ST. VINCENT

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(Poignant, humorous relationship story)

Surprise! This poignant, humorous relationship story shows two very different sides of actors Bill Murray and Melissa McMarthy.

Murray plays Vincent, a vulnerable, lonely, hardened Vietnam veteran whose life is slowly changed by a naive young boy (Jaeden Lieberher), and Maggie, his single mother (McCarthy), who move in next door to his ramshackle house.

Maggie works long hours and, out of desperation, hires the slovenly Vincent to baby-sit for 12-year-old Oliver. Vincent is far from the perfect role model for the boy, taking him to the track and his local watering hole, smoking, drinking, cursing and otherwise presenting a bad example for the gullible kid.

Oliver is a puny little kid and gets picked on by the school bullies until Vincent steps in, showing him how to defend himself. He also teaches him some bad habits along the way.

Slowly, we learn about Vincent’s past and present situations. He visits his wife daily in a nursing home, where Alzheimer’s has taken its toll. She doesn’t know him as he pretends to be her caring doctor. Talk about poignant! Vincent employs a pregnant Russian prostitute (an also out-of-character Naomi Watts), whom he also cares for in his own way.

Things look bleak when Vincent has a stroke, but all of the characters come together to help him and change his outlook of life.

There are funny moments along the way, some terrific acting by Murray, McCarthy and the supporting cast, plus some wonderful, positive messages about caring for others.

Chris O’Dowd is perfect as the Catholic priest who must deal with a classroom of Protestants, Jews, Muslims, agnostics and kids who don’t know what they are. Some of his quips are priceless. Also look for RIC graduate and long-time Rhode Island actor/writer Ron McClarty in a smaller role as a priest.

The title of the movie comes from a wonderful ending where Oliver’s teacher assigns the class a project of identifying a person they know who they consider a saint. Get the handkerchiefs ready.

“St. Vincent” was one pleasant surprise. See it, and stay for the credits to hear a classic Dylan song. Rated PG-13, with some profanity, bad behavior, but a heart and soul so big it makes up for it. As a certain Patriots coach and Vincent both say, “It is what it is.”