I gave "The Ultimate Gift" a 9 out of 10, which is an unusually high rank for me, but I can't describe enough how pleasantly surprised I was with this effort. If you expected The Godfather, Steel Magnolias, or The Deer Hunter, this is NOT your movie. With James Garner Bill Cobbs Lee Meriwether George Lee. Unimaginative and hardly something that deserves even a spotlight. The Gift of Work - in the story the grandfather wants Jason Stevens to. What it takes to be a truly unique, caring individual whose inner soul really understands the gifts that we are all given. An example of how the movie missed on depth and emotion was the early scene with Jason Stevens setting fence posts. Jason slaps two nephews who steal his smartphone. The rest of the movie shows just that, Jason trying to successfully complete his deceased grandfather's list of commands and the consequent changes and relationships that journey brings him. 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. 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. (James Garner) Jason is, essentially, a whiny brat throughout the first third of the film. The movie had something I did enjoy, which is the beautiful scenery it displayed although the plot is quite predictable, as you can guess from the start how some events were going to end, but the scenery and the shots will take you by storm. When his rich grandfather, Howard "Red" Stevens, dies, Jason does not expect to inherit anything from his multi-billion-dollar estate. However it was a good movie. Besides the religious aspect, there was the extreme heavy-handedness. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. It's very obvious they filmed all of James Garner's scenes in a day, but he and his lawyer friends are the best acted characters in the movie. The Ultimate Gift is a really great feel good film and whether you are 8 or 80 you can appreciate the message that the film tries to get across. Another lesson at the expense of legalities? The Ultimate Gift doesnt always avoid these pitfalls, but it does manage to choose the right mallet. These aren't gifts in the classic, physical sense. 2401 Lake Park Drive SE Smyrna, GA 30080 404-920-7430 | editor@georgiabulletin.org webmaster@archatl.com. The plots revolved around discoveries in people's lives we can easily relate to, leading us to reflect on what values we hold dear. Upload your video Looking for specific info? Jason thought his inheritance was going to be the gift of money and lots of it. When his industrialist grandfather Red Stevens (James Garner) dies, the various family member are disappointed by their inheritance dispersed by Mr. Hamilton (Bill Cobbs) and Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether). Jason asks her, What do you think [heaven] is going to be like? Emily responds, Butterflies. And then, another worse character done by Abigail Breslin who played the role Emily Rose , just anther wrong case to portray a dying young kid with leukemia, a role she played way too over-the-top strong and out of place. Copyright 2023 Archdiocese of Atlanta. that seem as if they belong to a soap opera, not a family film. Finally, Abigail Breslin, the little girl recently nominated for an Academy Award for Little Miss Sunshine, just about steals the movie; her role as Emily, the little girl suffering from cancer who befriends Jason, could have been cloying, but this young actress imbues the character with a lively spirit and a likeable personality. Drew Fuller was superb as someone you want to hate but end up liking. All of the performances in this film were rock solid. He continues the family's charity library for the locals. Jason and Alexias growing love never moves beyond a couple of kisses. What does this mean emulate what you respect in your friends? Bad acting, bad directing and a shallow screenplay were the dominating presence. A month toiling at hard manual labor on a cattle ranch teaches him the value of work, while the removal of all his material possessions leads him to the gift of true friendship. The book is a great story, the movie's storyline is even better. That isn't the whole story since the big picture is really about Jason. The movie was funded by a financial group with the intension of busting customer patronage which actually worked for them. I did not give it a 10 because there were a few choppy parts that could of transitioned better. Butthis movie is one of the worst pieces of garbage I've ever seen. I'm sure you won't have long to wait. I plan on taking everyone I know to see this when it comes out in March. I am a Unitarian-Universalist (we believe that there are many paths that lead to good and moral actions), so I appreciated the MORAL outlook of the film and its emphasis on good works.That is a fine line to draw and this movie does it magnificently. At the end of the. It deals with how a self-centered spoiled brat begins to learn the meaning of life and pass the various tests or