By Corisa Nielsen

Editor’s Note: From time to time I like to add a fresh voice to this site by asking someone I respect to write a film review. Such is the case with Corisa Nielsen, a fashion lover living in Eastern Washington, who adores spoiling her nieces and nephew. We’re also hometown homies.

St. Vincent takes a washed out gambling alcoholic, a single mom and her son, throws in a pregnant prostitute, and gives you the comedy of the year. It stars Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O’Dowd and breakout star Jaeden Lieberher.

Vincent (Murray) is by no means a saint as shown in the first moments of the film, but his deeply flawed character grows on you. Single mom Maggie (McCarthy) and son Oliver (Lieberher) move next door to Vincent, and when Maggie finds she needs after school help with Oliver,  she soon realizes help doesn’t always come in the form you’d wished for. Vincent may never get the ‘parent of the year’ award, but I found myself mostly cheering for him, rather than cringing throughout the film, as Vincent teaches Oliver life lessons.

I may be the only person with a sense of humor on the planet who hasn’t rushed to the multiplex to see McCarthy’s big box office comedies. Her fans will see a different side in St. Vincent. If you’re go in hopes of counting how many times Melissa drops the F bomb, you’ll be disappointed. Melissa is believable as a struggling single mom and is very relatable. Also, Lieberher acts beyond his years, and may be the child actor to watch in upcoming films. His performance in St. Vincent stands on its own and is no way overshadowed by Bill Murray.

And last but certainly not least, BILL MURRAY. This is not the man you want watching your kid after school, but Murray delivers a memorable performance and brings to mind the old adage, ‘Never judge a book by its cover’. My words cannot do Murray justice in St. Vincent. If for no other reason, go see this film to watch Murray dancing in a bar. Hilarious.

Families come in all sorts and sizes, and after seeing St. Vincent you might realize your family isn’t as dysfunctional as you thought. I suggest taking a break from all the holiday craziness to go see this brilliant comedy. Murray and McCarthy are saints for making this movie.

PG-13

1 Hour 43 Minutes