ST VINCENT

St. Vincent is an absorbing comedy-drama featuring undeniable talent, Bill Murray. Although seeming predictable in its premise, this film does have its quirks and twists that urge you to stay tuned for the ride. Vincent (Murray) is an ill-tempered misanthrope war veteran, who you can’t help but hate to love. Playing alongside him is Oliver (newcomer Jaeden Lieberher) – the scrawny pre-teen that manages to instil some decency and lever the ‘saint’ in Vincent.

The entire cast of characters delivers their lines with truth and executes them with zesty comedic timing, even if the film does walk the path to a sappy, happy ending that some may find to be poignant. There is still so much to enjoy, and it’s an entertaining 102 minutes.

There is some roll reversal present in this semi-independent feature. Vincent is a man-child who needs the nurturing warmth of child-man Oliver. They complement each other brilliantly on screen, and manage to drain the cliché from its banality.  (RBM)

***/5

By Rocio Belinda Mendez