Let's start by saying I loved this film. It's a warm poignant cliche filled pot of loveliness
The plot in a nutshell is a familiar one single mom (McCarthy) moves into a new neighbourhood, work commitments, force her to ask grumpy neighbour (Murray) to look after her son until she gets home. The story charts how the reluctant minder and the boy strike up an unusual relationship. It all sounds pretty formulaic, but writer and director Theodore Melfi, and his excellent cast have Managed to add a quirky twist to a familiar tale.
In the star of the film Bill Murray you get one of those actors who consistently gives you what he says on his tin. He is renowned for playing cynical irascible, world weary men. Its a character he should patent, it's much copied but never bettered. And he plays the role of Vincent to perfection
Think if of him In 'Ghostbuster's' 'Groundhog Day' and more recently 'Lost in Translation'. Nobody does that look of a man 'pissed off' with life better than he. And in 'St Vincent'. He gives his text book world weary demeanour a five star performance.
But Murray isn't the only star to shine in this movie, whilst we're handing out plaudits lets hear it for some great work from Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts.
Who knew Melissa McCarthy could play an understated role, but as the Newly divorced single mom trying to juggle a new home,new job, and cope with a bitter, cynical,irascible old neighbour. ( can you guess who got that part?) My faith in Her as an actress is restored.
It's a very tender performance that goes totally against type. Her more recognisable roles in 'Bridesmaids', 'Identity Theft', and the car crash of a movie, 'The Heat' (were she teamed up with Oscar winning Sandra Bullock), are all forgiven. This was a very sweet piece of acting, whilst funny in parts, she produced moments of real poignancy.
Hollywood has this habit of unearthing wonderful young talent, and Jaeden Lieberher, playing McCarthy's son Oliver, is another fine example. He gives a knockout performance, which ties the whole film together.
Never over awed and commanding when need be, Lieberher trades banter with those more seasoned stars around him, like an old pro. And credit to the old pros, they give their own wonderful performances when working with the youngster.
Naomi Harris, is Also a revelation in this film. The usually serious Hollywood (and their aren't many) actress, reinvented herself with this comic turn.
She plays an Eastern European Tart with a Heart'. This 'Working Girl' was Vincent's 'Lady of the Night' And she plays the role wonderfully over the top. Watts draws on every stereotypical trait of a 'Coming to America' European, Its a clichéd filled performance, but it works.
And on the subject of cliches,'St Vincent' goes out of its way to tick as man cliche boxes as it can. From Murray being A drunk reluctant War Hero, McCarthy being a struggling single mom, and of course the obligatory cute 'geeky' son. And just to ice off this very big cliche cake, Vincent's has a sick wife, his scenes with her could have been deleted episodes from that other emotional roller coaster 'The Notebook'. But what's not to love about that film.
Some critics are saying Murray might be up for an Oscar for this role, and he's certainly worth a nomination. But I think it would take more than his name on a shortlist to raise a smile of self congratulations from this cynical giant.
St Vincent is one of those films that Pulls at the heart strings, you know where it's going from scene one. The plot pointers couldn't be any clearer. But after five minutes you don't care. You just let it flow, and by the end you realise you've just watched a warm wonderful film, that leaves you with a smile, and the all important feel good factor. Do yourself a favour and go and see St Vincent
No comments:
Post a Comment