St. Vincent starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, and Jaeden Lieberher is a heart-warming tale that teaches the age-old tale of not judging a book by its cover. Bill Murray who plays Vincent MacKenna is the typical gruff Irish-American New Yorker who is crude, tough, and unlikeable. When Maggie (McCarthy) and Oliver (Lieberher) move in next door, Vincent volunteers to babysit Oliver out of sheer desparation for money. Not an ideal babysitter, but McCarthy, who is recently divorced, has limited choices and agrees to pay Vin to watch Oliver. Oliver has to start at a new school where Chris O’Dowd is the priest and teacher. Oliver is bullied and picked on by the other students. Through a series of questionable activities, Vincent teaches Oliver a great deal about life and in turn they learn a lot from each other. Oliver begins to see that Vincent is not such a horrible man.
This performance by Bill Murray , I would argue that it is one of his best ever. He plays such a dynamic and varied character, that it is just incredible to see him change through these different personalities with such ease. McCarthy and Lieberher hold their own. McCarthy began her career as one of my least favorite comedians and has since grown on me. In this film, she portrays the struggling single mom very well. She is loving and kind but also strong. Naomi Watts, who plays a Russian stripper is not terrible either.
The story in the film is beautiful while still being very rough. The unlikely friendship between Vincent and Oliver is a wonderful reminder that one should look beyond what is in front of them to see the real person. We don’t know what others have been through and should try harder to appreciate the good in everyone.
I would suggest this movie to anyone who is looking for a feel good indie that makes you laugh but also touches your heart.
Overall: 7/10
