REVIEW: Gifted has Great Cast, but Not Much Else

Gifted is the story of Frank, a boat mechanic living in a small Florida town with his niece, Mary. Frank took Mary in after his sister committed suicide and, in wanting Mary to live a normal life

after years of being home schooled, Frank enrolls her in the local school. Seven-year- old Mary is a gifted mathematician, like her mother. Once her grandmother, Evelyn learns Mary is as bright as her daughter, she aims to take Mary and mold her into the daughter she no longer has.

All the pieces are here for this to be a great movie; however, the lack of character development and story lines left open make the film a bit lackluster. The relationships and the story are never fully explored, instead the surface is safely skimmed. The editing negatively contributed to the overall picture, as well. The camera work is shaky in some scenes and in other scenes the dialogue drops completely, leaving you wondering if that was intentional or an editing mistake.

Chris Evans and newcomer, Mckenna Grace are A+ as Frank and Mary, but the story isn’t meaty enough for them to shine together. It was nice to see Chris portraying someone other than Captain America and for Grace, this will definitely not be the last time she’ll be on the big

screen. Octavia Spencer and Jenny Slate’s characters Bonnie and Roberta, almost seem irrelevant, actingmore as extras rather than contributing members of the cast. This is disappointing as both women are fantastic actresses and would have elevated the film.

This film will tug on the heartstrings and definitely has its heartwarming moments. Chris and Grace are adorable together and you will wish the movie was more about their relationship and trying to balance Mary’s gift with being a normal kid rather than the custody battle.

If you are looking for a movie that is not too over the top and not animated, this is your pick. The great cast and uncomplicated story will provide a nice escape for an afternoon. For everyone else, wait until it is released on DVD or VOD.

Grade: C+

Photo Source: Wilson Webb. © 2016 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation