‘The Life List’: Keep Expectations Low and You’ll Probably Like It

This romantic comedy-drama will satisfy fans of the genre but breaks no new ground.
‘The Life List’: Keep Expectations Low and You’ll Probably Like It
Alex (Sofia Carson) is given tasks to accomplish from her mother who has passed away, in "The Life List." Nicole Rivelli/Netflix
Michael Clark
Updated:

PG-13 | 2h 3m | Drama, Comedy, Romance | 2025

For its first 15 minutes, this new production from writer-director Adam Brooks plays out like an unimaginative amalgam of “The Bucket List” (2007), “Ghost” (1990), and a reversal of “Terms of Endearment” (1983) by way of “Sex and the City” (2008). At first blush, it’s a morality play posing as a semi-weepy chick flick. Luckily, right at the point where many viewers will lose interest, it tosses out a series of clever plot twists.

Michael Clark
Michael Clark
Author
Originally from the nation's capital, Michael Clark has provided film content to over 30 print and online media outlets. He co-founded the Atlanta Film Critics Circle in 2017 and is a weekly contributor to the Shannon Burke Show on FloridaManRadio.com. Since 1995, Clark has written over 5,000 movie reviews and film-related articles. He favors dark comedy, thrillers, and documentaries.