Bernie

directed by Richard Linklater (2011)

I went into this cold, knowing only that it starred Jack Black, Shirley MacLaine, and Matthew McConaughey and I think that is the BEST way to see this movie - knowing nothing about it AT ALL.  It will suprise you and isn't that one of the greatest things in life - when something surprises you?  When a movie can do that, it's like a present you weren't even expecting.

So don't read anymore if you ain't seen it yet, because now I'm gonna head into spoiler territory.  (Don't watch the trailer - it pretty much tells you everything that happens.)

It's a based on a true story of a 1996 murder in Texas.  I thought it was a regular old made up story, and when I realized at the end, that it really happened, and that those townspeople were the actual spectators to the incident talking about a real person and a real murder, well I was just delighted.  Not that this awful crime took place - it was a terrible thing Bernie did -  more that this movie was made ya know?  The best most genius part was having how the interviews with the townspeople were intermingled with the recreations of the relationship between Bernie and Marjorie.

It's such a great story too, like they tagline says, "A story so unbelievable it must be true."  And I thought it was so appropriate how it was structured, starting off showcasing Bernie's unbelievable goodness.  You can't help but like and root for Bernie.  Even though he shot an old lady 4 times IN THE BACK, then stuffed her in a freezer, you still want to forgive him.  It shine's a light on this peculiar aspect of the human condition - how prejudiced we all are, and how easily we can be swayed to forgive when we like a person.   With our friends, or people who are likeable, we'll want to cut them slack,  and give them a break, but for people we don't like, or who we can't relate to?  All those wrongdoers?? Well they can go to hell.

It's the American way, well acually it's the way most people are the world over.  Unfortunately, as a people, we are highly and irrationally prejudicial.

It's a good flick.  Well worth your time.  I really enjoyed it. I also thought Jack Black's role would have been great for Zach Galifianakis.

The World's Fastest Indian

directed by Roger Donaldson (2005)

When I first heard about this movie, I thought it was about a neechi sprinter who done good.  It's not though;  the Indian in question is a fucking motorcyle, not a fast person.  Anthony Hopkins is the motorcycle owner.  He plays Burt Munro, a New Zealand gear head who's been working on the same bike for 40 years to make it go fast.  His dream is to take it to The Bonneville Speed Trials in the salt lake basin in Utah, so he can see how fast he can push his bike with officials to bear witness.

Burt with the bike

Burt in his workshop

It's based on a real guy and the simple story is a good mix of underdog/quest/road trip/fish out of water. It's set in the 60's and I really liked the period details.  Old cars and that people were accommodating to ole Burt.  Joe said it reminded him of a kid's movie where a dog is trying to make his way home and people help him on his journey. And lots of people helped out Burt, he's a likeable old dog for sure. I appreciated Burt's DIY gumption and seeing the earlier days of racing when it was still more in the hands of enthusiastic and passionate hobbyists was refreshing. It's a feel good flick, and while I didn't have any profound revelations or overwhelming feelings about anything while I was watching, I didn't feel like I'd wasted my time with it either.  It's got a good message of pursuing your dreams that has universal appeal, and that it's about an old man going for his dream is rather unique too.  It's really appetizing for back yard mechanics and man cave Nascar types though.

I wonder if Hopkins felt like he was slumming in this?  I've heard that he thinks of movies as a way to pay bills while he really prefers doing theatre work.