St. Vincent: Theodore Melfi tells a story that is predictable and somewhat schematic, but not (much) less interesting for that; one can see the emotional string being pulled, but pulled they are. That it’s efficient despite being a bit obvious is due to the strong work of cast; Bill Murray plays this sort of character well, and Melissa McCarthy, in subdued mode, are the (adult) standouts (Naomi Watts and Chris O’Dowd, playing the comedy more broadly, are less appealing). Jaeden Lieberher is also solid (which, as his character is central to the proceedings).