LOVE THY NEIGHBOR.
A boy (Jaeden Lieberher) who’s recently moved to Brooklyn with his mom (Melissa McCarthy) befriends a grumpy, alcoholic Vietnam veteran (Bill Murray). A pleasant indie flick that emphasizes the bonds between various people who are struggling in their community, their relationships constantly being tested. Above all this is a chance for Murray to play a character he could choose to do in his sleep but doesn’t; his sarcastic and cynical vet takes turns being funny, off-putting and sad, and he has a nice rapport with young Lieberher. Done with a light touch; entertaining but ultimately unremarkable.
2014-U.S. 102 min. Color. Written and directed by Theodore Melfi. Cast: Bill Murray (Vincent MacKenna), Melissa McCarthy (Maggie Bronstein), Jaeden Lieberher (Oliver Bronstein), Naomi Watts, Chris O’Dowd, Kimberly Quinn… Terrence Howard.
Trivia: Co-executive produced by Don Cheadle.
