‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ Still Delights With Dark Humor 35 Years Later

Weekend at Bernie was inspired by a low-budget Hindi movie from 1983 called Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro.

Today, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of “Weekend at Bernie’s,” which makes it the perfect time to look back on the dark comedy that has become a cult classic. Released on July 5, 1989, the film continues entertaining audiences with its unique blend of humor and absurdity. It may be one of the most underrated 80s films. Get the 2-movie DVD here.

The film is by director Ted Kotcheff. “Weekend at Bernie’s” follows the misadventures of two young employees, Larry Wilson and Richard Parker, played by Brat Pack member Andrew McCarthy and Jonathan Silverman, respectively. The duo discovers that their boss, Bernie Lomax, portrayed by Terry Kiser, has been embezzling money from the company. To their shock, Bernie invites them to his beach house, intending to have them killed. However, the plan backfires when Bernie himself is murdered.

The real comedy begins when Larry and Richard arrive at the beach house and find Bernie dead. To avoid being implicated in his death, they decide to pretend Bernie is still alive. This leads to a weekend filled with ridiculous situations. Terry Kiser’s physical comedy as the deceased Bernie, manipulated through various antics, is a highlight. It remains iconic to this day.

The film became a moderate box office success.

It would gross approximately $30 million against a budget of $15 million. While critics were divided, the film’s quirky premise and memorable scenes, such as Bernie’s lifeless body being dragged around and propped up, have cemented its place in pop culture. The film’s soundtrack, featuring upbeat tunes like “Hot and Cold” by Jermaine Stewart, also contributed to its lighthearted atmosphere.

The first film’s success led to a sequel, “Weekend at Bernie’s II,” released in 1993. While the sequel did not achieve the same level of acclaim or box office success as the original, it continued the story of Larry and Richard and their increasingly absurd attempts to keep Bernie’s death a secret. Reflecting on the film’s legacy, it’s evident that “Weekend at Bernie’s” has endured due to its unique concept and the chemistry between McCarthy and Silverman. The film’s dark humor, combined with Terry Kiser’s standout performance, has made it a favorite among fans of ‘80s comedies.

Weekend at Bernie’s” is a classic comedy that’s still hilarious 35 years later. Whether you’re a fan or new to the movie, it’s the perfect time to watch Larry, Richard, and Bernie’s antics and have a good laugh.

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