From NetFlix:

In this black comedy inspired by real-life events, affable Texas mortician Bernie befriends the small town’s wealthiest widow and then kills her. But despite the suspicious nature of her death, no one wants to think anything but the best of Bernie.

After seeing A Separation (2011), I was grateful I don’t live in Iran. After seeing “Bernie” I am grateful I don’t live in a small town.

At the conclusion of this film you can see the real Bernie and his unfortunately murdered wife.

For the first half of the film I was amused by the small town culture, the east Texas accents, and Jack Black’s excellent portrayal of smarmy Bernie. Moreover, any film that satirizes the predatory practices of funeral directors is a film near and dear to my heart. Also I was surprised by the many politically incorrect turns of speech, tsk, tsk!

About the middle of the film I got tired of watching. What struck me was how anti-climactic the ending was. True to life, Bernie tearfully confesses and is convicted. This is no spoiler because the outcome is what did in fact happen to the real Bernie. Rather the point of the film is how the townsfolk like Bernie and don’t really care that he shot “that bitch”. And indeed Shirley MacLaine is her usual bitchy self.

Somewhat amusing but you can do better.