St Vincent
St. Vincent is a 2014 American comedy-rama film directed by Theodore Melfi and starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, and Jaeden Martell. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and was praised for its performances, humor, and heartwarming story. In this review, I will delve into the various aspects of the movie that make it a must-watch.
The film follows the story of Vincent (Bill Murray), a misanthropic and eccentric Vietnam War veteran who lives alone in a Brooklyn neighborhood. His life takes a turn when he is asked by his new neighbor, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), to take care of her 12-year-ld son, Oliver (Jaeden Martell), after school. Initially, Vincent is reluctant, but he agrees after being offered payment for his services.
The movie is anchored by Bill Murray's exceptional performance as Vincent. Murray has always been known for his dry wit and impeccable comic timing, but in St. Vincent, he brings a depth and vulnerability to his character that is both surprising and heartwarming. Murray's Vincent is a complex character, with a troubled past and a rough exterior, but his portrayal never veers into caricature or cliché. Murray's chemistry with Jaeden Martell is also a highlight of the film, with their scenes together providing some of the most touching and poignant moments.
Melissa McCarthy, who is primarily known for her comedic roles, also delivers a solid performance as the struggling single mother, Maggie. In St. Vincent, McCarthy showcases her range as an actress and proves that she can handle dramatic material just as well as comedy. Her interactions with Murray are some of the most memorable moments in the movie, with their unlikely friendship providing a strong emotional core to the story.
Naomi Watts, who plays Vincent's pregnant Russian stripper girlfriend, Daka, also delivers a standout performance. Watts brings a lot of heart to her role, and her scenes with Murray are both hilarious and touching. The supporting cast, including Chris O'Dowd as Oliver's teacher and Terrence Howard as Vincent's bookie, also do an excellent job in their respective roles.
The film's screenplay, written by director Theodore Melfi, is one of the strongest aspects of the movie. The script is both funny and poignant, with a lot of heart and genuine emotion. The film's humor is often dark and irreverent, but it never feels mean-pirited or cynical. The script also cleverly subverts a lot of the tropes and cliches of the "grumpy old man" genre, adding a fresh and original spin to the story.
The film's direction by Melfi is also top-otch. Melfi balances the film's humor and drama expertly, never allowing the movie to become too heavy or too light. The pacing of the film is excellent, with each scene serving a purpose and contributing to the overall narrative. The film's cinematography, by John Lindley, is also worth noting, with the Brooklyn neighborhood serving as a charming and picturesque backdrop to the story.
In conclusion, St. Vincent is an excellent film that is both funny and heartwarming. The film's standout performances, clever script, and expert direction make it a must-watch for fans of the comedy-rama genre. Bill Murray's performance as Vincent is one of the best of his career, and the film's unlikely friendship between Vincent and Oliver is both touching and poignant. St. Vincent is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Highly recommended.
The total score is
according to Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review aggregation website, the movie has a 77% approval rating based on 214 reviews, which suggests that it is generally well-egarded by both critics and audiences. It's important to note that a movie's rating is subjective and can vary from person to person based on individual tastes and preferences.
A movie with a similar atmosphere
If you enjoyed St. Vincent and are looking for a similar movie, I would recommend "The Way Way Back" (2013), directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash. The film is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that follows a 14-year-ld boy named Duncan (Liam James) as he spends the summer with his mother (Toni Collette) and her new boyfriend (Steve Carell) at a beach house. Feeling out of place and unhappy, Duncan finds solace at a nearby water park where he forms a friendship with the manager, Owen (Sam Rockwell).
Like St. Vincent, "The Way Way Back" is a heartwarming and humorous story about unlikely friendships and the struggles of growing up. Both films have strong performances, clever scripts, and excellent direction. They also share a similar tone that balances humor and drama. If you enjoyed the chemistry between Bill Murray and Jaeden Martell in St. Vincent, you'll likely appreciate the dynamic between Sam Rockwell and Liam James in The Way Way Back. Overall, The Way Way Back is a great movie that is sure to entertain and leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
