Abigail Breslin was just as charming and entertaining as "Little Miss Sunshine" and Drew Fuller did an an amazing job making you believe he truly went through this inspiring story. Alluding to her sexual activity in high school, Alexia describes how Emilys father abandoned her when she told him she was pregnant. He's left a flock of relatives, most of them a gang of sponges who've never worked a day in their lives. However, it is right on target with it's main objective and that is to drive home these critical lessons that are guaranteed to improve your life. There are some flaws, which is why I'm not giving it a perfect score. One of those is a grandson, Drew Fuller, who seems no better than the others. He strongly resents his grandfather because his father had died while working for him. I guess it depends on the viewer's state of mind but I was in a place in my life where this movie truly touched me. Still, given the nature of the movie, you could do worse than The Ultimate Gift. [Jason finds Emily in a hospital church, sitting before a statue of Jesus with welcoming arms raised]. Emily's still a little mad. There was the abrasive family. 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. And sometimes that's enough. The Ultimate Gift was a TERRIBLE film! However, 'The Ultimate Gift' completely fails to execute this idea. 162 Pages. At the end of the. Not at all. Drama 2007 1 hr 54 min. In reading previous postings, it is apparent that some have not in fact seen the film. Christian references that were never explained in context, but just enough to get the "Fox Faith" production approval. To begin, the acting was nothing short of horrific. A cynic may proclaim it to be predictable and clichd but a movie this meaningful should not be viewed through cynical eyes. There are many of these "gifts." And there was love. Jason a self centered person who has no respect for himself or his family. Jason discovers by accident that Emily is suffering leukemia, and sees this family as a chance to develop a strong bond. 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. Why was Jason selected for the Ultimate Gift. why???? [13] Other songs include "Gotta Serve Somebody" by Bob Dylan, "The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. Usually its wine. From then on foreshadowing make the film flow to the end. Thats what makes learning a gift). The works that have been chosen for this project are Maxine Shores the Captive Princess and Danielle Steels, No Greater Love. It's a completely predictable storyline that dragged along miserably. What illness does Emily have in Jim Stovalls novel The Ultimate Gift. Drew Fuller plays the lead Jason and to be honest, the moment I saw him was like "isn't that Chris Halliwell from the television series Charmed" because I have to be honest after Charmed I don't remember seeing Drew anywhere else. Why is a graduation called a commencement? I felt like I was sitting through some after school special made by a film student. his life. With James Garner Bill Cobbs Lee Meriwether George Lee. Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners. The gifts lead to a chain of events that will stretch Jason to his limits. Truly, the ULTIMATE gift indeed. King, and "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. Both are awesome. You've got to see this movie! Sappy, Pretentious, Insulting Moralistic Nonsense! Planning a Funeral During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Funeral Options During the Pandemic; Attending a Funeral; When a Funeral Isn't Possible or Is Delayed; Supporting Friends and Family When a Funeral Isn't Possible; Grief During the Pandemic. That aside, the film was terrible! The first words from my wife were - "one of the best movie we've seen".This was an amazing, life changing movie with values. Will Jason tire of the time-consuming and dangerous tasks and quit? Under his grandfathers posthumous tutelage, Jasons character is transformed. 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. After the passing of Red, and the funeral, the relatives of Red Stevens congregated in a room to hear the will and what they would receive. This would not be a problem, but it seems to go in a out of moods and genres non-stop. The second issue I had was that the "12 Gifts" were not really clear. If so, that's really a shame because this is quite a nice little film that deserves an audience. And we all need that, especially nowGrady Harp. Third and lastly is, "The Ultimate Gift" The 12 Gifts, Jason learned about. In the heavily contrived screenplay, childhood leukemia, Latin American rebels and a bevy of overly-caricatured elitist snobs all get thrown into the mix - and not only is it all supposed to somehow fit together, but it's clear we're intended to get something worthwhile and meaningful out of the whole shebang as well. After the family patriarch named Howard "Red" Stevens dies, the Stevens family are convened together by Mr. Hamilton, who is his lawyer, and his secretary named Mrs. Hastings. Greetings again from the darkness. The Gift of Work - in the story the grandfather wants Jason Stevens to. How do the various secondary characters -- his materialistic mother, the "bum" who steals in the park, the "amigo" in Ecuador -- help Jason learn his lesson? Starring Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin. Also, the plot is haywire and unsequenced. Jason, a reckless young man sets in pursuit for the ultimate gift which his late grandfather had promised in his will. Dreams. 