Redwarmin
This movie is the proof that the world is becoming a sick and dumb place
CrawlerChunky
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
Tymon Sutton
The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.
MattyGibbs
A mortician strikes up a friendship with a rich controlling businesswoman that doesn't have good consequences. The film is told like a documentary with interviews with people who knew the pair along with flashbacks to stages in their relationship. It's an interesting format and one that works well. The story flows well and holds your attention throughout. This is a good example of a black comedy that really works with a sparkling and very witty script with lots of well observed and funny moments but also some good dark drama. It features a strong cast with Jack Black as a popular mortician.The stand out performance for me was by Matthew McConaughey as the charismatic cop trying to put Black behind bars. Bernie is one of those films that you watch with low expectations but which surprises you with how good it is. It deserves a much higher rating than it's current 6.8 (36,466 votes). Highly recommended.
g-bodyl
Richard Linklater is one of cinema's most important and influential filmmakers there is today and this film, Bernie really shows those traits. He really know how to make films based off small towns and their characters. The story that he tackles here is a really unique and strange premise, and that works in the movie's favor. The film is charming, if not somewhat eccentric. The movie has gotten me interested in the real-life situation, so it may be time to hit the research books.Linklater's film is about a man named Bernie Tiede who happens to be this well-loved man that is highly involved with the community. He is even able to befriend an elderly woman named Marjorie Nugent, who is despised in the town of Carthage, Texas. But one day, something clicks in Bernie and he kills Marjorie. The townspeople are shocked after hearing about Bernie being arrested.Jack Black gives his best performance in years. He was magnificent as Bernie and although he gave up a creepy vibe at times, he truly flourished as Bernie. He did a good job in turning into a man who doesn't seem to realize the grave consequences of his actions. Shirley MacLaine does a great job as the elderly Marjorie, and did I ever hate her character! Matthew McConaughey does a good job as the prosecutor who is coming under fire for convicting Bernie.Overall, Bernie is a wacky crime film, but it's entertaining. It's also funny, but not in the riotous kind of way. More of an amusing chuckle kind of way.....which is a great thing. I liked the style of the film and how it was filmed mockumentary-style. The real townspeople being interviewed was a good heads up on Linklater's part. Another reason why he is such a magnificent filmmaker. A very good, unique film. I rate this film 9/10.
Matthew Luke Brady
Churchgoer: "Ms. Nugent is in a deep freezer headed for Dallas!" The story is about Bernie Tiede was one of the town's most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent, an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as her fortune. Bernie frequently traveled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands.2011 was the year for Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey and the director Richard Linklater, because this movie was beautifully directed and acted.Bernie is a entertaining dark comedy with a sweet side to it. The main character of this movie (Bernie) well he has be the most interesting and most likable person of the face of earth, even the fact that he killed a mean and despicable old women, I still cared for him and I got to give respect to the writers and the director to care about a killer. Matthew McConaughey had the biggest come back in 2011 with The Lincoln Lawyer, Killer Joe and now this movie which he was brilliant in. McConaughey always has that charm and know it all in every role in see him in today, and that what makes him a brilliant actor.Jack Black gives a heartbreaking and spellbinding performance as the sweet killer. It's good to see Jack Black doing roles were he can poof that he is a great actor and in this movie he shines and gives it his all.The movie does have it's slow parts and some of the short interviews of the town people can be a little bit uninteresting. But overall Bernie is a terrific and fantastic movie with brilliant writing and directing.
Red_Identity
At first, upon hearing about this, didn't have high expectations at all. Not a big fan of Jack Black, and the title Bernie just makes it seem like a ridiculous raunchy comedy. But then reviews were pretty great, and I raised my expectations a lot. I kind of wanted more black comedy in it, as it is, it mostly plays straight as a drama with some darkly comedic moments. Jack Black, though, is the real revelation here. I had no idea he had this in him, and it's a pretty fantastic performance. Matthew McConaughey is also pretty fun here, playing his character as straight as the film requires but also making him really funny. This is some strong work.
