Review of Gifted (2017) by Clem A — 15 Apr 2017

GIFTED-2017(PG-13)-April 14.

By:Clem The Movie Guy.

After success with his debut film of (500) Days of Summer & taking a crack at a big budget studio film with The Amazing Spider-Man series, director Marc Webb returns with Gifted, the heartwarming family drama about a very smart little girl & the battle to achieve what is best for her. Captain America's Chris Evans plays Frank Adler, a young single man has been rising his seven-year-old niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) since she was six months old when her mother decided to take her own life. Mary is not your typical seven year old kid, she happens to be a mathematical prodigy, just like her mother was & when her remarkable talents are revealed on her first day of school, she is offered a scholarship to a private school for gifted children. Frank declines the offer believing that Mary should have a "normal" childhood. These plans are soon challenged when Frank's mother & Mary's maternal-grandmother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) show up to claim custody. They believe that Mary's talent should be cultivated above all other considerations. Frank must figure out what is the best decision for Mary: a normal life like her mother wanted or a life of fame. Gifted is written by Tom Flynn who along with director Marc Webb have presented a moving film with a touch of humor throughout. The performances from the cast, which also includes Jenny Slate as Mary's teacher Bonnie Stevenson & Octavia Spencer as Roberta Taylor, Frank & Mary's landlord & best friend, were all terrifically touching. It was great to see Chris Evan's emotional side & to appreciate that he can do a non-Marvel film. Gifted is the first "best film of the year" & you'll will have your heart strings pulled when you SEE THIS FILM.