The Gift

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Giovanni Ribisi, Keanu Reeves, Katie Holmes, Greg Kinnear, Hilary Swank
Directed by: Sam Raimi
Rating: R
Genre: Thriller
Box Office: $12,008,642
2001

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Annie Wilson (Cate Blanchett), a mother of three and a "fortune teller," lives out her life as peacefully as she can, giving "readings" to locals, helping them with their lives. Trouble arises when she tries to help a battered wife (Hilary Swank). Her jealous husband (Keanu Reeves) comes to her house and threatens Annie and her children if she continues to advise his wife. The situations get worse when she tries to help the police and the school principal (Greg Kinnear) find his missing wife (Katie Holmes). Soon, her extraordinary powers may prove to be more of a curse than a gift.

Review:

Tim: Someone described this film to me as, "Stupid yet interesting." I disagree slightly, as I'd call it, "Silly yet interesting." The film, written by Billy Bob Thornton, is very interesting, centering around a woman with some incredible powers. Blanchett plays the role beautifully, as both a woman capable of psychic abilities as well as being capable of the viewer's sympathy, as she faces some very scary challenges.

The Gift has an amazing supporting cast. Giovanni Ribisi is excellent in the film, as is Greg Kinnear. Keanu Reeves gives a powerful performance as the bad guy, and is very convincing in his role. Hilary Swank and Katie Holmes are decent, but don't do anything to deserve special praise.

The film itself is quite disturbing at times, as you see what Blanchett's character sees in visions and in dreams. The Gift is so interesting because it really poses the question- is having psychic abilities really a gift or a curse? Watching the film late at night all alone might not be the best idea, as some of the scenes can be truly frightening.

As a whole, the film does many things right, although by the end, the film unravels into silliness. Sadly, the producers took a very interesting idea, and muddled it into a story that ultimately doesn't work.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Sixth Sense, Bless the Child, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Insomnia, As Good as it Gets, Abandon