Rushmore Day - Bill Murray in "St. Vincent"

Fans of Bill Murray will be delighted with his new movie "St. Vincent" as it combines all the traits the actor has perfected over the last four decades.  In the title role of Vincent, he's a witty curmudgeon with a heart of gold.  He speaks his mind, lives by his own rules, and people love him.  Written and directed by first timer Theodore Melfi, "St. Vincent" is a funny, though not very original, independent movie.

Vincent lives alone in Brooklyn, content in his routine of drinking, smoking, and engaging in a weekly visit from a pregnant Russian dancer prostitute (Naomi Watts).  A decorated Vietnam veteran, Vincent doesn't work but lives off his reverse mortgage which is quickly running out.  When Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) and her young son Oliver move next door to Vincent, the young boy forms an unlikely bond with the cranky neighbor.

Vincent teaches Oliver how to fight, how to bet on horses, and introduces him to the term "lady of the night."  Little by little, layer by layer, Vincent reveals a sensitive character worthy of sainthood.  One of the movie's more touching moments occurs when Vincent visits his Alzheimer-suffering wife in a nursing home.  Vincent's true pain shows through, and Murray the actor shines brightest.

Is Vincent a bad influence, or is he the missing father figure?  Oliver and Vincent need each other, especially when they suffer a couple major setbacks.  "St. Vincent" works best when Vincent and Oliver cut loose, each teaching the other about life, laughter, and love.

The film does an excellent job showing the everyday struggles of working Americans.  Each character fights to just barely make it, and I really enjoyed seeing these fine actors embody these very real characters.  I especially appreciated the scenes set in familiar settings - yet updated to their post-recession reality.  For example, a daytime trip to Belmont Park is not a sunny day at the races, but a two-thirds empty depressing vision of gamblers and lowlifes.  Oliver's Catholic elementary school class is neither a cheap jab at religion, nor an optimistic "Boys Town," but a modern melting pot of multiple ethnicities and every faith imaginable.

If the story sounds predictable, and maybe even familiar, it is.  "St. Vincent" is not the freshest film this season, as it follows a formula of redemption for the unlikely saint.  Vincent's rough edges are never too sharp, and Bill Murray is just too likeable for anyone to hold grudges.

Still, it's a fun little film, and credit goes to Theodore Melfi for writing the story and bringing it to life.  His behind-the-scenes story of how he landed Bill Murray in the role is a priceless revelation told here.  A fun anecdote that all writer-directors should read.