Everyday we are bombarded with trailers & commercials for the latest movies about to be released. The blockbusters get the most attention because they have the most money behind them. Some live up to the hype(The Avengers) some don’t(Battleship). What get’s lost most of the time are the indie flicks that deserve more attention. One of these is Bernie starring Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine and Matthew McConaughey.
Jan & I had the pleasure of seeing this slightly dark comedy yesterday. Apparently it was released in 2011 but it was playing at the cineplex in Evanston like it was a new release. Neither one of us are fans of Jack Black but I have to say this has got to be his finest performance to date. Based on true events, Bernie tells the story of a mortician in a small east Texas town that befriends a wealthy widow and becomes her constant companion. I don’t want to give away too much but events occur that put the little town of Carthage on the map. Black and MacLaine give oscar worthy performances and I thought McConaughey was decent in his role as the headline grabbing local D.A. The director even uses local townspeople in documentary style cameos recounting their memories of the events.
So if you get a chance check this movie out and support an Indie film that truly deserves it!
