By MISSY CHAPMAN
Cataloging Supervisor, Warsaw Community Public Library

Have you ever had one of those evenings where you want to see a great film, but are not sure what to watch? What you need is a movie that you won’t regret watching. I would like to suggest two films that I feel are worth viewing.

Everyone knows that Oscar winning/nominated movies are hit and miss. Some are worthy of our time, some are not. “Boyhood” was an outstanding film and, in my opinion, should have won the Oscar for best film.

It stars Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke as two parents who are divorced and while very loving to their son and daughter, are somewhat harried and unreliable parents. It has a documentary feel simply because it was filmed over a 12-year period. The leading actor, Ellar Coltrane, who plays Mason, was 6 when filming began and 18 when filming ended. In “Boyhood” we are able to see him go from cute and compact, to a bit pudgy, to long, lean and deep voiced.

All the privileged moments with family, decisions, disappointments, successes, and interests are all spotlighted in this young man’s fictional life. In cinema, time is relative and easily fudged, but in “Boyhood”, the realness of time is central and uncanny. This film isn’t particularly dramatic, instead simplicity is its strength. What happens to this family, and specifically to the boy Mason, over 12 years? Life. That’s what happens.

The next film I’d like to suggest is “St. Vincent.” It’s not Oscar worthy by the Academy’s standard, but it’s definitely a movie with heart. This film has two of my favorite performers, Melissa McCarthy and Bill Murray.

Murray plays Vincent, an elderly man who pretty much does whatever he wants. This, in turn has brought about a good deal of trouble in his life. Enter McCarthy, who plays Vincent’s new neighbor, single mother Maggie. She and her 12-year-old son Oliver immediately complicate Vin’s highly circumscribed life. I know you’re thinking, another typical grumpy old man movie but it’s definitely not and I think Bill Murray should do more roles like this one.

If you’re interested in viewing one of these films or just want to come peruse our movie collection, WCPL’s hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.