What I didn't like, though, was the direction. We know hes going to be humbled but the way it goes down doesnt strain credulity apart from his Ecuadorian kidnapping which feels like something out of MacGyver. James Garner, multi-billionaire has just died and in the tradition of today has left a living will. The whole movie is just verymediocre! These are things that Red Stevens could not teach his grandson in life. This is an unexpectedly well made and entertaining movie; with more such films promised. About as harmful as Disney stories. Why . This brings him to address his resentment over the death of his father there, and he makes a trip into the mountains with a local guide to see where it happened. Rotten Tomatoe's 33% rating is on the money. This is partly because it related so well to the spiritual stories I was studying at the time in the tarot and the hero's journey myth. 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). Fly to Houston. 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. Jason felt a lot of pain when she passed because that was his best friend, his real friend. Hence, it is quite understandable that Jason, showing little concern, storms out of the will-probate office when he learns when Grand Daddy has not left him any outright money in his will. Though God was missing, I don't know that Jason ever discovered God But the movie is far from great. The acting is uneven, with some of the unknowns struggling, while the old pros like Garner, Cobbs and Dennehy are as skilled as ever. C. Memory Jasons ultimate redemption is never really in doubt, no matter how hard he fights it at the beginning of the journey. Jason and Alexia spend time together in the chapel where a priest is briefly visible kneeling in prayer. Without all the right wing politics involved The Ultimate Gift is very close to the message that John Wayne was giving in McLintock. He sees one of her wigs. James Garner plays Howard 'Red' Stevens, who has died before the film begins. 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. Contrived. This was an awesome movie! I hope to see them both in more leading roles in the near future. Sure it is predictable, but all Christmas movies are. However it was a good movie. He learned that money wasnt always there when he needed it and that money is earned through hard work and dedication to your job, also relating to value in work. See production, box office & company info, The Thirteenth Gift: The gift of entertainment, At the Movies: Premonition/The Wind That Shakes the Barley/The Lookout/The Ultimate Gift/Maxed Out, FoxConnect.com - Official distributor's page for the film. One assignment takes Jason to a poor Ecuadorian village where his grandfather had a library built. . All these assignments revolve around giving some sort of gift while learning the importance of them. Gus Caldwell At Reds funeral, a pastor alludes to the old mans faith when he quotes Psalm 116:15: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Another funeral quote from British writer Malcolm Muggeridge applies to Jasons journey: Every happening, great or small, is a parable by which God speaks to us. It is profound and interesting storytelling. THE ULTIMATE GIFT follows the travails of 24-year-old Jason Drew Fuller a selfish trust-fund kid who arrives late for his grandfather Red James Garners funeral then complains at the reading of his videotaped the will. Giving. 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. What it takes to be a truly unique, caring individual whose inner soul really understands the gifts that we are all given. Paraphrasing David White, with movies.go.com, this film most resembles a two hour Thanksgiving special episode of 7th Heaven. This is the ultimate movie. It seems to be all of those genres put into one. There are plenty of other movies that better handle the issues tackled in The Ultimate Gift. What gift was Jason learning about on the ranch. The production values here are Hollywood quality, though both the script and the acting could have been improved. People need to learn how to make a living by themselves. 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. You can help us help kids by 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. The film falters most seriously, however, when it strays from the expected path. They are repeated, named, and illustrated with film clips. Don't waste your time people, if you want to see something ACTUALLY INSPIRING watch something, anything else! The introduction is a reflection of Emily's funeral. Bad and boring movie, in conclusion. Consequently, some may find the plot contrived or even hackneyed. They rambled about the "message" and the ultimate gift and how their business core values were reflected in the film. Oh, and the butterfly at the end of the movie was a wonderful, special touch! Emily carries a pink umbrella and was at Red's funeral. Every filmmaker on the planet has a purpose for his project and has a message to communicate. Why did Emily poison Homers soul. He could tell her off for using him for his money. Jason and Alexias growing love never moves beyond a couple of kisses. They're all this way. The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 American drama film directed by Michael O. Sajbel from a screenplay written by Cheryl McKay, which is based on the best selling novel by Jim Stovall, who cameos in the film. When Jason and Alexia go to Thanksgiving at the Stevens' mansion, Emily's left behind. This is a movie that I would recommend to anyone, but especially families. But I have to agree to all those people, you gave this stuff only one point and cant believe the high voting for this kindergarden-play. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. (at around 23 mins) Jason has been talking to Mr. Hamilton when Mr. Hamilton turns away and leaves. I read that this will be Mr. Garner's last film, I do hope that such is not the case, however if it is, then he has gone out on a high note that is a fine cap to his career. Well,there may be a 1000 reviews on this title about this movie.So, I am gonna stop being a clich' and tell you what this movie exactly did to me. Oh there were many great moments. The Ultimate Gift Although cynics likely will reject The Ultimate Gift as warmed-over Capra-corn this predictable but pleasant drama based on Jim Stovalls popular novel may be prized by those. The ever-precocious Emily, meanwhile, exhibits remarkable maturity, often putting her mothers needs above her own. I had two problems with the film: The first was that the relationship between the lead character and the little girl's mom was not developed fully. Especially for me being a parent of a little girl myself. I watched this movie with my 80 year old mother who LOVED it and is far less critical than I but I have ONE QUESTION as I write this.. Emily was at Reds FUNERAL.. Don't get me wrong. Per Gus instructions, Jason finds himself digging fence-post holes in the middle of nowhere. Not all that bad to be honest. 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. Instead, however, Jason must set out on a . Waste, waste, waste. Abigail Breslin's performance was likewise outstanding (we already know that her agent's phone is ringing off the hook). 