While Gifted might run into some dead ends, important themes enhanced by strong acting allow it to feel fine. Clearly, director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer) and writer Tom Flynn (Watch It) value matters of the heart as much as the mind.

Essentially, there’s more going on here than an uncle wanting his niece to have a normal life. It’s a matter of ambition versus stability, even genius versus normality. Sometimes the correct action doesn’t involve fixing a mathematical brain teaser, only recognising the solution to everyday necessities. For Frank (Chris Evans), the decision over which school his niece Mary (McKenna Grace) should attend echoes similar concerns in life. Quite simply, he doesn’t want her to feel isolated or cut off from potential friends. However, even the principal and teachers can predict how successful she would be if given an expanded curriculum at another school.

On many levels, Gifted examines the clash between conformity and individuality, between personality and machine. Personally, these subjects have long fascinated me.

Despite commendable efforts from Evans and McKenna, they are eclipsed by one very special actress. As Evelyn, the brainy grandmother who wants custody of Mary, Lindsay Duncan seems precise in a natural way. Whether we agree with her character or not seems beside the point. After all, she’s instantly likeable. Also, she boasts the clearest back story, one that’s reinforced by self-determination. Because her motivations fit the framework for strong independence, it allows each memory to resonate. Perhaps the defining moment occurs via the sort of scenery chewing that distinguished Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men.

Therefore, I recommend viewing Gifted at the earliest possible convenience.

(Released by Fox Searchlight Pictures and rated "PG-13" for thematic elements, language and some suggestive material.)

For more information about Gifted, go to the IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes site.