Usually I don't enjoy or recommend Jack Black movies. There is often something too uncontrolled, too gross to his performances that gets in the way. Not with "Bernie." This true story of small-town Texas undertaker Bernie Tiede who befriends a cranky rich widow (Shirley MacLaine) and becomes her constant companion, is a masterfully-controlled character study. Interspersed with documentary-style interviews with townspeople, both real and impersonated, the story of Bernie is fascinating, funny, and touchingly sad. Matthew McConaughey appears, believably and deliciously, as the local prosecutor upholding the law when the sentiment of the town is clearly with Bernie, no matter what he might have done to Margorie Nugent. The movie is insightful, fascinating, wry, and will leave you shaking your head in both disbelief and understanding.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Bernie ****
Usually I don't enjoy or recommend Jack Black movies. There is often something too uncontrolled, too gross to his performances that gets in the way. Not with "Bernie." This true story of small-town Texas undertaker Bernie Tiede who befriends a cranky rich widow (Shirley MacLaine) and becomes her constant companion, is a masterfully-controlled character study. Interspersed with documentary-style interviews with townspeople, both real and impersonated, the story of Bernie is fascinating, funny, and touchingly sad. Matthew McConaughey appears, believably and deliciously, as the local prosecutor upholding the law when the sentiment of the town is clearly with Bernie, no matter what he might have done to Margorie Nugent. The movie is insightful, fascinating, wry, and will leave you shaking your head in both disbelief and understanding.
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