BrianSez's Review

Summary - Great 4.0

Bernie takes the real story of Bernie Tiede, an undertaker that eventually kills an older woman companion (Shirley MacLaine) and films it in a quasi-narrative and darkly humorous style, throwing the venerable Jack Black on the center stage as Bernie. And Jack is perfect for the role of the effeminate Bernie, who is an extreme example of people pleaser. One of the best parts of this movie, besides the premium acting by Jack and Shirley, are the actors and real townsfolk playing/being the townsfolk. You just can’t make up some of the things they say or how they react to the whole affair. Sympathising with the bad guy doesn’t seem wrong at all – and Bernie shows you why. Bernie was very well done and thoroughly entertaining and laugh-generating material. I’m thinking awards are due.

Acting - Really Great 4.5

Jack Black was a brilliant choice for Bernie. Once you see him in the role, it all makes sense – but I’m not sure anyone would have seen it without a very keen casting eye. Was that chubby tummy real?

Shirley MacLaine really just needed to be herself. I’m not sure she fit for Margerie Nugent, but she was great.

Matthew McConaughey’s role as the town sheriff is lesser than Jack and Shirley, but he’s good.

I also liked Richard Robichaux as the put-out stockbroker that nearly got in to a cat fight with Bernie

As mentioned above, this movie was glued together by the townsfolk interviews; both the actors and the real-deal were priceless

Film - Great 4.0

Edge - Tame 1.3

Reality - Glib 1.2

2 Comments

• Wick Jun 23, 2012 10:29AM

  Regarding Wick’s Review
  You’re welcome Ira. First time I’ve had a cast member compliment a review! You guys were great. Like I said, if Linklater just used the stars, it wouldn’t of been half the movie it became.

• ira bounds Jun 23, 2012 5:24AM

  Regarding Wick’s Review
  Thank you so much for your review of BERNIE..Yes,that was Matthew’s mother,…and she is very funny..thank’s for the compliment upon my part..This is the first time I got mentioned by name in a review,so thanks,….Richard Linklater is an amazing director…he put together a GREAT cast and crew.

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