Bernie

Rating: 9
Genre: Adult Comedy
Starring: Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, Matthew McConaughy

Just when it appeared Hollywood was no longer interested in making comedies for adults, this one shows up. "Bernie" is an intriguing story with interesting characters. The residents of Carthage, Texas, who keep up a steady series of testimonials to Bernie (Black) claim he is the best thing that ever happened to their town. As assistant funeral director, he sings at church, directs the local dramas, and promotes civic activities.

When the meanest woman in town (MacLaine) loses her wealthy husband, Bernie manages to win her over and pry loose much of her money. Did he use her for money for the benefit of the town, or his own? Her domineering presence soon becomes too much for Bernie and he murders her. The murder trial has to be moved to another town because the people of Carthage were unlikely to convict him. Even the trial has its humorous touches in the portrayal of the panel of jurors.

The MatineeIdle has attended only two other movies in the past six weeks and neither was worth writing up - "Deep Blue Sea" (4) and "Cabin in the Woods" (2) Re-runs of old movies on television are preferable to these bummers.