When I heard Marc Webb was directing a new film called Gifted, I immediately knew it was a must see. My girls and I are huge fans of his work (500 Days of Summer & The Amazing Spider-man), and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to screen it. I also made my way to Beverly Hills to interview the cast of this wonderful film.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Role Mommy Writer’s Network. All opinions are my own.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
Marc Webb has delivered another masterpiece, and it’s no surprise….
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.
This comedy-drama manages to be both funny and moving. This film took my family on an unexpected emotional journey. On several occasions, we laughed and cried.
Photo credit to Fox Searchlight Pictures
This unconventional family goes through a heart wrenching custody battle with Mary’s maternal grandmother Evelyn, (Lindsay Duncan). Frank’s mother wants Mary to attend an elite school for the gifted. Frank on the other hand, wants his niece to have balance and live a normal life.
Webb’s cast is sensational… These two costars had an adorable bond on and off screen. They giggled when they talked about their behind the scenes shenanigans.
McKenna Grace said, “One of the funnest scenes for me was whenever me and Octavia were singing and dancing in her house.” She was very smart, sweet, and spunky! (much like her on-screen character).
Mary’s teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate) becomes deeply concerned for Mary and Frank. Jenny Slate is appealing in her role. She eventually finds herself drawn to her student’s hunky guardian Frank.
(Octavia Spencer) Frank and Mary’s neighbor helps raise Mary (McKenna Grace). She is kind hearted and funny. (love her)
Octavia expressed why she was inclined to take this role. “I really loved this beautiful story about an unconventional family surrounding this brilliant little girl.”
There is a lot of heart in this unique story, and the performances in this film are terrific.
Chris Evens said, ” I think the theme in this film is kind of rooted in parents that can be overbearing. That kind of in some degree, live vicariously through their children, and the rebellion that can happen as result of that dynamic.” This superhero brilliantly executed this role as a father.
As a mother, I found this movie to be very endearing and it also had a very profound message. I truly loved this film and think you will too!
Go see Gifted in theaters April 7th!
Rated PG-13, 101 minutes
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