DVD Movie Review - St. Vincent

St. Vincent easily blends dark humor, tragedy, drama, love, and friendship in one remarkable package.

STORY:

Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), a recent divorcee and her son, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher), are attempting to start a nice calm life together.  But when they meet their new neighbor, Vincent (Bill Murray), all hell breaks loose.  See Vincent doesn't seem to have a polite bone anywhere in his body.  And on top of that he hates people and couldn't care less about anyone but himself.  But then things get complicated when Maggie needs a babysitter for Oliver and only Vincent is available.  Busted faces, religious jokes, pregnant strippers, and a character finally played by McCarthy that isn't an obnoxious mess ensue.

"Do I look like a man that wants to strap a proton pack on his shoulders again?  I've got 

real problems.  For instance: I've run out of vodka."

THOUGHTS:

You've seen the trailers of this movie and thought, "Bill Murray doing ridiculous crap like making a little kid mow dirt is hilarious.  This film will be a laugh riot."  Not so fast.  Before you rent St. Vincent because you're in the mood for a comedy, make sure you know just what you're getting into.  Most of St. Vincent's funny bits are dark humor, showcasing the absurdities in life and pushing the boundaries of their consequences, but there's much more to the story than Murray doing stupid crap and making jokes.  The film is more about everyday problems and how the main characters deal with these obstacles.  It's also about how people can do the most unexpected things given the right circumstances.  So you will laugh a little at Murray in the beginning, but come the middle and end of the story, you'll see why he's considered one of the most iconic actors of his time. 

At about midpoint, the film takes a turn for the dramatic and certain situations arise which might make the eyes tear up, but the best thing this movie has going for it is the ending.  It's not all sad.  The worst thing a film can do is leave a feeling of depression after the credits and this movie doesn't even come close.  But the story will definitely take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.  You'll be angry in the beginning.  Laugh a tad there afterwards.  Sadness will then kick in as some tragedies occur.  And then the ending is uplifting.  So if you were worried about sitting through a straight tear-jerker, relax…the movie is still quite funny by the end.  And that's really what puts this film in a league of its own when it comes to story.  Anyone can write a plot that continually hurts the characters straight through until the end, but being able to bring humor into the darkest of situations takes talent.  Not to mention the dialogue being superb and the acting unbelievable from everyone involved. 

"Ha.  You think you can just buy your way into the greatest franchise of the 80's? You have to--"

"Will twenty cover it?"

"Better make it forty."

THE ACTING:

Don't worry; Murray is still the highlight and main character throughout the film.  So if you're here to see him in his finest, he won't disappoint.  The only slight problem is the accent that he tries to pull off.  It's not a bad accent, it's just that it comes and goes…sometimes even in the same sentence.  Does it affect his performance?  Not in the least.  His transformation from hated neighbor to what he becomes is astounding.  Yes, the dialogue is top notch and the story is excellent, but Murray is still delivering his lines to perfection.  Now, there's only one other person that can match the power of the Bill Murray and that's Jaeden Lieberher.  He's the other anchor of the story.  Most of the film includes Murray, but when he's not on screen, Lieberher is pulling his own weight.  This young kid is excellent.  Every scene and every line is delivered with veteran qualities and when the two (Lieberher and Murray) share scenes together, they're hilarious, sad, and exceptional all at the same time.  St. Vincent is as much Murray's as it is Lieberher's film. 

Melissa McCarthy finally stepped away from the annoying character she's been playing for years and delivered a subtle cautious mother that's at the end of her rope.  Her character's reactions to the environment and Vincent are hilarious, but McCarthy also delivers quite a fantastic dramatic performance when needed.  You might even say she's a pretty good actress…as long as she continues to portray other characters besides an obnoxious woman trying to force people to laugh.  Naomi Watts plays Daka, a pregnant stripper that has dealings with Vincent throughout the movie.  You may think the character is a little over the top in the beginning, but towards the end you'll realize just how down-to-earth she actually is and how Watts' performance hits the nail right on the head.  Last but not least is Chris O'Dowd as Brother Geraghty.  He's Oliver's teacher and the film's comic relief that comes in small but exceptional doses.  Again the writing and dialogue is fantastic, but his delivery of each nutty line is perfect.  He even makes fun of religions (one of the most sensitive subjects in stories) and does so with grace and respect that keeps the jokes hilarious without making a mockery of the subject.

"Hey, easy with the seat belt...it's vintage."

CONCLUSION:

St. Vincent is an excellent portrayal of life through the eyes of ordinary people.  The acting is fantastic.  The story and dialogue are unbelievable.  It even takes two actors (Murray and McCarthy) that are known for comedy and creates exceptional dramatic performances.  Will it make you laugh?  Sure if you find dark humor funny.  Will it make you cry?  Probably.  Will you feel good after it's all said and done?  Definitely.  St. Vincent may not be the comedy you were expecting from a veteran comedian, but it's still definitely worth a couple hours of your time.

4.5 out of 5 Stars (minus a half star for the silly accent)