By Logan Meyer, A&E editor
Based solely on its trailer, Fox Searchlight’s newest picture “Gifted” sounds derivative at best. The final product meets expectations. However, it does bring a certain unexpected charm to the table too.
“Gifted” tells the story of Frank (Chris Evans) and his niece Mary (Mckenna Grace), whom he cares for after the death of her mother, his sister. Mary is—you guessed it—gifted.
As if making a movie about an especially intelligent child wasn’t derivative enough, Mary has issues in public school and problems following directions. Eventually, she becomes so problematic that alternate environments, including tutors and elite institutions, are suggested. For the most part, it seems as though “Gifted” simply rehashes family issues like those that shows such as “Touch” have approached before.
However, “Gifted” does bring new entertainment value to its audience. Evans brings an uncharacteristically convincing portrayal to the film, a welcome relief from roles in “Captain America” and “Before We Go.” He and the rest of the cast benefit greatly from Tom Flynn’s screenplay. Though as a visual work, the film is nothing particularly remarkable, Flynn’s dialogue is more than clever—bordering on genius.
That is not to say, though, that every cast member is skilled in their portrayals. Jenny Slate, known for her role as Mona Lisa in “Parks and Recreation,” is a strange choice at best. When she appears on screen in “Gifted” as Mary’s teacher Bonnie, it is nearly impossible to separate her and her Fran Drescher-esque voice from her previous role, discounting what had the potential to be a serious, convincing portrayal.
Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank’s landlord and one of Mary’s closest friends. Spencer delivers her usual stellar performance, serving as a maternal figure and role model. She is also the source of the only racial commentary in the film. The appropriateness of that decision is ethically gray at best.
However, perhaps the most evocative element of “Gifted” is the score. Rob Simonsen’s soundtrack combines various relatively unknown artists whose works come together to create a truly moving experience when combined with specific moments.
Despite its mildly derivative plot and other shortcomings, “Gifted” is a heartfelt, heartwarming story of love and family. It invokes strong feelings of joy, sorrow and shock, both separately and together. It should be appreciated, if only for the serotonin boost.
