Gifted

Starring: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate, Michael Kendall Kaplan, Elizabeth Marvel
Directed by: Marc Webb
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2017

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A man (Chris Evans) raising his deceased sister's daughter (Mckenna Grace) enters into a custody battle with his mother (Lindsay Duncan) when she argues that he's not encouraging her clear gift in mathematics.

Review:

Tim: Marc Webb directs a really, really effective drama. This is one of those films where you just say, "That's a really good movie." It features some entertaining family drama, it's inspirational, occasionally quite funny. It's a feel good movie and there's nothing wrong with that.

The story is an intricate one and it poses some thought-provoking questions about raising children. The film centers around a mathematical prodigy- a true genius who is still so young. Her uncle is raising her, and goes out of the way to try and give her a regular life. He avoids pushing her genius, of challenging her to the full extent. He's doing this because his sister (the girl's mother) was pushed like that and eventually committed suicide. His mother (and the girl's grandmother) wants to see the girl realize her full potential. While the movie eventually shies away from grey (which is a real bummer), there are moments when you ask yourself, "What is best for this girl?" The movie would have been better with more ambiguity around this question for a more sustained period of time. The movie does descend into a pretty obvious choice of what's best for the girl. I didn't like how it answered this question for us, rather than letting us decide.

The story is helped immensely by a fairly strong cast. I loved Chris Evans in this role. He's spent so much of his time playing superheroes that you often forget he has actual talent as an actor. This was a perfect role for him- he's charismatic, believable, and funny. It's the kind of film that showcases his legitimate acting talent. I hope he continues to grow in this area. He may not be a talent on the level of a Jake Gyllenhaal, but he's more than just an action star. Mckenna Grace was really good as his niece. She was funny and memorable in her role. Lindsay Duncan did a good job as well. While her character (and to some extent, her performance) is too one-dimensional, you have to admit she's really solid in this role. Jenny Slate was good as well. Octavia Spencer was strong as well.

One of the big strengths of Webb's film is that the character development. You get to know these characters over the course of the movie and establish an emotional connection with them. They feel believable, authentic- never caricatures. It's an enjoyable experience to follow their story and their ups and downs. The story does throw a few unexpected curveballs, which was appreciated. There's also quite a few legitimately funny moments throughout the film. Webb expertly balances the drama and the lighter moments. The movie on occasion slides into the melodramatic, but for the most part, the film hits the right notes.

Gifted is a little too cut-and-dry, black-and-white to be a truly great film. However, it does offer a really entertaining, heartwarming story. I really enjoyed the characters and their journey throughout the film. This film features strong performances. This won't make the list of Best Films of 2017, but please believe it's a truly effective film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5



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