Jack Black hasn't given a better performance. Sadly, the writing and inconsistent tone doesn't do him justice.
'Bernie' first appears to be a true and dedicated character study of the title character (Black). His life as an assistant funeral director is just as he wants it. But after meeting Marjorie (MacLaine), the character study soon turns into an inconsistent town narrative. Although things turn up once Danny Buck (McConaughey) comes to town. But its too little, too late.
I wish that the script stayed as consistent as its performances. All of them are at the top of their game. Black finally found his sweet spot, sweet, funny, and being able to use an accent. And Shirley MacLaine gives another effortless performance while McConaughey brings life to the film's third act.
I also think that the ending of this movie shouldn't have ended the way it did. It was too dribbled down by the end, that the ending intrigue wasn't even worth using if you were going to kill it off ten minutes before the payoff.
But don't get me wrong, there were multiple positive points throughout this movie. The performances, the charm, the climax, and its unique feeling made 'Bernie' worth watching despite its many flaws and inconsistencies. {C+}
'Bernie' first appears to be a true and dedicated character study of the title character (Black). His life as an assistant funeral director is just as he wants it. But after meeting Marjorie (MacLaine), the character study soon turns into an inconsistent town narrative. Although things turn up once Danny Buck (McConaughey) comes to town. But its too little, too late.
I wish that the script stayed as consistent as its performances. All of them are at the top of their game. Black finally found his sweet spot, sweet, funny, and being able to use an accent. And Shirley MacLaine gives another effortless performance while McConaughey brings life to the film's third act.
I also think that the ending of this movie shouldn't have ended the way it did. It was too dribbled down by the end, that the ending intrigue wasn't even worth using if you were going to kill it off ten minutes before the payoff.
But don't get me wrong, there were multiple positive points throughout this movie. The performances, the charm, the climax, and its unique feeling made 'Bernie' worth watching despite its many flaws and inconsistencies. {C+}