Bernie (2012)

Very well executed

Overrated

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

You (Weekend at Bernie's (1989)) VS the black comedy involving dead people and a mustachioed titular Bernie that they told you not to worry about.Viewed 17/06/2018

This is a movie based on a true story. What is unfortunate is that the DVD cover write up assumes that you are familiar with the story and explains the entire plot. Bernie (Jack Black) is a nice guy who hangs wallpaper, does tax returns, directs the choir, directs plays, does needlepoint and makes curtains. He is also the town's assistant funeral director...one that doesn't hang out with girls.Bernie befriends Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine) a rich mean woman hated by the town and her own family. The movie is done similar to "Broadway Danny Rose" in that part of it is a mock docu-drama with some funny locals. Jack Black does not come across as someone from East Texas. I doubted the sincerity of Bernie because they tried to make him a little too cute and humorous. That said, it did make the film more entertaining which is what counts in the long run.There were very few laugh out loud moments, but many moments that made me smile. The trial at the end of the film was far too short and a missed opportunity for some comedic moments. The film is witty and entertaining. For those of you with poor eyesight, that is Matthew McConaughey on the poorly designed DVD cover and not Chevy Chase.Parental Guide: 1 F-Bomb that I recall, no sex or nudity.

Bernie is one of my favorite movies, and the best advice I can give is this: Don't watch the preview. The preview gives away the entire story—major spoilers! All you need to know is it's about a very charismatic mortician who moves to a small Texas town and bonds with a widow after conducting her husband's funeral. If you start to read anything more about the plot, stop reading! The movie is so fantastic, but you can only see it for the first time once. Don't spoil it.The acting in Bernie is incredible. I don't know what kind of anti-aging pill Shirley MacLaine is taking, but I want it! She looks fantastic, and her energy level is just as high as it was in her twenties. Matthew McConaughey gives a hilarious performance, and even people who normally can't stand him will think he does an excellent job (just ask my mom!). And Jack Black, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his turn in the title role, is phenomenal. The Academy Awards snubbed him, big time. He pours himself into the role, making Bernie human, charming, troubled, sweet, and endearing.Richard Linklater co-wrote and directed the film, and he guides the story with a very gentle hand. The main plot is spliced in with mock interviews, but Linklater doesn't make it feel like a documentary. He balances the very fine line between humor and drama, and unfolds the story to the audience in a truly perfect way.Do me and yourself a favor; buy Bernie. It's a movie you'll want to watch over and over and over.

I knew very little about this film prior to viewing aside from the 3 key actors. All give understated performances, pretty surprising for Jack Black. Both Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey are also kept under control in terms of dialogue. It is a very story focused film and the presentation is very well crafted. You are drawn in right from the start and are never quite sure where all this is leading to.It's a blend of film noir, interspersed with comedy, and drama. Entertainment in a quirky way. And surprisingly all based on a true story. Well worth watching. Reminded me of a good Coen brothers film – without the violence.