Gifted – Budget $7 million – 1 hour 41 minutes

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Six years ago, a brilliant mathematician and mother named Diana, went to her brother Frank for help with her newborn, Mary. Frank, a college assistant professor, was on a date and told his sister he could help tomorrow. The next day Diana committed suicide, leaving Frank to raise Mary. Frank gave up his job in Boston and moved to Florida. While being a freelance boat mechanic, Frank has been home-schooling Mary, but he believes she should go to school and be around children her own age. On Mary’s first day of school, her teacher Bonnie quickly realizes there is something special about the little girl. Bonnie believes she is gifted. Frank gives an easy answer to Mary’s abilities, but Bonnie alerts the principal. The principal urges Frank to put Mary in the Oaks Academy, but Frank says no and abruptly walks out. The principal takes matters into her own hands and calls Evelyn … Frank and Diana’s mother. Evelyn believes she should raise Mary with a proper education and the best of everything. Frank believes Mary should be around children her own age and socialize. Evelyn tries to reason with Frank, but when all else fails, she takes him to court. After a tough court battle, Frank and Evelyn compromise. However, this compromise will leave Mary in tears, Frank learning more about himself, and Evelyn learning more about Diana.

The writing in the movie is pure genius. The dialogue between actors flows with ease and grace. You quickly connect to Frank, Mary, and … in a way … Diana. You understand that everyone is doing what they believe is best for Mary, but it is easy to side with Frank’s point of view. Nonetheless, as Frank second-guesses his decisions, you start to second guess too. The screenwriter did an amazing job of making Mary sound like a smart girl with a child-like wonderment of the world. The one scene that stands out is Mary and Frank in silhouette, discussing God, in front of the sun. You are not focused on them, but their words. As Frank tries to navigate an adult conversation with Mary, she is jumping all over him like children do. It’s a strong and profound conversation. This movie is a must see and it will make you laugh, tear up, and drop your jaw. Full price is a steal.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

I look like a Disney character – Mary

This is going to be fun. You are going to meet kids you can borrow money from for the rest of your life – Frank

Fred’s not a killer. He’s a lover – Mary

You don’t bluff me. I don’t bluff you – Frank

You got on the bad side of a small minded person with authority – Evelyn

I got a book on the Fundamentals of Decision Making. You can borrow it – Roberta

This can’t … isn’t happening – Bonnie

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