This dark indie comedy stars Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, and Matthew McConaughey. Black stars as Bernie Tiede, a mortician that becomes a wildly popular resident of tiny Carthage, Texas. When he conducts the funeral of wealthy Mr. Nugent, he befriends his widow, Marjorie Nugent (MacLaine). Through the years, they become very close, often taking trips together around the world. However, Nugent becomes increasingly paranoid and possessive of Bernie, and one day he shoots her four times in the back with her shotgun. Because Bernie feels like the shooting was an out-of-body action, he goes to great lengths to hide her death, pretending for nine months that Nugent is alive, but sick and in hiding. I will not reveal the resolution, but what is extremely fascinating about the film is that it is based on a true story. Even more incredible is how writer-director Richard Linklater was able to make an effective comedy of such subject matter, although the situation was bizarre and humorous in a twisted way. Black delivers a fabulous performance, as always, making you laugh simply through one of his facial expressions. MacLaine and McConaughey also impress.
Should you see it: Yes
Grade: B+
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