Bernie

This is a true story of a very gifted young man who finds a job in a small Texas town as an assistant mortician. In no time, the whole town fell in love with this man... he was perfect in every way, hard-working, kind, humble, talented in so many things. But when he befriends a very wealthy cantankerous old widow, things soon begin to change, including himself. I won't spoil the movie by telling you how it ends, but it does in such a way you'd never dream. Full of intrigue and many plotlines, with superb acting, you'll find this to be a very enjoyable movie with a surprising ending

Great movie!! It was very entertaining for some ladies from Portland, OR who were in our area to attend a graduation. Once they discovered it was a true story they were very surprised!!

Movie, based on true story, was excellent.

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.

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.

This TRUE funny story too place in Texas. It makes you want to go personally to visit the "VILLAN" (of the story) actually in prison, pat him on the back and tell him he did what was necessary! I intend to go shake his hand, if possible.It is a MUST SEE for adults who have empathy and love for human kindness.

I wish he would do this character again at some point...somehow. He needs to be given more dramatic roles I think.

A favourite film of 2012! We smiled from start to finish! Jack Black's singing put this film over the top.

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.