Gifted - movie review

Gifted
Plot: Frank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.
Cast: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan
Director: Marc Webb
Certificate: 12A (infrequent strong language, moderate sex references)
Runtime: 1hr 41 mins
Release Date: Friday 16th June 2017

Taking a break from filming what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest films of all time (Avengers: Infinity War), Chris Evans has opted to star in a much quieter film by teaming up with (500) Days Of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2 director, Marc Webb. Gifted is a simple film focusing on the relationship between a young girl, showing signs of becoming an incredible mathematician, and her uncle who, through a series of unfortunate events, is now tasked with looking after her whilst he struggles over custody against his own mother.

You WILL smile!!!

Regarding Webb's track record of films, it's clear to me that he's best when he's making original content allowing his creativity to burst through because, let's face it, his Spider-Man ventures weren't all that successful. The films done a few things right, specifically nailing the chemistry between leads Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, but he fell flat when it came to the actual story. As we moved onto the sequel, Webb seemed to have been bullied by the studio into spending more time setting up a Sinister Six movie rather than finishing his actual intentions. So, I applaud Webb for taking a step back, re-evaluating his career choices and making something more in line with his past films. Gifted has a very homely sense to it all. The story it focuses on is of a very small scale and through Webb's directing and a script by Tom Flynn, puts the concept of family and responsibility at the forefront. Fortunately, Webb has a talent to take what could be a very uninteresting plot and make it look very professional. Some of the shots that he composes speak volumes. An example of this is a beautiful shot of Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace chilling on a Floridian beach as the sun sets. It might not be pushing the boundaries of what can be done with filmmaking, but it succeeds in creating a standout and memorable moment. In fact, the look of the film is very impressive catapulting it above the quality of films with similar stories that you may find as made for TV serials. With grand sweeping shots over Florida lakes due to Frank's profession as a boat mechanic, Gifted is much more than your typical tearjerker. Easily, the most compelling aspect of the film is the relationship between our two leads. Chris Evans will always be recognised as Captain America for the rest of his career but as far as performances are concerned, this is by far his most dramatic. Here, Evans proves that he's far more than an action star. He displays true and raw emotion within these situations Frank finds himself in and thankfully, avoids the clichéd angered outburst whenever things go awry. It's a very understated and more importantly, professional performance. However, he wouldn't be anywhere near as good if he didn't have Mckenna Grace as his screen partner because she proves herself to be a little shining star. This young actress is going to go far if her performance in Gifted is anything to judge her on. Whereas many child actors playing a kid with fantastic abilities could overdo it, Grace provides exactly what her surname suggests. Her depiction of Mary is adorable, sweet and her chemistry with Evans is the biggest highlight. She commands every scene she's in whether it be outsmarting a university professor or hanging with her one eyed cat named Fred. This little starlet is the definition of cute and classy.

He hadn't yet told her about the waterfall.

FACT: After filming had ended, Chris Evans and Jenny Slate began a relationship and broke up almost a year later.

Whilst it may seem like I'm swinging from the rafters and howling the praises of Gifted, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. For what it showcases in its performances and style, it lacks in story. This is a very safe and predictable plot. There's nothing wrong with playing it safe but that does mean that it lacks twists and surprises and so, as the film reaches big turning points, it's fairly easy to guess the outcome and that does include the conclusion itself. The only big difference Gifted introduces is the inclusion of an uncle now having to become a father figure to a young girl rather than the actual father who usually happens to be estranged. I like the approach and refreshing swap in relation, but the movie still plays out in a very formulaic and typical fashion. I also happen to think that the film plays up Mary's intelligence to an almost fantasy level. I'm not saying that there aren't child prodigies out there but the idea of a seven year old girl completing a book on differential equations like it was a Beano comic is stretching the limits of believability in what is otherwise, a serious and grounded film. Believe me, I've studied differential equations. They are evil. The only thing worse are Surds but that's because Surds were created by The Devil himself. Note; I have no proof for this but it seems like something he'd do. Another aspect that didn't work as well as it could have was the character of Evelyn, Mary's grandmother and Frank's mother. Played by Lindsay Duncan, Evelyn serves as a point of tension in the Mary and Frank relationship as she attempts to take Mary away and give her the upbringing that can allow her to thrive educationally. For Frank, he wishes to follow his departed sister's wishes and raise her regularly and provide her with a normal childhood. The film tries to aim for a middle ground between the two but, unfortunately, the character of Evelyn isn't given much relatability for this to work. She's very headstrong and when we meet her initially, it's clear to see that she prioritises career over family. However, the film aims to make her a redeemable character but yet, in one scene that whilst powerfully acted by Duncan, makes her out to be very selfish and wholly unlikeable. Therefore, whilst the film is trying to sway you into thinking that Mary should receive the best of both worlds, the villainy from Evelyn immediately pushes audiences to side with Frank completely.

How I feel inside when a customer tries to tell me a funny story.

With two magnificent performances being the highlight, Gifted is a film that will likely slip under the radar for some but it is worth checking out if you're interested. It isn't anything groundbreaking nor is it unique or special but by playing it simple and safe, it becomes a good film that's sweet and enjoyable to watch.

My Verdict: 6.5/10

What did you think of Gifted? What is your favourite dramatic performance by an actor who plays/played a superhero? Sound off in the comments below.

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