Bernie

Had I rated this after the first viewing, would've been 5 stars with exclamation points!!! Not so much after the second viewing, after I'd looked up more information on the actual story, although there were still some great scenes and enjoyable performances. I'd put my final rating above 3/below 4, but I rounded up to be fair to the players (regardless of my views on crime and the so-called legal system). I assume the reader knows the story, so there are probably some spoilers to follow. I was looking for a good comedy and thought this fit the bill, I was literally laughing out loud the first time around and loving MM's performance - BUT I didn't realize this was actually a true story. I know, I know, it says that right at the beginning, but I really thought that was part of the movie - fit in with the 'documentary' theme and pretty sure this was listed under comedy or had reviews indicating it was funny. Still some funny parts, though, and still loved MM's performance but definitely had a different viewpoint while watching after knowing the story. Seemed much slower the second time around. Still not sure how a first degree murder conviction was obtained, twice. (Second trial due in no small part to this movie.) Maybe there's something in the written confession (which was allegedly coerced) - ? Also not sure how 'family' convinced anyone they cared about someone with whom they never visited or even spoke, but money is clearly a big motivator. Whether the woman was mean or ornery or nice or gracious, she had a right to her money. If she wanted to spend lavishly on someone, that's her choice. If she didn't want her 'family' to have her funds, also her choice. It seems the victim was murdered and then aggrieved further in death, in more ways than one. As far as movies go, this one was pretty good, but I think they could've added some more factual information from the trial. Was this supposed to be a statement on the so-called justice system or just a TX story? (So did anyone else notice that MM does not look at his Mom in the scene they did together???) Lastly, for those who seem surprised by Black's performance, they've probably not seen many of Black's performances. This is right up his alley.

Bernie is about a dark comedy about a clash of personalities. Jack Black plays the best funeral home operator in east Texas. He knew how to sell and befriend his customers and was a very giving man. Then he meets Shirley MacLaine who is widely considered the meanest and most evil woman in town. The movie is presented like a documentary with people being interviewed about Black and MacLaine. Black gets to show all his attributes. He can schmooze with the best of them and then busts out with song and dance in a town musical or singing a hymn in church. MacLaine is great as an old hag. She is so mean it’s great to see. All the interviews are just an added level to the storytelling.

I bought this film on the recommendation of a friend. I hesitated because of the presence of Jack Black. I LIKE Jack Black, but let's face it, a little Jack goes a loooooooong way. For me, watching him is like watching Robin Williams doing comedy films - there is NO let up. It's manic all the way. He's just too exhausting to watch.However, in Bernie, Jack manages to keep his lid on and turn in an understated and sympathetic performance. His portrayal of the real-life, good-hearted Carthage mortitician-turned-murderer is absolutely brilliant. He is completely believable, and as a result, makes brings Bernie Tiede to life for those of us non-Carthage, Texas dwellers. Everyone in the movie played it straight, letting the laughs come from the dialog and the whole preposterous situation. It was just genius to use real Carthage citizens as a Greek chorus, moving the story along with the remarks, obvervations and memories. Matthew McConaughey does a great job too.The one casting I didn't too much care for was that of Shirley MacLaine. Don't get me wrong; I normally love Shirley MacLaine, but she's been playing the old female curmudgeon role for all it's worth since Steel Magnolias. In fact, her take on her role of Marjorie in Bernie is just a one-dimensional reprise of Weezer.Nevertheless, this is an excellent, unique movie about real events in a small Texas town. The events are so outlandish that this film would not have worked as fiction: the story is just too implausible.Most of all, this showed me what an excellent artist Jack Black is. He is not the one-note like I thought he was. His performance was perfect: restrained, believable and completely sympathetic. He was actually nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Bernie Tiede and I was sure rooting for him. I am now anxiously awaiting more great performances from Jack Black.In the meantime, I have Bernie - quirky, unique, hilarious, poignant, full of memorable characters and based in fact.

Item was in very good condition. Just a describe.

Good movie

great film .Jack Black was excellent as Bernie. I was amazed at how well he could sing. A different kind of film with real people from the town talking to camera,True story of Bernie the murderer.

A very entertaining film which I enjoyed far more than I expected. Always liked Jack Black but here he proves to be an excellent actor as well as a very funny guy. Would definitely recommend it.

An unusual Jack Black performance but not disappointing. This story is not the usual Jack-manic performance and tells the true story of a calm and well respected man who is pushed over the edge.Comparatively low key but not dull. I kept expecting more of a comical chemistry between Jack and Shirley MacLaine but the film took more of a serious, true-life tone. Enjoyable watch.

This movie is a must for Jack Black fans.His performance is truly unique and outstanding.He sings, dances and directs funerals.But it's one funeral in particular, which is about to change his life forever and not necessarily for best.Based on a true story, about an overbearing and bossy widow and a popular funeral director who is just too nice.

If you like Jack you will enjoy film. It seems to be nearly true. If you watch documentary inc family members they tell a different story!