St. Vincent Review

Starring: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Jaedan Lieberher, Naomi Watts, Chris O'Dowd

Anyone heard of the movie Neighbors? Well St. Vincent is the sophisticated version of that raunchy comedy. Now don't get me wrong. I love Neighbors, and think it's hilarious and has a strong message behind it. But it doesn't even compare to the message behind this comedy-drama about two bickering neighbors. St. Vincent stars Bill Murray as Vincent MacKenna, a grizzled and cranky war veteran, and his unlikely friendship with the young son of his next door neighbor (McCarthy). Although he's rough and disliked by everyone who meets him, he forms a strong bond as a best friend and father figure to this child as his mother struggles through a rocky divorce. I walked into this expecting to laugh hard, and I did. But I was surprised at the direction this movie went in.

Bill Murray shines. I regret to inform that I haven't checked out a lot of Bill Murray's films outside of Ghostbusters. I actually think that after this movie, I'll finally check out Caddyshack and Groundhog Day and see what all the buzz is about. I don't want to spoil what happens through the course of this movie, but it's not the comedy that I was expecting. Murray shines in comedy, and there's no doubt about that. But this was an extremely dramatic role. Yes, his wise-cracking and smart-aleck character was hilarious at times, but once you discover why he is this cantankerous and mean-spirited man, it becomes a whole different movie. And Murray pulls it off. As for the actor playing Oliver (Lieberher), this young first time actor is incredible. His character change from the beginning to the end, and how Vincent reflects in him is great to watch. Oliver changes from such an uptight and by-the-books kid, but Vincent never pushes him too far, and only shows him the world and how it works. He's an odd role model, and not a great one according to his mother. But as the credits roll, and they're hilarious by the way, there's no doubt in your mind that Vincent is a hero.

As for the female actors in the movie, they are both outstanding. Melissa McCarthy plays Maggie Bronstein, a single mother navigating a vicious divorce, who tries her hardest to spend time with her son while working the long hours to provide for him. Vincent becomes his "babysitter" of sorts while she's away. McCarthy, who has lately (I believe, and some may disagree) overstayed her welcome as a lead actress, really does a fine job in a supporting role. I don't think she does a very good job headlining a movie. Bridesmaids was where we first fell in love with her, and it was a very significant supporting role that earned her an Oscar nomination. And then came Identity Thief which she co-headed with Jason Bateman, but critics and audiences alike hated it. The Heat with Sandra Bullock in the more leading role came out and she was fantastic again. And this year we had the mess that was Tammy with her headlining a movie all on her own for the first time. McCarthy needs to be subtle, and she is right here in St. Vincent. She flexes her dramatic acting chops and really holds her own, and delivers some powerful scenes.
Naomi Watts...where do I begin. She plays Daka, a pregnant Russian prostitute and exotic dancer, that is sleeping with Vincent. Weird role, right? And she is phenomenal. I forgot I was watching Naomi Watts, and I'm a huge fan of her work. She disappears into this crazy character, who is mostly comedic, but also has a huge heart at the center. It's evident how great of an actress she is if she can go from heartbreaking in The Impossible to hilarious in this film. Her mannerisms are perfect, and her delivery is outstanding. She acts like she hates Vincent and only hangs with him for the money she gets at night, but when he needs her, she takes care of him with a smile on her face, and looks out for him like he did for her. It's not even his baby, and he alone helps her to get ready for her child. She'd never admit it, but she loves him, and it makes her a funny character with a complex center.

The greatest message this movie has is about "Sainthood." Oliver goes to a religious school, and he's assigned a project to research someone in the modern day, and see if they're worthy of being a Saint. While some classmates choose figures like Mother Theresa, he chooses Vincent. And he learns of his past, what he's had to overcome, and how even though he's rough around the edges and has been through so much in his life, especially through the course of the film. He still does little good deeds asking for nothing in return. He's even in debt with criminals from gambling! And he still provides for this pregnant prostitute and gives her a home, takes care of this young boy every day, and becomes the real father in his life. The tearful speech he gives to Vincent as he presents him with the "Sainthood Medal" made my whole family cry, even myself. Even my father, and I've never ever heard of a movie that he's cried in. This quickly became one of, if not my favorite movie of the year so far. I'm not even going to talk about Oscar prospects, because it deserves every nomination, especially a win for Bill Murray, and if it doesn't get any, it'll be a huge mistake. But I'll still be happy. It's a phenomenal movie, with a strong message. Hilarious at times, heart-wrenching at others, St. Vincent is a movie that succeeds in everything it promises, and even more.

Rating: