Naomi Weisman is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three, who loves to ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
I am not a fan of scary movies. So, when I saw the title The Burial, I automatically thought it would be a horror. My partner Brian wanted to know what it was about, so we read the overview and were pleasantly surprised to find it was a movie based on a true story. I love those!
Nothing makes me happier than watching a movie that exceeds my expectations. This great David and Goliath story tells us about Jeremiah O’Keefe (Tommy Lee Jones), a man from Mississippi who runs a small chain of 8 funeral homes. He finds himself caught in a financial storm and decides to raise money by selling 3 of his homes to a large corporation.
A few weeks after the initial contract is signed, O’Keefe realizes he is being swindled. With his financial legacy to his 13 grown children in jeopardy, O’Keefe hires the flamboyant Florida personal injury lawyer Willie E. Gary (Jamie Foxx) to help him take on this formidable foe. Tensions flare, egos clash, and the courtroom becomes a battleground.
This film takes its viewers on an emotional rollercoaster of laughter and empathy, sharing the dark side of corporations and shady death insurance policies and how they prey on the weak and the vulnerable, as well as the bright side of family and community and the importance of humor.
The acting in this comedy/drama is exceptional, which isn’t surprising given the track record of its stars. Both Oscar-winning actors, Jones and Foxx, do not disappoint. Their chemistry is incredible, and I could swear it might have been unscripted in some scenes. It felt that natural.
Keep your eye out for two scenes where Jamie Foxx exposes his vulnerability and the facial expressions of Tommy Lee Jones that speak volumes.
Other notable performances that helped to flesh out this story and make this movie even better came from Jurnee Smollett (Mamie) during a pivotal courtroom scene when she cross-examines a witness, and Mamoudou Athie (Hal Dockins) when he is trying to convince his boss O’Keefe to hire the unlikely Willie Gary.
I particularly love the chemistry between Willie Gary and his wife, Gloria. They reminded me of Cuba Gooding Jr. and Regina King in Jerry Maguire—childhood sweethearts who love and support each other to the moon and back.
If you are looking for a movie that will transport you and envelop you in a big hug, this is it. Brian and I were smiling and talking about it for at least an hour after it ended.
As always, let me know what you think. Enjoy!
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I’m looking forward to seeing this. I’m especially looking forward to the chemistry and dynamic between these two.
Love this show! Thanks so much for the recommendation.
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