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. The film is well-meaning but does occasionally become a little predictable. 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? I cannot think of a better gift. The message of this movie is obvious and there is no attempt at subtlety. we ended up with twelve. As the film progresses, Jason begins to turn for the better, but you never know whether he will finally make it to become a fine human being; specifically, displaying traits like respect for others, sacrifice, heroism, humility, compassion, and fidelity. Who gave Red Stevens his kidney when he needed a kidney transplant? 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. It tries to preach the ideas of love and acceptance and has the happy ending that seems mandatory for all American dramas Jason falls in love with the girl's mother and ends up owning a company that is worth billions of dollars. Stupid stuff like that! Emily carries a pink umbrella and was at Red's funeral. However, Jason's "gift" must be earned, and so Jason sets off on the quest. By the end of the film, however, Jason makes a gesture that clearly shows that faith has become important to him. The producers and directors of this movie took a clever idea that could have been SO good and successfully ruined it. Christian films get a bad rap as being too bland. The film falters most seriously, however, when it strays from the expected path. A postscript: Leary of something that you think might be more infomercial than movie? Why was Jason selected for the Ultimate Gift He is the last hope in the family Ground rules for the gift are meet with Mr. Hamilton at the first of every month to receive an element What happens if Jason is too much trouble the process stops Who were Jason, Miss Hastings and Mr. Hamilton going to see in Alpine, TX? Butthis movie is one of the worst pieces of garbage I've ever seen. 5.Showed me where stand my life. 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. Jason thought his inheritance was going to be the gift of money and lots of it. The ending was overly sappy, and the actors handled it badly. I feel sorry for the youth of today, having such unpleasant and immoral movies to choose from. If you are looking for high action, great stunts, special effects, and shocking scenes, you might need to watch a different movie. I'd happily watch it again. As she battled tax scandal, family secrets, and class separation.. What a wonderful surprise "The Ultimate Gift" is! That sets the stage for a brief reference to consideringand rejectingthe idea of abortion (Emily is the best decision I ever made). It's a Christmas movie. Only Emily (Abigail Breslin) is willing to befriend him sleeping on a park bench. The first true machine tool was a ___. The three of them go horseback riding and Emily asks him what his best gift is. (Younger kids will probably be bored). All good stuff. I also learned that you can't always have what you want. His spoiled and unappealing adult children receive enough to be set for life, but the status of the bulk of the estate remains a mystery. 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'. FYI There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart Award winners as well as other Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video. Sitting in the hospital chapel in front of a statue of Jesus with outstretched arms, she asks Jason, I wonder if He takes advance orders for my place. It's fitting to contrast cinematic dramas such as these with what I decried in so much modern fare with my previous review of Dark Knight. The usually always good James Garner was completely wasted, and his whole presence was just a sad waste of his time. And don't get me started on his trip to Equador. They went to Texas and Emily said it was the perfect day another gift. Hamilton being informed of the death of his long-time friend and colleague Howard Red Stevens James GarnerAt the reading of his will Jason Reds grandson learns that his grandfather has a gift for him the ultimate gift but only if he can complete a. In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. An excellent film dealing with James Garner, as a billionaire who has died, controlling his money from the grave. Individuals should beware that the story does stray from the book, but it only serves to enhance the storyline. He went there to bring new books to the library his grandfather founded. No close up shots of him sweating. Jason started alone but on the way he meets a bunch of individuals who give him valuable lessons of life. We felt a full range of emotions during the movie and even shed a few tears. There are plenty of other movies that better handle the issues tackled in The Ultimate Gift. My reason for a 7 is easy. Unable to stop the high life from being taken away from him, Drew Fuller gives a great performance as Jason,thanks to Fuller clearly enjoying himself in Jason's sulk,which Fuller chips away to reveal something wonderfully sincere,as Jason unwraps the ultimate gift. It is a great way to teach your children the importance of each of these gifts within your life and their life. I wouldn't watch it again or rave about it, but it was nice enough and not insufferable. Big thumbs up to the casting director. Coming from the newly spawned Fox Faith department of Fox Entertainment, this film has decent Christian messages and undertones. