There are many reasons to see St. Vincent, written and directed by Ted Melfi. Yes, the script/story is wonderful. It will make you laugh and probably cry. But the main reason to see this film is BILL MURRAY, who gives the performance of his career. I predict he will win the Oscar for this role.

He plays Vincent, an angry, extremely unfriendly alcoholic/gambler living in the not-so-hip part of Brooklyn. Vincent spends his days drinking, betting on horses at the local race track and having sex with a pregnant Russian stripper, Daka (Naomi Watts) whom he pays.

When the film opens, Vincente discovers to his dismay, that he has a new neighbor, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) a single mother going through a bitter divorce. Forced to work long hours, Maggie has no choice but to find a babysitter for her 12 year old son, Oliver (the wonderful Jaeden Lieberher). Her unlikely choice, Vincent, who takes the gig because he desperately needs the money to care for his sick wife.

Despite his best efforts to keep emotionally distance from Oliver, the two of them wind up becoming unlikely friends. Vincente takes Oliver along with with him on all the stops that make up his daily routine…A strip club where Daka performs…The race track, where he teaches the kid how to gamble and what better way to end their day together, then a local dive bar.

Vincent and Oliver’s relationship is the heart of this film. It’s filled with humor and a great deal of ‘heart’. This is a film that will make you laugh and even cry. It’s that touching.

I gave ‘St. Vincent’ which opens in theatres, Friday October 10th 5 bagels out of 5. Do not miss this film.

Check out our Two Jews On Film video for more of my thoughts