St. Vincent [DVD] [2014]

Bill Murray was excellently cast in this modern situational comedy in which he played an outwardly angry man who had outstanding inner qualities. The young Oliver, an appealing and credible, good-natured young man who was the beneficiary of Murray's fundamental kind-heartedness. Melissa McCarthy, the boy's single parent, divorced from the boy's father, played an excellent role as the stressed-mom. Her ex-husband I might add did not, in his very brief appearances in the film, come across as unlikeable or disconnected from his son. Naomi Watts, a hooker, was Murray's unlikely companion after his wife was placed in a facility with dementia. She no longer recognized Murray but he would visit her regularly and tenderly, as a white-coated "physician." Watts played her role humorously and surprisingly well; I had not previously seen her in comic roles. In the end and after several set-backs Murray gains recognition from the community as "Saint" Vincent, based on a portrayal of him written and presented by Oliver at an event at his Catholic Elementary school. The event was one in which students presented their nominees for "sainthood" among ordinary people.

Bill Murray plays an embittered and gruff fellow who has reason for his sorrow. A new neighbor played by Melissa McCarthy moves in. She is a single mom in the midst of a divorce who has chosen to move far from her husband and live on her own with her 12 year old son Oliver (fabulous young actor, Jaeden Lieberher). Oliver needs someone to hang out with while his mother works late and the neighbor Vincent agrees to be paid to watch Oliver. Their relationship develops quickly - each is a match for the other and each saves the other emotionally. I truly enjoyed the film. Fine acting and relevant human messages.

At times sweet, at times scathingly funny, this is an incredible return to form for Bill Murray. It is, by far, the best thing he has been involved with since "Lost In Translation". His performance certainly deserves an Oscar nomination, as does Jaeden Lieberher's. Both make a wonderful on-screen odd couple. It is also nice to see Melissa McCarthy portraying someone who resembles an actual human being as opposed to a loud cartoon character. Her work here is extremely down to earth, and she scores the best line in the film. Criminally neglected in theaters, now is your chance to see one of 2014's top ten at home. "St. Vincent" will definitely make you laugh time and time again.

Told through the eyes of 12 year old Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) who is old and wise before his time. Due to a divorce, Oliver and his mother Maggie (Melissa McCarthy), move to Brooklyn where they meet their neighbor, Vincent (Bill Murray). Maggie is forced to work long hours and has to leave Oliver in the care of Vincent, the curmudgeon who smokes, drinks, gambles and visits with a pregnant stripper named Daka (Naomi Watts). Vincent helps Oliver grow into a man while Oliver sees Vincent's good heart. Good cast. Blu-ray 2.40:1 aspect ratio, some special features

What an unexpected charmer this film is! Bill Murray does what he does best; he charms and entertains and moves. After first seeing the trailer, I decided to watch the film and wasn't disappointed. With great performances by Naomi Watts and Melissa McCarthy in supporting roles, this is an uplifting tale about a boy who finds an unexpecting mentor in Bill Murray to guide him through some of life's obstacles after his parents have just divorced.

Bill Murray is on of my favorite actors and he does not disappoint here... He appears to be a lonely drunk to a single mom who moves in next door. She has to work late and entrusts her introverted son to his care. The son learns some real lessons in life and becomes stronger in character. The only problem with the movie is that it has some unanswered issues (which is answered in the deleted scenes). Bill Murray is great in this movie. The video quality is pretty good. The audio is sometimes a bit hard to understand because of the gruff vocals in Murray's character.

As I get older I rebel against bad language and scenes I must hide from young ones. This movie was totally frustrating in moral content until the very end when you step into someone else's shoes and forgive. The wife and I were left wondering whether we liked it or not. Bill Murray's role was new to me and the movie was way different than expected. I guess it would be one of those "someones got it worse than you movies".

Acting was fabulous, BMurray never disappoints, story was intended as a comedy and, although it had several comedic sections, was really a dramatic story of a single Mom's struggles to create a normal life for herself and her son. The story all too often hit on subjects and struggles that are still all too familiar to me after having been a single Mom myself. Highly recommended.