The Burial

I wasn't expecting much. I really like Tommy Lee Jones and Jamie Foxx, but I hadn't heard of the movie until it flashed on my Amazon suggestions. Based on a true story is also one of my favorites when looking for a feel good film.

This knocks it out it the park. Jones and Foxx have a special chemistry, hopefully reflective of the two men they portrayed. it calls out corporate racism in a unique way that is often overlooked, while also calling out the will known abuses of the small businesses they compete with.

I highly recommend. 10/10.

The first thing you’ll notice about The Burial is the cast. While not packed with big names, the top billing of Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones is excellent. Foxx especially is in top form throughout the film and gets several opportunities to shine through long extended takes, fully inhabiting the personality of Willie Gary. I’m always a sucker for long takes in film, and when Foxx held the spotlight for a good five minutes delivering closing arguments in a courtroom early in the film, I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

Jones is exactly what you would expect from him while playing Jeremiah O’Keefe, an aging funeral home director from Mississippi in financial trouble. He plays the character pretty much one note throughout, but it feels real, exactly how a funeral director would be in every situation. Alan Ruck is chewing scenery as O’Keefe’s longtime lawyer Mike Allred, who brings some Southern “good ole’ boy” prejudice to fuel the conflict himself and Gary. It’s something that is simmers just below the surface of the first half of the film before exploding in spectacular fashion.

The great discovery for me was Jurnee Smollett, facing off against Foxx as Mame Downes, the lawyer hired by the defense. I remembered enjoying her in _Birds of Prey_ a few years back, but don’t recall seeing her in anything else to date. While she is given a tough assignment here, she nails the portrayal as the ruthless young lawyer.

Read my full review on Substack (https://theoscarproject.substack.com/p/review-the-burial).

The acting and casting was superb. I really enjoyed this movie! I didn’t google how much of the story was true because I’d like to believe it all was at least mostly accurate.

I usually avoid “based on a true story” movies because real life is such a drag. But I am so glad I took a chance on this.

Not to mention - that soundtrack is fantastic.

It is not "12 Angry Men" level courtroom drama but it is worth watching. Acting is really good in every way. Sad to see another great actor, Jones is getting old.
It is based on a true story, slapping historical racism in our faces. Nicely done.

Another great performance by Jamie Foxx.

A good and solid movie to see, and is inspired in real facts. I didn’t expected too much from this movie, but honestly, is a very good movie to watch

"The Burial" is a courtroom drama that takes inspiration from a true story, featuring Tommy Lee Jones as an elderly funeral home owner swindled by a large corporation. He teams up with Jamie Foxx's flamboyant lawyer character to fight the contractual dispute, unraveling a captivating mystery. The film's strength lies in the compelling performances of Jones and Foxx, who create a dynamic that keeps you engaged throughout the narrative. Jones, despite his age, commands the screen with charisma, adding humor and depth to his character.

While the film may not stand out as exceptionally original within the realm of courtroom dramas, it successfully presents a lesser-explored angle related to a small business and contractual fraud. The plot, grounded in reality, offers a unique twist to the genre. If you're a fan of courtroom dramas, "The Burial" delivers an enjoyable and engaging experience, thanks to its talented cast and intriguing storyline. However, those seeking groundbreaking legal narratives might not find it as memorable.

Lawyer dramas are not typically my thing, but this is objectively pretty solid. The two leads are great as always and I could see someone loving this one.

Rating: 3/5 - 75% - Worth Watching

A great performance from Foxx elevates this formulaic legal drama.

A great film, presenting a simple story, but executed in an exemplary manner, with notable performances from the actors. It addresses in an impactful way how racism is harmful to society and how the past still has a strong influence on current authorities.