Bernie-2011

Director Richard Linklater

Starring Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughey

Scott’s Review #472

Reviewed August 30, 2016

Grade: C-

Bernie (2011) is a film that, surprisingly, received critical acclaim and Golden Globe and Independent Spirit Award nominations, but I was left quite disappointed.

Categorized as a dark comedy, it has a morbid premise, which isn’t the issue; I didn’t find it very good overall.

Despite being a true story of Bernie (Jack Black) marrying and murdering millionaire Marjorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine) in Texas, the film is not compelling and is written too over-the-top.

Inexplicably, the townspeople refuse to believe Bernie’s obvious guilt.

The film has a few funny, interesting moments and is based on real events, but I didn’t feel as connected to it as I expected and, honestly, found it a bit dull.

Jack Black is impressive as the title character, but only because it is a departure from his usual slapstick film roles. I don’t get the accolades being heaped on him for his performance.

Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey are capable of the parts written for them, but they are one-note characters.

Meh.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Male Lead-Jack Black