There's an impressive cast surrounding Murray. Melissa McCarthy does a good job in the small and serious role of Maggie, showing us she can do restrained and vulnerable as Oliver's inattentive and absent mother. Naomi Watts takes a while to warm to as a heavily accented, pregnant prostitute who visits Vincent each week, but turns out to be endearing and colourful, and looks like she's having fun.
The relationship that really matters though is between Oliver and Vincent. They work well together as they traipse race courses and bars, and Lieberher does a good job of not being intimidated by Vincent and letting us see beyond the grumpy, selfish act.
Murray goes to town as Vincent, well aware we're going to love him for his unorthodox take on an unlikeable character. He also knows there's a sentimental and manipulative ending on the horizon that will pull in any stragglers reluctant to get on board Team Vincent. To be fair to Murray though, even he looks embarrassed about the schmaltzy finish.
Yes, we have seen this story before, but St Vincent is a warm, enjoyable yarn with just enough sharp lines and laugh out loud moments to see you through.
- TimeOut
