Genre: Drama
Runtime: 101 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate, Lindsay Duncan
Description: Frank (Chris Evans), a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary (Mckenna Grace), is drawn into a custody battle with his mother (Lindsay Duncan).
Review: Director Marc Webb makes interesting choices when it comes to picking the films he directs. He started with music videos and eight years ago there was “(500) Days of Summer”. He didn’t stick with the indie romcom genre and moved on to two Spider-Man movies.
“Gifted” is definitely Webb’s most dramatic film so far. It’s pretty straightforward when it comes to storytelling. Single man Frank Adler takes care of his niece Mary. He has to make sure she doesn’t fall into the hands of his mother, who never really cared for the child. What makes it all complicated is that Mary is an outsider and just like her deceased mother is an extraordinary mathematician. Grandmother Evelyn, also a mathematician, wants Mary to explore every inch of her talent. While Frank, together with his caring neighbor Roberta, just wants Mary to be a child and enjoy life the way kids her age do.
We know Chris Evans as Captain America, a bundle of muscles and a true hero. But there is obviously more to him then just that. Evans really shows a great range of emotions in his role as Frank and he hit every nerve in my body. Young Mckenna Grace, who plays Mary, is also one to watch. She steals all our hearts and she is great in combinations with Evans. Octavia Spencer doesn’t really do anything new, but I always love seeing her.
It’s never overly dramatic, which could easily happen with a theme like this. Webb managed to create a good balance. It’s not a masterpiece, but it surely is a very strong movie with top notch performances.
Rating: 4/ 5
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