The New Jack Black
I almost passed on this movie because typically Jack Black movies are not even in my 'to rent' category (Nacho Libre, anyone?). Who knew Jack Black could actually act AND sing? His acting was spot-on - not one goofy or absurd acting moment. He sang in a pure and sweet tenor that was totally appropriate for the material. The movie is about the murder of a wealthy and controlling woman (Shirley MacLaine) by her companion (Black) who is also the local assistant funeral director. While the subject is grim, the story is told with a sense of humor and features local residents so the accents are REAL (as opposed to New Yorker/Hollywood sub-par approximations) which adds the perfect level of authentication. Matthew McConaughey and his mother, Kay, are also in the movie; she should have a career in acting! Bernie was the first movie I'd seen in a long time that prompted spontaneous audience applause at the end, and the theater remained full until the last credit rolled. Very, very good!