Contrary to what previews imposed, “St. Vincent”, released Oct. 24, 2014, is not the funniest film of the year. It was neither life changing nor heart stopping. There is no standing ovation at the end of the hour and 42 minutes.

Vincent (Bill Murray) is a foul-mouthed alcoholic in a lot of debt assumably due to his frequent stops at the local bar, loyalty to his pregnant prostitute, Daka (Naomi Watts), and various gambling addictions. He takes on the chore of babysitting his kid neighbor, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) in hopes of crawling out of his financial hole. The two form a unique bond while visiting a bar and horse races behind Oliver’s mother’s (Melissa McCarthy) back.

We soon learn that Vincent’s intentions aren’t exactly bad. He regularly visits his wife diagnosed with dementia in the nursing home, his main source of debt, and finds comfort in doing her laundry every week. Vincent teaches Oliver how to physically defend himself from bullies, how to strategically gamble at horse races, and provides Daka with a home when she is fired, thus the “Saint” in “St. Vincent.”

Aside from the slow, predictable storyline, the actors’ performances were phenomenal. Murray stepped away from his typical comedic role but did not fail to play the convincing serious villain, well-deserving of his four Golden Globe nominations. McCarthy also abandoned her comedic roles which she is most commonly known for, such as “Tammy,” “Bridesmaids,” and “Identity Thief,” to play a more sophisticated, put-together mother. Lieberher is as non-cheesy as an 11-year-old actor gets.

There is no need to refrain from mentioning any spoilers, merely because there are none. If you’re expecting endless humor, numerous plot twists, or a to-die-for soundtrack, you will be disappointed. Do not expect to be in tears laughing like you would have been in “Bridesmaids” or “Ghostbusters.” Theodore Melfi, the director, simply spotlights the incredible acting abilities and diversity of Murray, Watts, and McCarthy, earning it’s 7.4 out of 10 rating on IMDb.

by SIERRA YOUNG