Originally posted to Facebook on November 16, 2014
Saw St. Vincent tonight. The trailer is cut to imply the movie is a comedy, and while there are comedic elements, it’s more of a drama. After separating from her husband, a woman (Melissa McCarthy) and her son move into a home next to the one occupied by the titular character, Vincent, a cranky, down on his luck, older man, nicely played by Bill Murray. She is forced to hire him as an afternoon babysitter, which leads to several misadventures in Vincent’s life. He’s not entirely the horrible person he turns out to be, and we get to discover many things about him that have made him the ‘bawdy misanthrope’ (as one reviewer described him) that he’s become.
The son, Oliver, is played by apparent newcomer Jaeden Lieberher. IMO, he’s a little too eloquent for the child he plays. Naomi Watts plays Daka, the pregnant Russian exotic dancer with the heart of gold (yes, exactly) really saves this from becoming a much sadder movie.
I did enjoy this film, and do recommend it if you’re in the right mood. Do not be fooled by the idea it might be a comedy.