Hillary T., Here…
Bill Murray is known for picking unique and out there roles. From what I understand, this role chose him. It’s so perfectly played, that it’s hard to put into words all of the thoughts and feelings I have for this movie.
When ‘St. Vincent‘ opens, you are not sure what Vin’s (Murray) story is. He’s misanthropic, misogynistic, and an addict of many kinds-he smokes, he drinks and he gambles. He owes his bookie, and his bank account is overdrawn. He is behind on his house payments, and payments to his weekly rendezvous with a pregnant hooker (played by Naomi Watts).
He doesn’t like people and they don’t like him. In walks his new neighbor, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and her son Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher). They movie in next door, and because of a certain chain of events, Vin is left watching Oliver. Needless to say, he is an unconventional babysitter, but a friendship develops between the two of them.
As his afternoon watcher, he takes Oliver to the racetrack, and learns how to bet on horses; leading to yet more hidden facets to Vin’s private life.He also take Oliver to a nursing home, where you discover another side of Vin, and it shakes you to the very core. By being unconventional, he teaches Oliver how to stand up for himself at Catholic school, but in the process, Oliver teaches Vin a few things about himself.
The cast is well rounded, and Melissa McCarthy shines in this role. She is strong and sympathetic as Oliver’s mother, and her dramatic role is tempered with comedy. Jaeden Lieberher is relative newcomer but is positively amazing as Oliver. HIs eyes are so expressive and it’s hard to believe he’s just a child. Watching him and Vin become friends is one the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Chris O’Dowd has supporting role as teacher (who is a priest) at Oliver’s school, and is perfect as a priest who puts others at ease and teaches them to believe in others.
The film had an underlying message and if you weren’t paying attention, you would miss it. That message is people can change and grow and truly surprise you. ‘St. Vincent’ had me five minutes in and I can’t stop thinking about it.
5 out of 5 Stars
– Hillary Thomas