The Ultimate Gift is based on one-time Olympic weightlifter Jim Stovall's book. After serving as an associate editor at NavPress Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged Ins reviews as the sites director. Was he ever in for a big surprise. I should have figured that the small number (70) of IMDb votes were from a select crowd of early movie viewers with a bias towards this kind of film. It is sincere to the point of being clunky. There is a lot more to the film than the grinches might think! This is the movie that would remind you two movies with similar dramatic situation: The Million Pound Note (1954) and Trading Places (1983). Before he goes, Emily yells at him: "YOU'D BETTER BE BACK BY Christmas!" My advice to Fox Faith is to get the word out. When he tries to see where his father was killed, he is kidnapped himself. Thats what makes learning a gift). Perhaps they were trying to "kill" the movie in its first week due to low sales by purposely keeping it off the marquee. Bottom line is this: the only way you might find this movie entertaining is if you fit into on of three categories. Besides the religious aspect, there was the extreme heavy-handedness. Is it obvious that this movie has faith-based messages? I think everyone should see this movie. The Ultimate Gift doesnt always avoid these pitfalls, but it does manage to choose the right mallet. There's nothing ground breaking here. Some parts of the movie and unfeasible and highly unlikely. However, what really "spoiled" the movie (and almost made me give it a 1 or 2) was that Jason comes close to making up with his ex-girlfriend near the end! Education is a lifelong journey whose destination expands as you travel The gift of problems. When his grandfather, the one supplying him with all his money, pasts away, and leaves him no inheritance but a set of tasks to do in order to get a gift in the end, he finds himself lost. In most cases, they go for the comedy, but herein the theme is used to teach basic values to a young person gone astray from too much rich stuff too soon. Hamilton finally says that he's completed everything that Red had put out for him and gives him a check for hundred thousand dollars, which he uses to get Emily's Home started. He could try to show her what he had learned in hopes of starting to change her too. ), by threatening the other bandits with this weapon, but he just thought of himself and his dear friend and left the others behind - and we even never see anything of a " young mans" regret for the rest of the movie concerning the fate of the people, he left to be killed. The script is new and fresh and I haven't seen any movie alike. The movie/book is about 12 gifts that a man wants his grandson to acquire, the gifts were work, friends, money, family, learning, problems, laughter, giving, gratitude, a day, loving and dreams. I know the film is based on a Christian novel, and being a Christian, I was glad to see a film of this caliber make it to the big screen. Of course, for those looking for Sunday School lessons at the movies should seek out "Fox Faith." The message could be put simply as "be a good person." Surely it will by some kind of work aimed at building Jason's moral fiber, right? It's a completely predictable storyline that dragged along miserably. It is a great way to teach your children the importance of each of these gifts within your life and their life. That's why I would recommend this movie to parents and younger children as a sort of 'lesson learning' movie. What a shock young Fuller gets when he gets the first in a series of tapes where Garner charges him with performing a set of tasks to see if he's ready for The Ultimate Gift being it a fortune or whatever else is in store for him. Jason dream was Emily's home. A cynic may proclaim it to be predictable and clichd but a movie this meaningful should not be viewed through cynical eyes. Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) is a spoiled rich kid. That everyone and anyone can experience the true ultimate gift. "The Ultimate Gift" stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Drew Fuller, Ali Hillis, and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin, who recently starred as Olive in "Little Miss Sunshine," which also was nominated this year for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Bad acting, bad directing and a shallow screenplay were the dominating presence. The Ultimate Gift The Ultimate Gift The Ultimate Gift The story is all about valuing every little thing around you. Actually, you'll probably find yourself wanting to throttle most of the characters in the movie, particularly the condescending, control-freak of a dead man (even from beyond the grave, he instructs Jason on how to live his life via videotapes he recorded before his death) and the two benignly smug partners he's instructed to carry on the business of soul-restoration in his absence. When Jason goes to visit her in the hospital, he finds her in the Red Stevens Wing. Numerous scenes picture people drinking. That is probably the only way it would really be worth the watch. It also tries to show us too many events the film focuses on Jason being kidnapped by a gang in the forest, trying to find the place where his father died, stalking his ex-girlfriend and such whereas it completely neglects character development. Brian Dennehy, Cobbs and a radiant 72 yr old Lee Meriwether (Catwoman from the first "Batman" movie in the 60's and a former Miss America) are all solid in their support work and manage to boost the film just enough to prevent that slide into pure hokey muck. It's a great story