
I don't often agree with the critics. I like movies that have a good message and this one delivers.
Posted by: Self Defense | 02/05/2008 at 05:57 AM
As we had seen the movie shortly before we left for CR, my husband and I decided that as loyal Marriott guests, our bucket list will include spending time at each of the warm Marriott resorts around the world. For some we will use reward points and for others earn reward points. Now that we have been to most of the Carribbean resorts and just returned from CR we need to decide on our next venture. We may include some of the not so warm climates too. Thanks
Posted by: Jeannine | 02/05/2008 at 02:44 AM
I've always been a big movie goer, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to travel out to a theater to see this show. But, with your great rating, perhaps I will give it a shot this weekend. Keep up with the great work on the blog -- always fascinating to read your thoughts.
Posted by: William | 01/28/2008 at 05:20 PM
bill , thanks for sharing, I will definetely go see it ...it reminds me of my first time in the US, when I arrived at Georgetown university 27 years ago..my first roommate once gave me a present with a short message from her: thank you for bringing a ray of sunshine into my life, those who bring sunshine into others people life cannot keep it away from themselves...I still tresure this thought.
Posted by: elisabetta | 01/28/2008 at 09:18 AM
i will watch the movie when it's released in Argentina. Thank you for the recommendation.
Posted by: Mariana | 01/28/2008 at 01:38 AM
I too enjoyed the movie, mainly because of Jack and Morgan. Any movie with a Freeman voiceover is special. They just add something to an otherwise not so unique story.
Posted by: Adam | 01/27/2008 at 02:14 PM
Mr. Marriott, I have not seen The Bucket List, but I do know that Marriott has brought a great deal of joy to others. As I write this, I am in one of your rooms in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Over the past two years, I have spent some 200 nights in Marriott hotels all across North America. Your staff are, almost without exception, kind, caring, and welcoming. Your hotels are clean, comfortable, and a welcome home away from home. For those things, I thank you. You are bringing joy to a dad away for too many nights from his children.
At the same time though, I cannot help but wonder why Marriott has not made at least one change to let Platinum members like me know that we are truly welcomed. If I am on your Concierge floors, often paying over $200 a night for a good room, why in many Marriotts am I then also paying another $12 or $15 a night for Internet in my room, when I could go to countless $79 hotels and get it for free? It's not a huge thing, but then again, many acts of appreciation aren't.
I know you have many things on your plate. But if I've spent $30,000 or $40,000 or more on Marriott over the past few years, I'm hoping my comment gets noted somewhere. You have a great hotel chain. I look forward to finding you in each new city. Thank you for being here. And thank you for this chance to add a comment.
Posted by: Lorne Pike | 01/27/2008 at 06:01 AM
I haven't watched this movie yet, but I will watch this movie when it release in Japan. I'm very interested in the theme of this movie. Thank you.
Posted by: Norikazu | 01/26/2008 at 12:01 PM
I have to agree with you about the movie. The critics didn't like it, but it was a pleasure to watch these two old pros in action.
Posted by: Phil Kramer | 01/26/2008 at 08:52 AM
Mr Marriott
I saw the movie last weekend with my Mom and girlfriend and loved the message just like you and your wife. We laughed and cried. I would highly recommend it.
Posted by: Dawn | 01/25/2008 at 01:18 PM