obstacles that his grandfather has placed before him so that he can truly be a person of distinction. It was inspiring--not in its religiosity but in its morality. With the help (and patience) of his new friends, Jason discovers theres more to life than money. Had a strong, clean, message. Her death drew my attention away from the movie. He learnt that giving felt just as good as receiving and that the world does not revolve around him. I love a good romance story. He loses his home, and becomes homeless for a few weeks. (If your guess is that Jason will still be a rotten, spoiled, arrogant person at the end of the movie, maybe this review won't be useful to you.) Jason, in particular, has a glass at hand quite often. We felt a full range of emotions during the movie and even shed a few tears. I highly recommend that everyone see it. 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. Perhaps they were trying to "kill" the movie in its first week due to low sales by purposely keeping it off the marquee. It tries to be more epic than it probably should be, while leaving the viewer with a mixture of emotions. God Bless. was to be with people I love. I also learned that you can't always have what you want. The Ultimate Gift Analysis. Jason Stevens, the spoiled grandson of Texas oil baron Red Stevens, shows up late for Red's funeral and makes a scene. There was little chemistry between the couple and although I liked Emily, her dialogue was insufferable and so badly written But not the George C. Scott version - gaggg! James Garner is only on screen during Reds videotaped messages to his grandson, but the always excellent actor has a strong presence. Buy the DVD once it's out. Still, it could be said that the film ought to be praised for its positiveness. He was taught at an early age to think about others and to care for the needs of those around him. My first thoughts that came to mine after I saw The Ultimate Gift; were great movie. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and watching movies. When he tries to see where his father was killed, he is kidnapped himself. Still have tears in my eyes! For his reckless and selfish grandson Jason Stevens, who hated him, Red assigns twelve apparently simple tasks called "gifts" - of work, money, friends, learning, problems, family, laughter, dreams, giving, gratitude, a day and love - challenging the playboy Jason to a journey of discoveries. [12], The Ultimate Gift opened with receipts of $1.2 million on its first weekend, with final box office of $3.4 million. By hard work and struggling to make money on the streets, Jason learned the gift of labor. I also was very confused with the relationship between Jason and Alexia. I really enjoyed this one, although some of the family clichs were a bit exaggerated. Life is about love. The Ultimate Gift was a TERRIBLE film! I thought Drew Fuller showed quite a range of attitude and emotion, and that he portrayed the character exactly as it might have been intended. It teaches value of so many important things such as giving, money, The movie is also really funny and works well with all audiences. To begin with, I tell you guys I didn't make it to the end. All in all a bad movie. But Jason used his wealth and his grandfather's influence to begin construction on a $350Million complex called "Emily's Home" for families to live while the children were being treated for life-threatening illnesses. People who say this film changed their lives must have been candidates for an Ebeneezer Scrooge award party prior to its' viewing. Giving his family everything they wanted. A very unlikable young man is awakened by his boss using a cattle prod, left without resources to fend for himself on the streets, and is captured, beaten, and threatened with death by drunken drug dealers. I rented the movie and was told by my wife to have the Kleenex handy. 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. As I was watching Jason learn from the "gifts" that his grandfather was giving him, I couldn't help but think of my own father, who is wise and gentle and generous and loving. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. From that point, he tries his best to help Emily have a great life while it lasts, and Emily encourages a romance between Jason and her mother. Also enjoyed the musical background - was a good compliment to the film. This is a deeply moving picture, and a well constructed one. The stories are similar in the messages that they teach even though they use different story lines. Not good. A prime example is the Ecuador diversion. B. We usually talk about the "gifts" for a long time after we watch. Jason a self centered person who has no respect for himself or his family. The desire and hunger for education is the key to real learning. 