with a wonderful cast. I write a review very rarely and if there is a review for a movie title with my name, its either one of the best or the worst.In this case its the 1st one.I would describe myself as a normal movie goer wanting to forget my work & home troubles and I definitely do not want to return home confused and sad(thats why I am not a fan of European movies).This movie delivered me exactly what I wanted. So if you're a non-believer this might seem Christian but it totally misses the mark as an evangelistic movie. The cinematography was severely lacking. I would thoroughly recommend to those who want just a little depth to stories in the cinema. [14][bettersourceneeded], "U.S. The story was nice to an extent, Jason became a better man at the end of the movie. I was burned out, but this film regenerated my enjoyment. Jason is finally given money but it's only pay from the work with Gus. Well, I'm not going to tell you how it happenedThis movie went places I never expected. But the film doesn't show us how and why and when they fall in love. Several of the plot points seemed to be empty filler, useless MacGuffins. Stupid stuff like that! Accuses Texas Financial Firm of $8 Billion Fraud", "U.S. charges Stanford with massive Ponzi scheme", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Ultimate_Gift&oldid=1114678744, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2015, Articles lacking reliable references from April 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 7 October 2022, at 18:30. It has all too many plot twists (a girl dying from leukemia, Jason unexpectedly falling in love with the girl's mother, etc.) When Jason goes to see her again. The Ultimate Gift is a decent attempt at a moving film. Potentially a 10+ movie, Because Red had built the hospital wing where Emily received He learnt that giving felt just as good as receiving and that the world does not revolve around him. Totally recommended for the whole family! If you are looking for a good family move, this is it. Dreams. I took my wife to view the movie on a Friday night; with about 60 other people in the movie. If I had it to do over, I would probably watch it again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it at all costs. Then I saw that Abigail Breslin was in it and I thought "Well I definitely have to see it now!" But I must say that this film actually did make me laugh here and cry there! Jason has to primarily accept and pass each (12) gifts or lessons within a year and they are outlined in personal speeches to Jason on dvds that his grandfather made before he died. The film falters most seriously, however, when it strays from the expected path. The acting is outstanding and it is a toss-up whether the young people dominate your attention or the old people dominate your attention. There was nothing objectionable that I remember. As for content, language concerns in this PG film are sparse and its few sexual themes are subtleand generally used to good purpose. I wont go too in-depth in the plot (read the summary), but each gift that Jason received in the movie is very moving and powerful. The film shows one young mans journey to this realization, and, along the way, it challenges the audience to recognize that each of us has that ultimate gift available to us. Having unworthy children with the exception of a son, who died in a plane crash, Garner decides to put that son's son, also selfish, through a series of tests to show him what life is really all about. Why were there so many people at the elderly woman's funeral procession? The Ultimate Gift, a movie produced in 2006 by Michael O. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens, a very wealthy entrepreneur. Ali Hillis is perfect for the part of Emily's mother, because she's a good actor and she's beautiful, but not so beautiful that she pushes everyone else off the screen. Emily carries a pink umbrella and was at Red's funeral. However it was a good movie. Okay, my title sounds a little extravagant. Jason helped Rose live her life and fulfill her dreams before she died from leukemia. All rights reserved. Who was the 4th and final person Jason learned a lesson from? Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. Pathetic. Of course, the tests are designed by Garner to teach Jason the real meaning of life and to help him find his lost soul. That aside, the film was terrible! (I expect that her agent will be getting more than a few calls over the next few weeks). Faulkner explains this in the first paragraphWHEN Miss Emily Grierson died our whole town went to her funeral. (James Garner) Jason is, essentially, a whiny brat throughout the first third of the film. When a possible 'future' bequest is mentioned Jason's curiosity takes hold long enough to take first class seat (at least he thought it was first class) to Texas to pick up the secret $$$$$$ bequest. Emily dies the next day in the hospital of her cancer. Imagine my surprise when I saw a poster for this movie hanging on the window of a Christian bookstore. Jason a self centered person who has no respect for himself or his family. After the meeting finishes, the Jason Stevens character privately learns that his deceased grandfather Howard "Red" Stevens willed "The "Ultimate Gift" to him! Even though this film doesn't sparkle with a huge budget and sexy highly paid stars, it is a story that hits home. This would not be a problem, but it seems to go in a out of moods and genres non-stop. Well, I have seen a lot better and much, much worse, so if you are attracted at all by the idea of seeing a spiritually based film, then this is not a bad