Um Laço de Amor

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!

I'm going to make this a simple review - acting was outstanding for almost everyone. What I'd really like to know is how did Hollywood figure out how to take an very talented adult actress and make her look like a seven year old? Mckenna Graces performance is well beyond her years. I expect we'll see many great performances from her in the years to come. Chris Evans has come a long way from Johnny Storm and I look forward to seeing him in more dramatic roles. Octavia Spencer was great in Hidden Figures but in this different type of role, I think she did just as good of job with the amount of screen time she had. And on a final note, let's give Fred a big round of applause in a "supporting role:

This film tells the story of a seven year old girl who is spectacularly gifted at mathematics. She becomes the centre of a custody lawsuit, when her grandmother shows up out of the blue and demands custody from her uncle.

"Gifted" is brilliant in so many ways. The story itself is very touching and engaging. Mary is super clever, but she still has a childish side to her. She is very adorable, and I simply wish all the best for her. Her uncle is charming, and does everything he can to take care of Mary. The legal battle with the grandmother is captivating, and it is enhanced by the fact that the two parties are in fact blood relatives with a heartbreaking history. As the heartbreak slowly unfolds, my heart breaks a little more, and I feel closer to the story even more.

I really liked "Gifted". I will recommend it to all my friends.

Screenwriter Tom Flynn offers a well-considered and genuinely moving story about how we deal with gifted children – and adults. GIFTED is also about family connections and the impact on children whose parents are lost to them by separation whether in death by natural causes, by suicide, or by desertion. Marc Webb who has gathered an impeccable cast to enact this touching drama directs his sensitive story with aplomb.

Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy - his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna 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 formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary's landlady and best friend. Jenny Slate is Mary's teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well. The story explores the relationship between a caring uncle who salvaged his niece when the mother of the girl (a brilliant mathematician) commits suicide – yearning to offer the brilliant gifted niece a 'normal life' despite custody battles and grandmother opinions.

Chris Evans continues to prove that he is one of our more important serious actors of the day and eleven year old Mckenna Grace demonstrates why she is on of the most frequently seen young actresses in the young role parts. Octavia Spencer and Lindsay Duncan offer definitive performances in tough roles. This is a film with many levels of message and one that should be seen by a very wide audience.

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.