Mary

I knew nothing about this film. Had seen no adds, heard no word of mouth, pretty much nothing.

I only found it only after tapping out the local AMC 24 and driving a few extra miles to see something new.

The premise was intriguing: What to do with a seven year old mathematical prodigy caught between a cozy, loving household occupied by her doting Uncle Frank and a one-eyed cat named Fred, and a challenging but cold academic world ready to pace her on mental treadmills for the rest of her life.

McKenna Grace plays little Mary who's character is at the center of attention whether she likes it or not. Mostly not.

Grace's performance does raise a few eye brows as she very convincingly plays a precocious and genius little girl plagued with boredom being surrounded by the dead-weight of average students she has nothing in common with.

In fact, Mary's personality is also far developed beyond her peers, exhibiting a sarcastic and jaded sense of humor more on par with a bunch of 40-year olds downing a shot or two after a particularly bad day at work.

After Mary's abilities are discovered by her first grade teacher, the inevitable battle for command of her future quickly unfolds.

One very powerful supporting role is supplied by Lindsay Duncan who portrays Evelyn the Grandmother. Evelyn is a poised and proper Englishwoman armed with a titanium intellect few would want to challenge. As the legal proceedings unfold, Evelyn verbally fire-bombs the entire court room from the stand without batting an eye in her fight for custody of Mary.

Her arguments and assessments are hopelessly air-tight and seamless, leaving Uncle Frank and his lawyer scrambling.

Frank just wants Mary to be a little girl. Grandma wants to plug her into The Matrix. Who will win?

'Gifted' is not without it's displays of some original laughs. My favorite was a scene in which little Mary discovers her Uncle Frank is sleeping with her 1st grade teacher, who one morning comes stumbling into the kitchen wearing only a towel.

Their reaction to each other is priceless.

As to why this production is flying under the radar with virtually no advertising or promotion is baffling.

The hour-and-a-half flew by for me and left me with an odd feeling it ended too soon. Aside from that, there was almost nothing wrong with this film, at least not that I could find.

Warm, unique and entertaining, 'Gifted' should stay with you for days afterwards.

A great family night movie.

Gifted is a movie about relationships, family, and doing what's right for children. The film centers around Mary (McKenna Grace), a 7 year old who is academically gifted, she can do mathematics at a college/adult level. She lives with her uncle (Chris Evans), because her mother died and her father has never been in the picture. She starts the first grade and of course finds it tedious because she's far beyond that level. Her grandmother comes to take her to live with her in Boston where she can be put in a prestigious school and be surrounded by tutors. Mary's uncle doesn't want that because her mother said she wanted Mary to be a normal kid and enjoy life and not be constantly taught at all her life. But Mary's grandmother isn't about to give up.... they end up going to court over the matter and fighting for custody. The film features excellent performances by every member of the cast. It also has great writing. The writing brings out the films heart, it shows the love and sense of family that Mary and her uncle have. I 100% suggest Gifted! 8/10.

Just a terrific movie with one of the best performances by a child actor in years. Chris Evans was terrific. Octavia Spencer is the gold standard. Lindsay Duncan was so good.

The thing I don't get is why McKenna Grace is not being mentioned for any awards. She is just ridiculously good. So many child actors these days are too precious or too snotty. I believed her as that character. She gets better as the movie gets going. This girl deserves to, at the very least, be in the conversation for awards. It's a head-scratcher.

See this movie. It's the kind they don't make anymore. Laugh and cry, and nobody kills anyone or takes heroin or robs anyone. Sweet movie.

10 out of 10.

Yes, I give this a 9 out of 10. Not because it's a blockbuster (actually I don't know if it is, or not, and I don't care.) or because of any hype. (I've watched it by pure chance.)

I enjoyed the story, which was well thought through.

I enjoyed the acting -- by everyone. Really. That doesn't happen to me often.

And it is beautifully shot.

The movie has drama, humor, sadness, and happiness. Even a little romance.

The story revolves around a little girl, Mary, who, at 7 years old, is found to be a mathematical genius. Her uncle, Frank, is bringing her up, after his sister committed suicide. When it comes to light that little Mary is truly exceptional, Frank's mother enters the equation (pardon the math pun). She wants Mary to go to a school where her gifts are challenged, where she can advance her level of mathematics. Frank, however, wants Mary to be a kid. To grow up playing, having friends, and tromping around with her one eyed cat Fred, and go to a regular school, with regular kids, so she's not alienated from kids her own age. Basically, he wants her to have a normal life, where she can be normal. A custody battle ensues between Grandmother and Uncle, and Mary is caught in the middle.

I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm keeping it vague. :) Sorry.

The movie has many "Moments". Things that you'll recognize from your own life, the troubles and the joys. I loved it for that. I would say it's suitable for kids to watch, although there are some adult themes. Nothing graphic though.

It's a quiet movie, not something flashy, not hugely dramatic. But there is a good story that's well filmed and acted -- and honestly, there don't seem to be many of those anymore.

All I can say is, watch it and make up your own mind.

And yes, I would definitely watch it again.

As a parent you'll find it hard to look at your child without admiring that silly behavior or constant charm. Our children are - after all - a driving purpose & Marc Webbs "Gifted" has no limit to those little reminders of why. Starring Christopher Evans as "Frank Adler", this family oriented drama will have you smiling for hours at the wacky comments and sheer intellect "Mary Adler" (McKenna Grace) portrays in her character is a child prodigy - something I'm sure we all see in our sons & daughters, regardless of where they stand. The plot-line here was surprisingly soft and presented host of lessons that highlighted the importance of a trusting relationship with your child; not to mention dealing with those who might try and stand between it. It's a title every father must see and every mother should feel encouraged by. Where there's love, there's life!