Gifted: Movie Review

Now that director Marc Webb is out of the “Spider-Man” business, he can move on to the smaller and more grounded work that he excels at. “500 Days of Summer” is probably one of my favorite rom-coms of the past decade. Even the best parts of his web-slinger films were when it focused on the human characters.  Webb’s latest film, “Gifted” is hard not to like, thanks to not only Webb, but stars Chris Evans, Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer and the adorable Mckenna Grace.

Set in Florida, Frank Adler (Evans) spends his days and raising his niece Mary (Grace).  After his sister took her own life, he took it upon himself to raise his her daughter.  Mary just so happens to be a child prodigy, but Frank insists that she goes to a regular school with kids her own age.  He doesn’t want her to have the life that caused his sister to commit suicide.   Things get complicated when Mary’s teacher Bonnie (Jenny Slate) realizes how gifted Mary is and brings is to the attention of the principle.

After learning about Mary being a genius, Frank’s mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) pops into town and decides to fight for custody of Mary so that she can raise her the same way she raised Frank’s sister.  This of course is not what he or his sister wanted for the young girl.  Mary is happy with Frank as well as their neighbor Roberta (Octavia Spencer) who helps watch over her.

“Gifted” is not great and at times feels just a few steps above a Lifetime movie of the week.  I just really loved the cast, especially the chemistry between Evans and Slate.  If you are not drawn to the big spring blockbusters and are looking for something a little simple in the multiplexes this week, “Gifted” might be the best gift for you.

By: Marc Ferman