Blu-ray Review: Jack Black in Richard Linklater’s Clever ‘Bernie’

CHICAGO – Richard Linklater’s “Bernie” is one of those unusual stories that is so bizarre that it has to be true. It is the saga of Bernie Tiede (Jack Black), a closeted, affable mortician who befriended an irascible, cranky woman named Majorie Nugent (Shirley MacLaine). After years of psychological abuse, he shot her in the back and stored her in the freezer in their garage. As he does with all of his projects, Linklater approaches this true story from a unique, entertaining angle. He’s simply one of our best living filmmakers and “Bernie” is merely further proof.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

“Dazed and Confused,” “Before Sunrise,” “School of Rock,” “A Scanner Darkly,” “Tape,” “Waking Life” — Richard Linklater rocks. While “Bernie” may not be the fully satisfying meal as some of his best, it is undeniably clever, well-written, well-acted, and beautifully constructed. Mixing real world details, mockumentary techniques, and dark humor, “Bernie” is a very smart movie about some very strange people. It’s a great rental and one of the more memorable films of 2012 to date.

Bernie was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 21, 2012
Photo credit: Sony

Synopsis:
In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director 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. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder.

Click here to buy “Bernie” [11]

Special Features:
o Featurettes: Amazing Grace, True Story To Film, The Gossips
o Deleted Scenes
o Previews

[12]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [13] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [12]