Written and directed by Theodore Melfi, this PG-13 comedy looks at the effects of a divorce on a young boy when his mom moves next door to a curmudgeonly drunk.
Sounds predictable, doesn't it? Well, it IS. But here is the surprise: Along the way we are treated to outstanding performances by all of the primary actors, including the little boy, AND we are entertained.
We watch:
- Bill Murray ("The Monuments Men") as our eponymous hero, who finds having a child next door is almost diverting, because he can have him help deliver laundry and take him to the race track.
- Melissa McCarthy ("Identity Thief") Maggie begins to doubt her neighbor, particularly when her son wins a schoolyard fight.
- Naomi Watts ("The Impossible") Daka never had a daytime job but pole dancing doesn't provide maternity leave.
- Jaeden Lieberher ("Playing it Cool") Oliver is caught by the class bully and has to learn how to stick up for himself. Plus he figures out what a trifecta pays and Mom is upset to learn he has been in a bar.
- Chris O'Dowd ("Cuban Fury") Brother Geraghty has Oliver in his classroom. This priest shows great flexibility when it comes to religions and he assigns his students interesting projects.
- Terrence Howard ("Sabotage") Zucko is Vincent's bookie and Vincent owes him a LOT of money.
BTW: Be sure to stay during the final credits because Murray entertains us with a garden hose and a Bob Dylan recording.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Here is the trailer:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1643686937
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Here is the trailer:
http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1643686937
* * * * * * * * * * * *