‘The Burial’ Movie Review – Is It Worth Watching?

The Burial is a legal comedy drama set in Mississippi, where a court case involving a 75-year-old’s small business competes with a corporate funeral homes business. A lawsuit is brought against the corporation for stalling a deal, seemingly trying to sabotage the small business by waiting them out, which would lead to the small business having to relinquish control and possibly sell at a much lower rate. The David versus Goliath battle takes to the courtrooms, taking place in a small town where the natural demographic sees a greater percentage of Black jurors.

An inspired moment from co-counsel seeks the audacious expertise of a high-flying personal injury lawyer who is persuaded to represent his first white client in a contract law case. This case escalates quite dramatically, with the plaintiff asking for $100 million in damages. Based on a true story, this entertaining legal comedy drama pits the little guy against the unscrupulous corporate giant as a see-sawing court case proceeds.

It’s a fascinating case that definitely makes for compelling viewing. The Burial starts out small and continues to morph into an issues-based drama centred on race, but ultimately about greed. While it takes a bit of time to truly find its stride, with events unfurling and characters finding their pace, one of the film’s highlights is its performances.

Having Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones as co-leads helps anchor the drama, as these actors truly inhabit their characters. Foxx plays Willie E. Gary, a high-flying, egotistical attorney reminiscent of Johnny Cochran, poking fun at his cavalier and flashy charm, which seems to know no bounds. When he meets his equal opposite, Mame Downes, played by Jurnee Smollett, Foxx expertly conveys the man’s shrinking ego as self-doubt creeps in.

“Man, I told you pinstripes were a mistake.”

Playing opposite him is Tommy Lee Jones, who takes on a more considered and conservative role as Jeremiah O’Keefe, a man wanting to preserve his legacy. Having a steadfast reputation and known for his integrity and values, Jones plays a more grounded character who doesn’t have to prove himself. Getting on in his years, he has a fearless attitude when it comes to taking on the big guns, even as they discover that their case doesn’t have all green lights. He has to contend with various setbacks as the opposing counsel land a few blows and unsettle Jerry’s star team. Dealing with a lawsuit that runs into $100 million, which is an absolute fortune even by today’s standards, the stakes are raised for this characterful comedy drama.

While these name stars do more than enough to sell the film on their own merits, they are ably supported by Bill Camp as Raymond Loewen, the smug and detestable head of the Loewen Group. A classic David versus Goliath rivalry, it’s entertaining, thought-provoking and compelling viewing to watch as the legal drama plays out, with both sides making strong arguments and trying to win the jury over. The legal gamesmanship is also a welcome undercurrent as attempts are made to intimidate and woo with one or two moments reminiscent of the genuine sentiment of Mr Smith Goes to Washington.

While the based-on-a-true-story element keeps things grounded and even provocative, it’s a curious and entertaining film with many complex characters and larger-than-life personalities that echo the likes of Boston Legal. Ultimately, the real strength of this film is its performances, with all actors delivering the goods with impassioned turns and earnest attitudes. While not laugh-out-loud funny, it’s constantly amusing and full of pluck as both sides wage war in a story that is fun, evocative and enjoyable.

The bottom line: Plucky