choice. Jasons budding friendship with Emily (even more so than his romance with Alexia) and his growing recognition of his grandfathers wisdom give the film a compelling emotional core. Not good. Individuals should beware that the story does stray from the book, but it only serves to enhance the storyline. Let me first tell you, that I am christian and I am, some sort of, an "officially christian", as I am a teacher for religious education in Europe. (8-30-07) C'mon people, this film is a joke! That's what I used to think about the 1970s television series The Waltons, before I actually tuned in one night and became absolutely captivated by the adventures of John Boy, Mary Ellen, and the rest of that poor West Virginia mountain family in the Depression era. But, he finds that in order to to collect his inheritance he will need to successfully complete 12 monthly 'assignments' leading to what his uncle calls the "Ultimate Gift." The Ultimate Gift, a drama directed by Michael O. Sajbel and released in 2006, tells the story of a thoroughly spoiled and rebellious man Jason, whose dying grandfather decides to put him through a series of obstacles, leading to what he calls 'the ultimate gift'. To be quite honest, the movie is a failure and a shame. Our family has watched this movie at least 7 times. There is an incredible amount of value in this message and it is something people of all ages can learn from. Uplifting and positive though sometimes predictable The Ultimate Gift is the story of how one young man learns to live his life in a valuable unselfish way. Espaol (prximamente) - volver al inicio, Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More, Growing Up Queer: Thoughtful Books About LGBTQ+ Youth, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, Talking with Teens and Preteens About Pornography. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. The first gift, the gift of work, will set the tone. I did not believe that Abigail Breslin's acting was quite up to par with what we have seen her do in other films. Along the way, he meets and befriends a young girl named Emily, played by Abigail Breslin just before Little Miss Sunshine hit the theaters and made her a big star. but starting out with another "gift" from Fox, to wit: FOX FAITH, a new brand of religious based movies. A lot of his change is motivated by the leukemic girl, Emily, and her mother, Alexia. And here begins the episodic journey during which Jason learns about poverty, compassion, friends, death, and spirituality that changes Jason into a full human being and creates a character who gives back more than he gets. I am a Christian and while the movie had "nice" themes, "nice" people, "nice" scenes, there were only the thinnest mentions of church within, and I don't think the name Jesus was spoken once. Disturbingly, all of his descendants seem to be only concerned with what they might inherit from him, and as the wishes in his will are carried out, the family members barely receive anything. It starts with the gift of work and ends with love. Drew Fuller (Black Sash, Charmed, and Army Wives) was brilliant I think that he really showed his range in the film. Jason sips a stiff drink and makes a face. He asks his grandson, How can I give you something and not have it ruin you like your uncles and aunts? Other messages praise problems (Our lives should be lived not avoiding problems, but welcoming them as challenges) and learning from lifes inevitable hard knocks (Any process worth going through will get tougher before it gets easier. The Ultimate Gift doesnt always avoid these pitfalls but it does manage to choose the right mallet. Thats right, I said it. I also was very confused with the relationship between Jason and Alexia. The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 American drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name. Along comes his grandson Jason (Fuller), a spoiled trust fund baby who hopes to cash in on some inheritance. And while partner support can sometimes gum up the works, as it were, what the film says is more important than who says it. Parents need to know that The Ultimate Gift is a faith-based, message drama that includes several deaths and has some very sad moments. This movie has all the aspects of a great film; sure it's no Godfather, but its still and incredible flick. Thejus Joseph Jose Perhaps building homes for the poor a la Jimmie Carter, working in a soup kitchen, being a hospital volunteer, a senior home volunteer and/or delivering meals to the ill and elderly? It just killed the movie for me. Like a sympathy grab for the 1%. You can replace your current team of trust and estate planning lawyers! I challenge anyone to remember such films. I thought this was one of the worst movies I have seen in quite some time. