There’s always that age-old question of, “where do you see yourself in 10 years?” For most of us, we imagine a life compiled mostly of work, family, and fun.
However, what if we were to look further down the road, say 50 years. Would our answer reflect the previous one? “St. Vincent”, a family-drama/comedy centered on a neighbor and how he lives his life, does just that.
Bill Murray plays a 68-year-old retired war veteran (Vincent), who has just hit rock bottom, in terms of life. With really nothing to look forward to, other than his time spent at the strip club, he finds a way to expand his financial situation, by taking on some babysitting hours for his new neighbor.
The neighbor (Melissa McCarthy) and her son Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) have moved in next door, with hopes to gain a fresh start. After a rocky meeting between the two, Vincent strikes a deal with Maggie (McCarthy) to watch Oliver everyday after school for a large fee.
After several enticing experiences, Vincent begins to reflect his life onto Oliver’s. Gambling at the racetrack, drinking at the bar and sleeping with prostitutes are just some of the nonsense that takes place.
With his own challenges to worry about, Vincent is basically taking the place of Oliver’s mom, trying his best to give meaning to this poor boy’s life. From here, Oliver begins to look at life through Vincent’s eyes and quickly learns that some things, whether they’re frowned upon or not, tell more about a person than anyone can imagine.
Theodore Melfi, primarily known for producing and commercial directing, makes his debut as the writer-director. First and foremost, the cast for this film was well selected. Chris O’Dowd (“Bridesmaids,” “This is 40”) plays the school priest, Naomi Watts (“King Kong,” “The Impossible”) plays the beloved female prostitute, Daka, and Terrence Howard (“Iron Man,” “Red Tails”) plays the rough neck game shark, Zucko.
From start to finish the plot is easily understood. Vincent is leading a troubled life, and uses Oliver to keep it from getting any worse. Maggie, a newly divorced wife, is trying to give Oliver everything he needs to be happy in life.
The story line drives us because it’s something we all experience and know exists. If life were easy, everything would be perfect. Towards the end of the film, when something unexplainable happens, that’s when emotions really come into play.
I was able to examine and experience all emotions. One of the departments for movies like this is the soundtrack, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint.
The movie itself is one big comedy, but I feel it does more than that. It reflects on the life of not just people in general, but people who have been through hell, and have still managed to come out on the other side.
You can’t go wrong with Murray, and for that reason, the film succeeds. Why stop living at 70 when you can keep going at 90, continuing to inspire and enlighten.
