Pima Community College Journalism: Film Review
“St. Vincent”, starring Bill Murray CQ Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy CQ Melissa McCarthy, Jaeden Lieberher CQ Jaeden Lieberher, and Naomi Watts CQ Naomi Watts. Directed and written by Theodore Melfi CQ Theodore Melfi, in his theatrical directorial debut. The movie premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival, and was the 2nd runner-up for People’s Choice Award for Best Film.
The story opens with Vincent McKenna (Bill Murray), who is a down-on-his-luck, angry, alcoholic, gambling and smoking Vietnam veteran in debt with his bank and various others. Most people tend to stay clear of him, and while not a hermit, the only people Vincent associates with is his supposed significant other, pregnant Russian sex worker by the name of Daka (Naomi Watts), and his cat Felix.
Murray takes on the role of Vincent McKenna, adding multiple layers of depth to a very interesting and complex character. Vincent is shown to have acquaintances that like and respect him, all the while many people are scared of him and are not fond of him. He puts others before himself, as he supports Daka financially, and lets her stay in his home and provides transportation for her. He feeds his cat premium cat food, while he eats sardines and other less than appetizing foods. Vincent is also shown to have a wife who has developed Alzheimer's, and while she no longer recognizes Vince, he still visits her every week and does her laundry for her.
Vincent becomes quite good friends with Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher), a young boy who he babysits afterschool. Lieberher, also does a fantastic job portraying his character, who is also very complex, being almost the polar opposite of Vincent. Oliver is optimistic, content, and about as curious as the sky is blue. Throughout the movie, you can see Oliver beginning to understand how the world works, with the help of Vincent.
The two characters play off each other very well, one being old and narcissistic, while the other is young and optimistic. Making them a great duo to watch. The two actors, Murray and Lieberher, play off of eachother from the very beginning, making the whole movie a smooth, enjoyable time from start to finish.
Melissa McCarthy’s character deserves a note of its own. The actress widely known in the world of comedy films, has made the transition to a more serious role with much ease. McCarthy plays Maggie Bronstien, Oliver’s mom. Maggie is a single mother who moved to Sheepshead Bay after divorcing her husband. Maggie and Vincent bicker back and forth alot with snarky and sarcastic comments, adding yet another element atop this cleverly crafted movie. Her and Vincent start off on the wrong foot after a moving company damages Vince’s tree, fence and car. At the time, Vince had realized the Bronstien family financial situation, and assured Maggie that he’ll sue the movie company, instead of her, since he knew she couldn’t pay for it, providing a glimmer of back-hearted warmth inside his hard, outer shell.
This movie is truly an adventure from start to finish. From the actual physical adventures Oliver and Vincent have, to the adventures all the characters have internally seeing them all progress and better themselves throughout the movie. Everything from trouble to sarcasm, happiness and laughter, while also providing a balance of sadness and recollection. This movie is an amazingly crafted, inspirational film that everyone should see at least once. Or twice.