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Coming from the newly spawned Fox Faith department of Fox Entertainment, this film has decent Christian messages and undertones. And what a great investment that living room sofa for the night would have been! She's cared for by her single mother, Alexia, played by Ali Hillis. But, as with all fables, it is the struggle that matters, not the circumstance, and what this movie shows is the very real struggle of all young men to find meaning in and a purpose for their lives. What irritates me the most is the lack of sympathy for any character; whilst main character is a boring playboy, his "masters" are all very confident and look like playing games all the time. This Indian man has had a troubling past, along with saying he has a habit breaking other peoples hearts, but he has good friends and even knows a couple of store employees who let him use their stores bathroom. Like, Mr Hamilton holding the envelope, and the scene changes and Jason has it in his hand! If we all were this sacrificial, the work would indeed be a better place. If you are that curious, wait for it to come out on DVD. The film started out with just a normal setting. Take your family. By the end of the film you are rooting for him to make good on his grandfathers hope for him. Also, The performances are wonderful and I love the structure and presentation. Maybe it doesn't have outstanding special effects, or a main-role actor or actress who deserves an Academy Award, but the plot it's so great, that makes you analyze your own situation and feel thankful for what you have and realize you're missing a lot of nice simple great things of life and it even makes you want to be a better person! Jason is brought into the board room where a lone box rests on the table. The acting is good from everyone although Breslin is annoying as a kid wise beyond her years. He had to work for what he wanted instead of just having it handed to him. She didn't like him, then she some what tolerated him, then she didn't like him again, then the second he comes back from Equador she's hugging him like they were married. Truly, the ULTIMATE gift indeed. I saw this as a special showing in Memphis, TN. Many avoid cinema because they have been disappointed so many times. It opens with Mr. Hamilton being informed of the death of his long-time friend and colleague Howard "Red" Stevens (James Garner).At the reading of his will, Jason, Red's grandson, learns that his grandfather has a gift for him, "the ultimate gift", but only if he can complete a series of tasks . The movie made me feel good. Jason and the guide are captured there and taken hostage by militants for several weeks, until Jason manages to ensure their escape. You want to know the answers to these questions. Laughter every now and again makes a person more relaxed and more open to what other people say like when they tell jokes they may not make sense to you so you ask why to the person that tells it, its also a leisurelier way to understand people more. A wealthy man Red Stevens (James Garner) has amassed a fortune, turning his personal life into a shambles in the process and producing a family of greedy ruthless gluttons - with one exception: one son rebelled and lost his life to dreams despite the aspirations of the father. You know, up there. Her impending death has apparently yielded a relationship with God, and shes thinking about heaven. cheers, See questions and answers As did Emily's incessant lecturing to Jason vis a vis: This is how your love life is going to be.DO YOU HEAR ME JASON.DO YOU HEAR ME? I'm lucky that he gave me some of these gifts in real life instead of from beyond the grave. At the funeral and the reading of the will, each member of his family is revealed to be, as Red expected, selfish and materialistic. One more thing - this film may not last long on the big screen. View on the film: My dream. Ground rules for the gift are. Starring Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin. At the end of the. It is a gift, from the film maker to you, the audience. I regularly attend the $5-a-sermon Church of AMC, much to my wife's and kid's consternation. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. Its clear that what Jason did was illegal, but its brushed aside and played off as one last weird prank on him by Hamilton before he receives his inheritance. Both are awesome. We would buy this movie, it's that good. But pieces didn't seem to me to run together smoothly. Its not news that incivility is on the rise, but what do we do about it? The plots revolved around discoveries in people's lives we can easily relate to, leading us to reflect on what values we hold dear. I feel sorry for the youth of today, having such unpleasant and immoral movies to choose from. If you are with someone who recently lost a loved one, this may be a difficult movie to watch - especially and adult who has lost a child. After the death of the oil tycoon Howard 'Red' Stevens (James Garner), his greedy family is gathered in the office of his lawyer, partner and friend Mr. Theophillis 'Ted' Hamilton (Bill Cobbs) and his associated Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether) for reading the will. The first one happens to be Brian Dennehy owner of a big ranch in Texas, a Ewing sized spread where Fuller is first shown what it is like to do physical work out there for a paycheck. Ultimate Entertainment for "Ultimate Gift", Parents-How to leave an inheritance for your children guide, A Christmas Carol meets It's A Wonderful Life, Possibly the worst movie I've ever watched, A well intentioned Christian movie that could of been better. The whole thing radiates low-budget film. The Ultimate Gift (2006) was directed by Michael O. Sajbel. If you want a good story about the redemption of a covetous, grasping old sinner, try - you guessed it - Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. (Maybe more so, because I've worked with little girls like her, and you are changed forever by the incredible experience.) Jasons mother and Caitlin are shown in immodest, cleavage revealing outfits. Emily a little girl with a rare form of cancer. I waited in vain. Jason and his grandfather did not get along especially with the lost of his beloved father. Here's the thing about the message of the film; If you found this to be profound or moving, you are probably a really selfish bastard!
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