Review of St. Vincent (2014) by Wendy B — 28 Jan 2015

Nearly every scene is contrived, but Melfi has a nice way with dialogue, and the cast is uniformly outstanding. This may not be his signature work, but it's Murray at the top of his game in the type of role audiences want to see him in. If you scratch the surface too deeply, a few things might not ring true, but there's no greater pleasure to be had than the film's opening and closing sequences during which Murray, alone on the screen, dances, then sings along to the music coming through his headphones. This is first and foremost Murray's show, and the shortcomings in Melfi's script and direction are strangely appreciated. They give this singular comedian, who doesn't do it often enough these days, the room to let his buffalo heart roam. Murray and writer-director Theodore Melfi play us like a music box, manipulating and charming our socks off even as the Vincent for whom the film is named curses, gambles, drinks and cheats - all in front of an impressionable 10-year old. It's fascinating to watch Murray act circles around his existing appeal and play into it at the same time. Melfi's likable but utterly formulaic movie never rises to a similar level of ambition, which in this case actually works in its favor. It gives Murray room to play. Melfi comes up with any number of good and effective scenes and there's plenty to enjoy in the performances.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).