With better writing and a more focused plot line, this could've been a great movie. As it stands, it's merely okay.
The story is about the relationship between a child prodigy and the man raising her, who himself is a pretty interesting guy with an unconventional background. Actually, that's not really the story – that's what it should've been. Instead, it's a sloppy courtroom custody battle with a pointless romantic subplot that feels like something you'd see on a lesser episode of Suits. There are some interesting moments in the courtroom scenes, but they feel somewhat out of place in what should be a more character-driven story.
The execution suffers most in the third act, in which new characters are introduced on a whim and the movie further loses sight of its central premise. This movie does know what message it wants to deliver, but it gets way too caught up in the specific motivations of each character. I can't really say any more without spoiling, but I will say that the ending, given the problems that are set up earlier in the film, was less than satisfying for me.
If you really love child prodigy movies, this one might be worth an iTunes rental a month from now. But for now, you're better off staying home and re-watching Good Will Hunting, which does everything this movie tries to do but with far better execution and emotional resonance.
The story is about the relationship between a child prodigy and the man raising her, who himself is a pretty interesting guy with an unconventional background. Actually, that's not really the story – that's what it should've been. Instead, it's a sloppy courtroom custody battle with a pointless romantic subplot that feels like something you'd see on a lesser episode of Suits. There are some interesting moments in the courtroom scenes, but they feel somewhat out of place in what should be a more character-driven story.
The execution suffers most in the third act, in which new characters are introduced on a whim and the movie further loses sight of its central premise. This movie does know what message it wants to deliver, but it gets way too caught up in the specific motivations of each character. I can't really say any more without spoiling, but I will say that the ending, given the problems that are set up earlier in the film, was less than satisfying for me.
If you really love child prodigy movies, this one might be worth an iTunes rental a month from now. But for now, you're better off staying home and re-watching Good Will Hunting, which does everything this movie tries to do but with far better execution and emotional resonance.