Bill Murray is back in full titular force playing the drunk-curmudgeon neighbor, you love to hate in “St Vincent” a quirky little film from writer and director Theodore Melfi. “St Vincent” has enough humor to subdue over it’s audience members, I can’t say it doesn’t seem all too familiar. There are lessons we can take away from the picture, and one of those is Mr. Murray is on top of his game.

Vincent is a veteran retiree-whose day to day activities include; gambling, indulging prostitution (particularly from a very pregnant Naomi Watts), and, of course drinking. After a new mother and son move in next door, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and Oliver (introducing Jonathan Lieberher) – Vincent takes Oliver under his wing, and shares his wisdom (whatever that maybe) and the two form an unlikely bond.

With a predictable script – the main focal point, I believe, is the cast. Melissa McCarthy, usually screaming profanity and such, is grounded for the first time in her career..actually taking deep sentiment moments – that work immensely. Combine that with the likes of newcomer Jonathan Lieberher, who is such a fun actor to watch – his character was always my favorite to root for.

Murray, of course, carries the weight of the film with great success. The casual and arithmetic style flow fluently, and the script does give some credible dialogue to the supporting cast (Naomi Watts & McCarthy) – which in turn makes them intriguing. The wit, and creative impulsiveness is impervious, and the cast works very hard to make the film succeed in it’s own limited terms. Which is just what the doctor ordered. Murray truly hasn’t had a lead in quite some time (2002’s Lost In Translation to be exact). The buzz is already speculating, and I can hear a potential sleeper nomination come award season – look out.

B+

By: Nate Adams

Directed By: Theodore Melfi

Rated: PG13

Runtime: 104 mins

Studio: The Weinstein Company

Release Date: October 10th (Limited) October 24th (Wide)

Thanks For Stopping By.