On the surface, St. Vincent seems like another run of the mill hollywood spun tale about a curmudgeon old neighbor forming an ‘unexpected’ bond with the quirky young neighbor kid. However, after taking a second look, there is much more than what meets the eye.

Director Theodore Melfi revives this mundane plot mainly through the use of his unbelievable cast, which includes seasoned actors Bill Murray, Naomi Watts, Melissa McCarthy and newcomer Jaeden Lieberher. Each actor breaths new life into their pre-prepared roles. Through the movie, you can’t picture Murray as anyone other than an old crotchety scottish drunk, or Naomi Watts being anything other than a spunky pregnant stripper.

Even McCarthy breaks outside of her typical vulgar role to play a loving single mother, trying to keep things together. Her multiple emotional breakdowns and rants about the troubles of divorce bring a raw sense of reality to her character which in turn, helps to bring genuinity to the plot. Her son Oliver, played by Lieberher, also manages to find a way into the hearts of the audience. From his first fight with the typical class bullies to his ultimate victorious friendship with St. Vincent, one can’t help but to root for his success.

While Watt’s character Daka, the friendly stripper or ‘woman of the night’ as Oliver puts it, may seem a bit over the top to some, it can also be perceived as the cherry on top of the predictable yet loveable plot. What Daka adds is a character with a unrestrained honesty, grit and tenderness. Although she seems to fit the role of the typical unexpected lover, many of her actions prove to be surprising even to the most seasoned movie-goer.

Ultimately, it is Murray who steals the show. By bringing his characteristic charm, wit and unexpected humor, Murray transforms his character of St. Vincent, a unlovable cranky old man, into someone you can’t help but love. When the movie reaches it’s end, you feel a yearning to surround him in a large bear hug. By the time the truth behind sainthood is revealed, there will not be a dried eye in the theater.

While at first glance, St. Vincent seems like a predictable bore, it deserves a second look. What you discover may just surprise you.