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. Definitely worth checking out. The plot is thin and transparent, the messages are bludgeoning, and delivered with the finesse of a sledgehammer. I caught a blurb about the film including mini synopsis to wit: Grandfather dies and leaves challenges, rather than $$$$$ to his errant playboy grandson. Starring Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin. I also learned that you are rewarded for being charitable. Awesome movie of changing for the better! This story is about a rich, arrogant, spoiled nephew who is a potential beneficiary of his billionaire uncle's estate. On his return after completing the first task, everything he values is suddenly taken away from him his luxury apartment, his restored muscle car, and all his money and he is left homeless. The plot, acting and story were amazing. [13] Other songs include "Gotta Serve Somebody" by Bob Dylan, "The Thrill is Gone" by B.B. It just killed the movie for me. Oh my gosh, I loved this movie. Anyway, we know what's going to happen from the moment that Jason arrives late for his grandfather's funeral. 10+. 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. It's not rocket science. No professional would have accepted scene cuts like that. Yet it ended with a great beginning for me as I went home thinking about. The angles and pans failed to inspire me as they should. I think everyone should see this movie. Preparing to leave, Jason Stevens is told to stay,due to his dad having made a special video for him.Hearing in the vid that he is to get a number of gifts,Jason gets set for a bundle of cash.Surprising his son,Red tells Jason that since he has lived his whole life with silver spoon in his mouth,that he is going to take it away,so that Jason can find out what the true gifts in life are. People become wealthy by saving money, not by living in a huge house or driving an expensive car. Who were Jason, Miss Hastings and Mr. Hamilton going to see in Alpine, TX? Too bad only 3 other people were in the theater for a 7pm show in Ann Arbor. I have never seen a movie address so many qualities that are essential to living a full and abundant life. It stars Drew Fuller, Ali Hillis, Bill Cobbs, Abigail Breslin, Brian Dennehy, and James Garner in his final live action film appearance. Red Stevens (Garner) is a billionaire who dies suddenly in a crash. What is the average 40 yard dash time for a 11 year old boy? She challenges Jasons initial conviction that money is the answer to everything. There hes met by an old rancher friend of Reds named Gus. Then he meets Emily and her mother Alexia. After the groundbreaking for Emily's Home, Jason is recalled to the law firm for one more meeting and told he has exceeded the expectations of his dead grandfather, and he is given the final gift of $2-billion dollars, rewarding Jason not only for his completing the tasks, but for using the $100-million to help others. He was homeless for a month but he barely got stubble. Strange that it has an over 7 average rating here, a nearly 5 star rating on Netflix! He runs to his mother to ask her for money but she turns him down. Ground rules for the gift are. Jason escapes and makes it home. The cinematography of the movie was nice enough to make you know that a considerable amount of money went into this movie's production. D. All of the above. 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. Why were Alexia and Emily at the funeral of Red Stevens in The Ultimate Gift? Although the film could be in danger of being over sentimental and corny I did not find it so, I believe it delivered the messages in a simple and understated way that made them believable. "The Ultimate Gift" is a movie that shows an arrogant guy doing good actions in order to receive a heiress from his dad (or uncle, I didn't bother). It's a movie for young and old alike. The movie is just cheap (please read the other comments, I dont want to recall their critics), but more - it is also mendacious. 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. Jason looks to Miss Hastings to ask where Mr. Hamilton is going. Although this is not true for everyone, this country is known for its high consumerism and stereotyped for being rude and greedy. There are a lot of similarities in families that do not have money. The script is very well written, except when Jason was sent to Ethiopia to help with the library, it seemed unwise and cruel for his grandfather to put Jason in danger among the drug dealers. However, the end was somewhat surprising, because of the dynamic change that the main character went through. After seeing the bad ratings it got, it took me more than 6 years to see this movie but after seeing it I wonder why I waited so long. Usually its wine. As for his father's death, a plane crash is a plane crash. On top of that, his loving, warm parenting has resulted in children who are - gasp! The acting in this film makes the storytelling believable. For all the complaints, this movie was OK and could have been a lot worse. 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