Gifted (2017)

	Also Known As: Begabt
	Year of first release: 2017
	Director: Marc Webb
	Actors: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer
	Country: USA
	Genre: Comedy, Drama
	Conditions of visioning: 10.07.2017, Schauburg, Sneak Preview, English with German subtitle
Synopsis: Frank Adler (Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy - his spirited young niece Mary (Grace) in a coastal town in Florida. Frank's plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old's mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank's mother Evelyn (Duncan) whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary. The quiet and balanced environment of Mary, including landlady and neighbour Roberta (Spencer) may be changed. Mary's teacher, Bonnie (Slate), is a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well.
Review: The will to protect Mary from the careerist grandmother is shared by all Mary's environment, whereas the teacher tries to bring her into a higher-level school. This is nice to see. Also the poised, intellectual and playful Mary is nice to see. Good to have also an example going opposite to Good Will Hunting or others where the genious is developped. This point of view that is not the obvious one was interesting and remains touching while thinking about kids who did not play much. Short but deep flaw is the explanation of the genious by the simple genes of the mother.  The acting of Chris Evans and McKenna Grace is quite good, even if the Jenny Slate plays the teacher as if she was just an fan of Captain America! Octavia Spencer is great in her secondary role.
Rating: 7 /10