Texas Version of Jack Black? Sure, Why Not?
I think part of the reason why I liked this movie so much was because when I went to see it in the theater, I sat behind a group of geriatrics that were from Texas, accent and all. So, as the movie was humming along, they were laughing at things that were clearly targeted at a Texas audience. Laughing is extremely contagious for me, so of course I chimed in from time to time just because they were on the floor dying (no, not literally).
Jack Black continually surprises me from time to time, and this performance is no exception. To my knowledge, he really has never played a role like this before, but his silliness/wackiness permits him to pose as a light-voiced, portly mortician. I couldn't help but think of his part in the Tenacious D film as I was watching this, but thankfully was able to separate the two in my mind for the sake of the movie. Shirley MacLaine also proved to me that she is a very relevant actress and is still capable of delivering compelling performances. I forgot Matthew McConaughey was in this movie; the writers just needed someone with a convincing Southern accent.
The movie was good in the sense that it had some well-balanced humor and the subject of the story was very interesting (you have to enjoy movies that are pretty accurately based on true events). You even get to see an interview between Black and the real "Bernie" at the end of the film, which makes you respect the process of how the movie was created. Unfortunately, it was forgettable. I am usually captivated by good music, but that wasn't a key factor for me, and the supporting staff of the movie was not stellar.
I wouldn't go out of my way to see it again, but if you do find yourself watching it from start to finish, you won't be disappointed.
Written April 24, 2013
Jack Black continually surprises me from time to time, and this performance is no exception. To my knowledge, he really has never played a role like this before, but his silliness/wackiness permits him to pose as a light-voiced, portly mortician. I couldn't help but think of his part in the Tenacious D film as I was watching this, but thankfully was able to separate the two in my mind for the sake of the movie. Shirley MacLaine also proved to me that she is a very relevant actress and is still capable of delivering compelling performances. I forgot Matthew McConaughey was in this movie; the writers just needed someone with a convincing Southern accent.
The movie was good in the sense that it had some well-balanced humor and the subject of the story was very interesting (you have to enjoy movies that are pretty accurately based on true events). You even get to see an interview between Black and the real "Bernie" at the end of the film, which makes you respect the process of how the movie was created. Unfortunately, it was forgettable. I am usually captivated by good music, but that wasn't a key factor for me, and the supporting staff of the movie was not stellar.
I wouldn't go out of my way to see it again, but if you do find yourself watching it from start to finish, you won't be disappointed.
Written April 24, 2013