Cinephile No. 643 "Gifted"
"A Gifted Child Steals the Show"
A Review of "Gifted" by Nathan H. Box
Starring: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan Director: Marc Webb, Writer: Tom Flynn
Rating: 3 Stars, STREAM!
Chris Evans is best known for his role as Captain America in Marvel's "The Avengers" franchise. Given the source material, we haven't had much of an opportunity to see his range as an actor. In fact, all we have really seen him do is flex, throw a shield, and say overly patriotic catchphrases. Now, I know Mr. Evans has starred in other movies, but those feel like forever ago. For me, "Gifted" was about seeing him flex a different kind of muscle; one meant to show us his ability as an actor.
When the credits rolled on this film, I was impressed. The shell around him began to crack. We were treated to a range of emotions, yet Mr. Evans is often upstaged by his younger co-star, Mckenna Grace who plays the child prodigy. Her acting skills were on par with people two and three times her age. In fact, she steals the show and makes it enthralling. As a truly gifted child, we believe her boredom in a regular first-grade classroom. We understand her anger as she stands up to a bully. We are enraptured by her sadness when she becomes the custody of a foster family. She makes this movie possible.
Mr. Evans is his best self as the movie draws near the end. Like any man worth his weight, he steps up the plate and decides to be the guardian our little star needs. Here is when the real acting begins and this movie becomes one with which we can relate.
Be good to each other,
-Nathan
