Two idiots try to pretend that their murdered employer is really alive, leading the hitman to attempt to track him down to finish him off.
Weekend at Bernie’s (1989) is a darkly hilarious and absurdly gritty comedy that dares to take retro movie lovers on a wild, corpse-filled ride.
The film follows two bumbling corporate employees, Larry (Andrew McCarthy) and Richard (Jonathan Silverman), who stumble upon a sinister embezzlement scheme at their workplace. When they discover their boss, Bernie (Terry Kiser), dead at his beachfront mansion, they concoct a ludicrous plan to make everyone believe he’s still alive.
Amidst the sandy beaches and lavish parties, Larry and Richard must carry Bernie’s lifeless body around, pretending he’s alive to avoid becoming suspects in his murder.
The film’s grim premise takes on a gleefully macabre charm, as the duo struggles to keep their sham afloat, leading to laugh-out-loud mishaps and a series of hilariously scenarios.
Weekend at Bernie’s embraces its absurdity with a gritty wit, never shying away from the bizarre or the bizarrely funny.
Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman’s chemistry is electrifying, elevating the film with their impeccable comedic timing and a camaraderie that feels effortlessly authentic.
Terry Kiser’s performance as Bernie is a masterclass in dark humor. Though a lifeless corpse, his character manages to steal scenes and deliver laughs, making his presence felt throughout the film’s zany escapades.
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of the Hamptons, the film exudes an ’80s charm and an unabashedly retro feel.
With neon-colored fashion and a pulsating synth-pop soundtrack, Weekend at Bernie’s captures the essence of the decade’s comedic sensibilities.
How do you like that? The guy gets laid more times dead than I do alive.
– Larry Wilson
At its core, the film cleverly satirizes the corporate culture and human greed. While embracing the ludicrous, it subtly comments on the absurdity of ambition and the lengths people will go to protect their interests.
Weekend at Bernie’s is an irreverent, quirky gem that defies conventional comedy boundaries. Its bold and darkly comedic approach delights retro movie lovers, as it pokes fun at the gritty side of life and death.
So grab your sunglasses, head to the beach, and enjoy the hilariously macabre antics of Weekend at Bernie’s – a memorable, grimly hilarious romp that stands the test of time.
Weekend at Bernie’s Trailer
Main Cast & Crew
Director: Ted Kotcheff | Writer: Robert Klane
Main Cast: Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman, Catherine Mary Stewart
Where to Watch
YouTube: There are a few copies of this that are available.
Streaming: There are a few choices for watching it.
Extra Credit
Some trivia about Weekend at Bernie’s from Andrew McCarthy
Andrew McCarthy reflects on Weekend at Bernie’s
Andrew McCarthy Loves Weekend at Bernies
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