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. Maybe someone who could relate to the characters in the film would find the movie to be a more touching experience. 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." Anyway, we know what's going to happen from the moment that Jason arrives late for his grandfather's funeral. I especially loved how they showed a change in this kid named Jason i won't tel you what change he made that will be for you to see your selves i hope you watch the movie soon and enjoy it!! What did Jason eat for breakfast his first morning in Alpine? Doesnt he want ransom for the kidnapped? There are many of these "gifts." Another thing. McKay gives it a freshness by presenting each gift Jason takes on in an episodic manner,which allows the boiled Melodrama to be mixed in with sweet comedy that keeps the flow smooth,as Jason gets caught up in guerrilla warfare! Jason Stevens in The Ultimate Gift, directed by Michael O. Sabjel, lived this lifestyle. Some parts of the movie and unfeasible and highly unlikely. I was truly moved and truly inspired by this story. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. Under his grandfathers posthumous tutelage, Jasons character is transformed. We see the tops of her shoulders in bra straps as she waits for him, but he doesnt take the bait. Finding the ultimate gift is like finding your place in the world, what are you here for? I did not give it a 10 because there were a few choppy parts that could of transitioned better. Red Stevens (Garner) is a billionaire who dies suddenly in a crash. But I want a movie with some passion and depth and these just don't cut it. Drew Fuller plays the spoiled grandson of deceased billionaire James Garner. 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. The second issue I had was that the "12 Gifts" were not really clear. ISBN- 9781589193574. Touching performances by Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and other seasoned actors such as Drew Fuller, James Garner, Brian Dennehy, and Lee Merriwether will hopefully take this movie to the Oscars! Like, Mr Hamilton holding the envelope, and the scene changes and Jason has it in his hand! What happens if Jason is too much trouble. After the meeting finishes, the Jason Stevens character privately learns that his deceased grandfather Howard "Red" Stevens willed "The "Ultimate Gift" to him! Much of the acting was stiff. It was a fun and cute story with believable characters, and strong performances all around. What was the lesson Jason told Mr. Hamilton and Mrs. Hastings that he learned through this experience? The story line is a little clichl - guy gets estate if he can prove himself - but done is such a way that you don't care. Then they kiss, as a butterfly, representing Emily, flies around them. When we can learn from our own problems we begin to deal with life. In the end, Jason gave so much, and in return, did receive the ultimate gift. Her mother, Alexia, played by Ali Hillis. 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. SPOILERS FOLLOW. The Ultimate Gift is based on one-time Olympic weightlifter Jim Stovalls book. Inconsiderate and uncaring, he shows up to his grandfather's funeral unfashionably late and in a roaring hot rod. In my showing of the film people where laughing and crying the whole way through, Highly recommended. I'm a ten-year old and I think this movie teaches kids that life isn't all fun and games. 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. And during a stint of homelessness after Hamilton confiscates all his possessions, Jason meets two people wholl further alter his life trajectory: a young woman named Alexia and her grade school-aged daughter, Emily, whos dying of cancer. Back in the city, Jason learns that he's now out of credit. .avoid this movie ! he finds out that she died, and he comes up with the idea for Emily's Home. I am not a Christian, but I saw this with my mom who happens to be a Christian and both of us greatly enjoyed it. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never had to work for anything in his life. Don't miss this movie. The acting is outstanding and it is a toss-up whether the young people dominate your attention or the old people dominate your attention. I thought this film was completely unoriginal, and left nothing to the imagination. Still, he inherits billions. There are elements of comedy, intrigue, suspense, hope, love, and danger for everyone in the family to enjoy. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. The Ultimate Gift - Movie Analysis by Ashley Dawson. It also was released on a limited number of screens. It was lent to me by a friend who knew that I would be home for a week following surgery. 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. The part that I had the most difficult time with was the death of Emily Rose. I liked it but it was a on the dull side. As for his father's death, a plane crash is a plane crash. Well today I definitely got my money's worth. Kudos to Abigail Breslin who might have been the most interesting of the actors. Having Jason kidnapped and almost killed didn't really fit in with the overall story, and the extreme rudeness of the family at Thanksgiving was overdone, so I would give a few demerits for this. True, she's a patient on his cancer ward, but if every patient who was in his wing of the hospital came, it would have been a lot more crowded. She's outspoken. 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. Jason has a lot of abhorrence towards his grandfather due to the fact that his father died in a plane crash working for Red and Jason has always blamed it on him. 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. There was no chemistry between them, yet they somehow end up together. It was very inspirational! 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. For me this movie was very moving, and it was actually a "tear-jerker." 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. Please recommend to friends. 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. This is my sleeper pick of the season! I wouldn't watch it again or rave about it, but it was nice enough and not insufferable. I know the owner of the publishing company and therefore have read this book many times and have recommended it to countless people. Her mother's name was Alexia, and Jason began to date Alexia, with a little help from Emily of course. What is the character's name who will receive the Ultimate Gift, What did Red Stevens' business empire originate from. With film clips honors truly Moving Pictures butterfly at the end of the movie is far from.! Where a priest is briefly visible kneeling in prayer I would recommend to anyone, but he doesnt the... Are things that Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur lot of pain when passed... 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To the imagination beyond a couple of kisses your place in the Ultimate Gift and their. Learn how to make a living by themselves, lived this lifestyle turns away and leaves some! Jasons character is transformed comedy, intrigue, suspense, hope,,...
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