The real gold here is the performance centrepiece by Black; he delivers a lovable, highly nuanced portrayal of a man who is hard not to feel sympathy for, even if it does grind against your conscience.
- Jim Schembri, 3AW, August 17, 2012
A truly strange and original creation, based on a true story, which doesn't judge its curious characters.
- Cara Nash, FILMINK (Australia), August 16, 2012
It's done very well indeed. I think Jack Black is wonderful. I thought that the whole progression of the film was, to me, unexpected.
- David Stratton, At the Movies (Australia), August 16, 2012
It's a fascinating story presented in a really intelligent and weirdly entertaining way.
- Margaret Pomeranz, At the Movies (Australia), August 16, 2012
If anything it is a film about the selective application of moral judgement based on personal prejudices.
- Thomas Caldwell, Cinema Autopsy, August 15, 2012
Richard Linklater mixes documentary with recreation in this bizarre true story, mercifully avoiding caricature and farce despite the subject seemingly screaming for it.
- Simon Miraudo, Quickflix, August 13, 2012
Richard Linklater's darkly funny mock doc is full of surprises, not least one star's terrific return to form.
- Ed Gibbs, The Sunday Age, August 12, 2012
A unique work, a special film, a wonderful story, amazing characters; you'll watch the end credits with a big smile on your face
- Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile, August 11, 2012
I loved every minute of this well-told and brilliantly created film that reinforces the complexities and incongruities of the human condition
- Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile, August 11, 2012
Odd duck comedy/drama casts Jack Black in a surprisingly new light.
- Don Groves, sbs.com.au, July 26, 2012
"Bernie' isn't a monumental film, but it is a finely tuned character study with some nice innovations.
- Tom Long, Detroit News, May 25, 2012
The question of why the law must always be upheld, regardless of consequences, gives this light, amiable movie a surprising heft and weight.
- Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald, May 24, 2012
Bernie has chuckles, but it's hardly riotous. And this is a good thing.
- Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post, May 18, 2012
Propelled by a perfectly cast trio of stars whose eccentricities shine in singular character roles, Bernie is charmer.
- Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail, May 18, 2012
"Bernie" unfolds into many equally rich narrative strands: love story, southern Gothic slice-of-life and, finally tragedy and legal thriller...
- Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, May 18, 2012
Really impressive.
- Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK], April 25, 2013
Almost vaudeville in spirit, it delights in American social clichés and kinks.
- Antonia Quirke, Financial Times, April 25, 2013
Far more fine shades and ambiguities than expected.
- David Jenkins, Little White Lies, April 25, 2013
A sweet, dark, funny true-crime story with a dream cast - and that includes the real-life residents of the town of Carthage, Texas.
- Rebecca Davies, Film4, April 24, 2013
Linklater's Fargo, it's funny peculiar and funny ha ha, with Black a delight and Linklater in impressive control of superbly judged content and tone.
- Angie Errigo, Empire Magazine, April 22, 2013
