Review of Bernie (2012) by Kevin M — 27 Mar 2013

Even though Bernie is a relatively slow-paced film, it still entertained me thanks to Jack Black's fantastic performance and Matthew McConaughey's hilariously accurate portrayal of a Southerner.

I also think if Bernie had not been based on a true story, it would be significantly less interesting to watch. The film grabbed my attention immediately, starting at the very well done opening scene of Bernie (played by Jack Black) showing a class how to prepare a body for a wake.

Having read the synopsis, I had known the big table-turner that occurs in the middle of the movie and I was curious to see such a gentle and kind person commit such an act. After he did that, the remainder of the movie kept me wondering what he had done with "it" (you'll know what I'm talking about when you watch it).

What I'm trying to get at is that the film had a very strong sense of direction; it was much more than Bernie living with a rich and snobby woman (played by Shirley MacLaine), I could feel something was going to change their odd relationship sooner or later.

I also found the mockumentary-style of filming to be surprisingly fresh; it reminded me of the television show The Office, and I really enjoyed seeing it in film form, done fantastically by director Richard Linklater.

Ultimately, Bernie is a great film powered by excellent performances and a smart sense of pacing.