This review contains no spoilers.
St. Vincent is an uplifting movie that gives a firm tug at your heart and a few good reasons to smile. Director Theodore Melfi tells a virtuous story of a tender friendship between an innocent, young boy, Oliver (played by Jaeden Leiberher) and a grouchy, old neighbor, Vincent (Bill Murray) both in need of companionship and life lessons. Their odd friendship comes together when single working mom, Maggie (Megan McCarthy) moves into a new neighborhood and asks Vincent to babysit Oliver after school. Vincent and Oliver bond over sardine lunches, beating up playground bullies, cutting loose to the oldies, and winning at the race track. Young Oliver nurtures a softer side of curmudgeonly war vet Vincent and saint-like’ qualities are exposed.
While the movie is a familiar take on an odd-couple’ theme and the ensemble cast includes a few stereotypes – Catholic Teacher, Race Track Bookie and Russian Hooker – the actors are at their very best. Megan McCarthy is terrific in a dramatic role, Bill Murray is to be savored, and Jaeden Leiberher is delightful and a young talent to watch. Movie goer Dwight Ridder commented, “There’s something for everyone in this film, we can all see a little bit of St. Vincent in ourselves.” While not every movie deserves to be canonized, St. Vincent earns it’s sainthood.
*Parental Guidance is noted in that the movie does contain some nudity and adult themes.
Starring: Bill Murray, Megan McCarthy, Jaeden Leiberher, Chris O’Dowd, Naomi Watts
Rated: PG13 / Dramatic Comedy
Run Time: 1hr 43min
See upcoming showtimes for St. Vincent at the Village Theatre here.
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Katy Hendrickson
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