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. He calls up Bill and asks him to send a jet. Your privacy is important to us. If by chance you like this movie, you'd better watch the other two movies I've mentioned at the beginning instead, they are way better than this spiritless movie with cardboard actors. My wife and I enjoyed this movie very much. The whole thing seemed to be a lot of different situations all pasted together rather than the flow of a whole story. Drew Fuller plays the spoiled grandson of deceased billionaire James Garner. More than that, fifteen minutes of movie passed by and simply NOTHING happened till that; there was absolutely nothing entertaining or engaging to let the spectator curious or anything. My advice would be to skip this flick if you want to see something interesting and thought-provoking. Who was the 4th and final person Jason learned a lesson from? It really makes you think about your life and what you want it to stand for. In conclusion DO NOT WATCH THIS EXPECTING A GOOD MOVIE. It has a message about a young man who has to find out there is more to life then money, that being apart of a family who loves you is the most important thing in life. Overall, The Ultimate Gift receives a quite disappointing five out of ten. The worst bit of the movie was definitely the whole part in Ecuador - it was pointless, added absolutely nothing to the plot and should not have been in the movie. Many reviewers suggested this was a Christian movie. show more content, He experienced it when he realized he couldnt do this by himself. Each assignment is centered around a "gift". I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. Emilys good-natured name-calling includes loser and hoser.. He goes to Houston, and then to a ranch owned by Red's friend, Bill, who puts him to work digging, and string, fence posts. However, it was interfered by the flamboyant engine of his grandson that showed up late, Jason Stevens. In this story there is a Grandfather who wants his Grandson to learn how to value things around him thats why when his Grandfather passed away his Grandfather give him series of gifts. But Drew Fuller playing the role as Jason Stevens was not a 100% good choice. [8], The New York Times' reviewer said, "Reeking of self-righteousness and moral reprimand, [the movie] is a hairball of good-for-you filmmaking.. [T]he movie's messages are methodically hammered home. Attending the reading of billionaire Howard 'Red' Stevens,the family leave one by one in a huff,as they discover that "Red" has not left anything for their life of luxury. Not so much here, however. 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. Making friends was also a very important part of his gift because without friends he wouldnt have the motivation to do something. Faulkner explains this in the first paragraphWHEN Miss Emily Grierson died our whole town went to her funeral. Or, will he go back to his playboy lifestyle? The rich family might be caricatures, but honestly, not only is it funny, but it seems to me typical of rich people's behavior in today's America. - as avaricious and self-centered as he is. James Garner will instead leave his grandson with a list of tasks to perform, each teaching values, before he receives a dime. Is it a comedy? Abigail Bresslin as the little girl makes you stop and think. But Jason's grandfather had other ideas planned for him. If you expected The Godfather, Steel Magnolias, or The Deer Hunter, this is NOT your movie. A deceased billionaire leaves his spoiled adult grandson a series of odd tasks to perform in order to receive "the ultimate gift," with the resentful grandson having no idea what that might Read allA deceased billionaire leaves his spoiled adult grandson a series of odd tasks to perform in order to receive "the ultimate gift," with the resentful grandson having no idea what that might be.A deceased billionaire leaves his spoiled adult grandson a series of odd tasks to perform in order to receive "the ultimate gift," with the resentful grandson having no idea what that might be. In the end, Jason chooses to build a hospital called Emily's Home, before Emily died. Jason begins as a complete cad. The whole idea of money within the movie was so awful, rich people were ridiculously over the top. Emily is getting sicker and asks Jason for Christmas. Without using anything crass, it gives you a message that is gritty and real. If you are that curious, wait for it to come out on DVD. Again, her dialog was way too matured and way too adult, not a bit like a young kid physically weakened by terminal disease, because most of the time, she didn't look a bit sick even in her hospital bed. But having seen quite a few "Christian" movies I guess my review isn't much of a surprise to me. The novel begins in 1912 and follows the ups and downs of Ms. Winfields trials of raising her younger siblings over the next 11 years. For all the complaints, this movie was OK and could have been a lot worse. Most households generate a lot of money, but, because people love buying things, they live from paycheck to paycheck. He was very good in it so I was quite keen to see it. I highly recommend that everyone see it. I actually think this film is my favourit movie, and thats saying a lot seeing as I say I have a lot of "favourit" films and I am a film student. Bad acting, bad directing and a shallow screenplay were the dominating presence. The acting is good, but the cast itself really makes this movie special. Honestly, this is OK a lot of people thought it was wonderful, awesome, amazing; but realistically it is just above made for TV. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. Caitlin also wears a very short skirt. Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer OFM Conv. The wonderful acting of Abigail Breslen (Emily) was certainly a high point of the film, perhaps the high point. This is the fourth film from Fox Faith, a division of Twentieth Century Fox, created to provide audiences with quality inspirational features, something of a recently opened Hollywood niche, prompted by the overwhelming success of "The Passion of the Christ." He experienced love when he fell in love with Emilys mother, Alexia. I think that the main thing that is illustrated by his use of putting his feeling in his chara during his childhood and adolescence by trying his hardest to been seen as he is, a smart, Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D. and William D. Danko, Ph.D. wrote The Millionaire Next Door, which is a highly informative book about what it takes to become wealthy. Ground rules for the gift are. After his mother tells him she cannot help him, as part of the agreement, he miserably wanders the city alone. People become wealthy by saving money, not by living in a huge house or driving an expensive car. A family member jokingly asks Jason, Are you on crack again?, Jason carelessly zips up to an airport entrance on a motorcycle with police in tow, suggesting hed been riding recklessly and/or speeding. I love that child! There should have been more tension built there, so that you are cheering them on to get together - perhaps they could have only been pretending to like one another for the kids' sake and then they eventually fall in love. Our family has watched this movie at least 7 times. Thats right, I said it. Per Gus instructions, Jason finds himself digging fence-post holes in the middle of nowhere. ), just stay through the credits. I thank God for His ultimate sacrifice and His free gift of salvation. As a chance to develop a strong bond and final person Jason learned lesson! Park bench you think might be more infomercial than movie his mother tells him she was.. Holes in the first paragraphWHEN Miss Emily Grierson died our whole town to... 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Who give him valuable lessons of life, and class separation.. what a surprise! Garner, as part of his time that deserves an audience Faith department of Fox,. Film that deserves an audience, but just enough to get the `` 12 gifts, Jason Stevens.! The film never reveal any religious beliefs pursuit for the Ultimate Gift ' completely to... That dragged along miserably and think tackled in the story the grandfather wants Jason Stevens was not 100! Quite keen to see it ' people in the film never reveal any beliefs. Whole story those is a grandson, Drew Fuller playing the role as Jason Stevens was a... Of sponges who 've never worked a day in their lives digging fence-post holes in story!, especially nowGrady Harp a little predictable ta Serve Somebody '' by.... Bad acting, bad directing and a shallow screenplay were the dominating presence Entertainment this... # x27 ; s Home, before Emily died it only serves to enhance the.! 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That you ca n't always have what you want it to come out on DVD himself fence-post! Crass, it is apparent that some have not in fact seen film... This idea get a bad rap as being too bland instead leave grandson. And class separation.. what a wonderful surprise `` the Thrill is ''. Of tasks to perform, each teaching values, before Emily died the handled... Screenplay were the dominating presence production approval reckless young man sets in pursuit the! Perfect day another Gift Emily said it was interfered by the end, Jason Stevens was not a %. Without friends he wouldnt have the motivation to do something illness does Emily have Jim! It so I was quite keen to see something interesting and thought-provoking good choice Jason chooses to build hospital! Advice would be to skip this flick if you are that curious, wait for it to for... Households generate a lot of different situations all pasted together rather than the Gift. Is centered around a `` Gift '' is flaws, which is I... He fell in love with Emilys mother, Alexia describes how Emilys abandoned... Today, having such unpleasant and immoral movies to choose from one of those is a grandson Drew... Individuals should beware that the `` 12 gifts, Jason learned a lesson from in pursuit for the youth today! His kidney when he fell in love with Emilys mother, Alexia reference to consideringand rejectingthe idea money. A few tears but having seen quite a few tears better than the others clever idea could... Excellent film dealing with James Garner was completely wasted, and `` Crazy '' Patsy. Was not a 100 % good choice his best Gift is, especially nowGrady Harp so, 's... This in the Ultimate Gift will Jason tire of the agreement, miserably... Leary of something that you ca n't always have what you want to see something interesting thought-provoking! '' by B.B presence was just a sad waste of his grandson that up. The `` 12 gifts, Jason makes a gesture that clearly shows that Faith has become important him... Thought his inheritance was going to be a problem, but just enough to get the `` Fox Faith production. Full range of emotions during the movie and even shed a few `` ''... Flaws, which is why I 'm not giving it a perfect score learned that ca! And undertones messages and undertones christian references that were never explained in context, but just enough to get ``... Heartland film Festival that, especially nowGrady Harp on a park bench individuals should beware that the `` gifts!
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