Although this beautifully crafted dramedy has a some what predictable ending, the journey is unlike anything else on film and a delight every step of the way. This was one film I forgot about time and completely bought into the characters and situations.
Bill Murray is a grouchy, impoverished-drunk living from retirement check to retirement check when a divorcing mother and her 10-11 year old son (approx) move in next door. Murray is coerced to take care of the kid after school to earn a little liquor cash. Of course Murray introduces the boy to all the wrong things: horse betting, bars, hookers, fighting etc and on the bright side, compassion. It's a bit like Mr Miyagi from Karate Kid melds with Walter Mathau's Coach Buttermaker of Bad News Bear, although the subject matter is a little more mature and the storytelling is A-list quality.
Don't get me wrong. Although the movie is somewhat predictable, there's plenty of twists and the ending hits hard and resounds with positive reinforcement. The Weinstein Company has a history of producing strong character driven stories and this is by far Bill Murray's finest work. There's no doubt he'll be in the awards circle come March. The movie is rated PG-13 and is suitable for tweeners, but adults of any age will probably enjoy the performances more than teenagers.
Also in the movie:
Melissa McCarthy plays the divorcing neighbor next door (very straight role)
Naomi Watts plays a pregnant hooker and Murray's love interest
Jaeden Lieberher plays the young boy entrusted to Murray's care
While watching this movie there's a scene where Murray takes the kid to Belmont Park. The kid's a math wiz and figures out the odds etc immediately, but it reminded me of Vegas Runner's story of when he was really young his uncle would take him to the race track, but he told VR they were going to the zoo. VR didn't know what a zoo was so he went through his youth believing the zoo was where horses raced on a dirt track. It's funny how we're impressed by things as children.
Bottom line. Great movie - Although the world doesn't blow up, the connection between these characters is well worth the $10.