Bernie

Bernie I can’t believe how much I laughed (out loud) during the film. I still have a smile on my face. This film was hilarious. I almost missed it because I am not a fan of Jack Black. I now suggest you go to see the film because of Jack Black. He is a riot. In fact all the cast is superb. Shirley MacLaine and Mathew McConaughey each add humor to this delightful tale. It is told in a documentary style. The action takes place in a small town Carthage., Texas. Jack Black plays the part of Bernie an assistant funeral director. He lives alone and is loved by all the people in town. He leads the church choir. He gives care and attention to the deceased as well as the family members. He helps everyone and seems to be able to do everything. He sings. He directs the local theatre group. The action starts when Mr. Nugent dies. Mrs. Nugent (MacLaine) is a mean, stingy, bossy, unkind woman. Nobody likes her. Even her own family is estranged from her. She has a lot of money. Bernie visits her following the funeral. Over time she begins to soften and likes Bernie’s company. In fact he almost becomes her slave. She bosses him around. For a while she changes and becomes more attractive. Bernie and Mrs. Nugent travel all over the world. Bernie takes over her finances. He buys a plane. He lives a life of luxury but still gives much of his attention to the town’s people. MacLaine is fantastic as the angry mean widow. I have a feeling she had a lot of fun in playing this part. Throughout the film the various characters living in the town are interviewed. Wherever did they find that cast? They are a riot. Bernie is bossed around so much by Mrs. Nugent that he cannot take it anymore and shoots her. The DA gets called into action and charges Bernie with the murder. McConaughey also provides humor in the way he plays the part. The people in the town turn on the DA. They want Bernie free. This could have been a silly farce. The acting is so great. Guaranteed you will have a laugh. The documentary approach is so novel and works well. This was a great surprise and a lot of fun. It is clever, original and very creative.