BUT: Just one scene before, we saw clearly, that there are at least five other poor people taken as hostages; and the leader of the bandits exclaimed clearly, that he will kill them all the next day (by the way: Why? A vulgarly rich, arrogant, bitter old man (James Garner) records his last will, in which he taunts his children and grandson. For one of just two (the other being The Perfect Game)flicks co- funded by convicted Ponzi schemer Allen Stanford,the screenplay by Cheryl McKay has in this adaptation of Jim Stovall's book has (what now appears to be satirical) the message that the gifts in life are more valuable than the gifts from money. What is your purpose? My wife and I saw the movie last night. This movie is a rollercoaster. 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. Nothing more. Abigail Breslin steals the show as young Emily. Stereotypical representations of rich people and homeless people. 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. Most of the roles are one-dimensional--the crusty family lawyer, the greedy aunts and uncles, Jason's sexy scheming girlfriend, the tough Texas ranch owner, the Andean drug lords (don't ask), the private detective, and all the rest. It comes not only with the ultimate gift. This is definitely a film of hope and ultimate redemption. The second issue I had was that the "12 Gifts" were not really clear. What happens if Jason is too much trouble. All rights reserved. People need to learn how to make a living by themselves. I can't believe the remarkably high average vote! Along the way Fuller has to complete more tasks. I also learned that you can't always have what you want. Caitlin also wears a very short skirt. Plus - have kids of such varying ages. 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. 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 film has a rather beautiful idea: a man tries hard to get his grandfather's money yet at the end realizes that money isn't what matters in life. This movie is probably a better movie than most that exist. And it is backed by a host of for-profit, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations that, as The Ultimate Gift Web site puts it, are "helping to ensure that this story is told to as many audiences as possible." "All rich people are evil." He encounters a squad of gun-toting Ecuadorian drug dealers who beat and imprison him; but again he learns a lesson, doing the right thing by his nameless guide, who's also abused by the thugs. It is profound and interesting storytelling. But second: He is shown as a VERY good guy, coming back to rescue his collegue. Through a charity, I was able to see a screening for The Ultimate Gift, which has already raised millions for nonprofits. Jason aided Emily find her seamless day in the movie. As Jason gradually emerges from a cocoon of wealth and privilege, he begins to see his hated grandfather Howard "Red" Stevens from a different perspective and learns the truth behind his altruistic, loyal, and hardworking father's mysterious death in a South America jungle. I loved Emily as Little Sunshine but scripts that have young kids endlessly playing 12 going on 30 bug me. Well, this was a surprise. Overall, The Ultimate Gift receives a quite disappointing five out of ten. Making friends was also a very important part of his gift because without friends he wouldnt have the motivation to do something. (United States). Bad and boring movie, in conclusion. While imprisoned by Ecuadorian drug lords, Jasons local guide (in an adjacent cell) communicates scraps of wisdom such as, Neither love nor hate thy life. This is one of the most generic pieces of wannabe films I have ever seen! Through a taped interview just prior to his death Red outlines the twelve lessons Jason must learn if he is to inherit anything. This is a fine Hallmark Channel TV movie that teaches some valuable life lessons. The script is just plain bad, the acting forced and the story itself has so many loose and downright silly threads in it- this was a waste of time. Watch this to be entertained by wooden acting and baffling writing. Another of his tasks requires him to travel to Ecuador and study in a library his father and grandfather built to help the people there. 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. I cannot think of a better gift. When his grandfather (James Garner) dies, Jason expects to receive a hefty inheritance. Jasons ultimate redemption is never really in doubt, no matter how hard he fights it at the beginning of the journey. The main character in the book is a nephew, in the movie he is a grandson. And they can choose to wield a 10-pound sledge, when they really only need a 2-pound hammer. I saw this as a special showing in Memphis, TN. Her mother's name was Alexia, and Jason began to date Alexia, with a little help from Emily of course. Jason escapes and makes it home. At the end with the titles, we are shown what the 12 gifts were (the gift of laughter, the gift of gratitude etc..) but not all of these were gifts that RED could have anticipated, nor that he necessarily even had a hand in creating. 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. However, Jason soon realizes that the old man is trying to teach him not only how to be a successful businessman, but also a good person. Their stories sometimes feel clunky and self-serving. The sequence of parallels just jumped out at me as I watched, and the more I watched it again, the more fascinating parallels I discovered. Maybe someone who could relate to the characters in the film would find the movie to be a more touching experience. Red has just died and the will is read by Red's longtime partner and lawyer Ted (Bill Cobbs) and his devoted assistant Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether): the family is outraged at the results of Red's division of his fortune and the one person who is left to learn of the will's content is Red's egocentric grandson Jason (Drew Fuller). There was no chemistry between them, yet they somehow end up together. This is a story of a very rich dysfunctional family. See questions and answers Emily dies the next day in the hospital of her cancer. I don't know why but directors simply seem to make dull faith based movies. With the money he later received, he built a foundation for people with cancer and their families to get help. However, what was Emily doing there to begin with? 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 Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. Choose the correct answer. When we can learn from our own problems we begin to deal with life. He lauded its "tight and often compelling" screenplay, sparkling dialogue and "first-rate" production values. 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. When I saw this kid, I wondered how they were going to make him into a good guy. He thanks her for the help that she and her daughter gave him. The stories are similar in the messages that they teach even though they use different story lines. In the end, Jason chooses to build a hospital called Emily's Home, before Emily died. It is a great way to teach your children the importance of each of these gifts within your life and their life. 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. She is delightful. As Alexia and Jason fall in love, Emily comments (accurately), Even if you got nothing else out of the deal but her, youd still be a huge winner. Alexia is on the brink of insolvency, but shes thankful for what she has. The acting is uneven, with some of the unknowns struggling, while the old pros like Garner, Cobbs and Dennehy are as skilled as ever. The story is one we've seen beforeif you've seen the previews you could likely predict the outcome of this movie. He had to work for what he wanted instead of just having it handed to him. We are to believe that Grand Daddy has spent weeks, months or longer fine tuning his plan to transform Jason by a variety of clever non-money 'gifts.' A must watch! Too bad Hamilton is just a supporting character. 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. The only excuses I can think ofzealous churches are encouraging their flocks to go rate this dribble upor the Fox Faith (huh?! But I want a movie with some passion and depth and these just don't cut it. Nuanced and detailed, his performance is the film's only convincing element. He calls up Bill and asks him to send a jet. Had familiar acting faces of the past (James Garner; Lee Meriwether), plus some excellent newer actors we'd not seen before. ISBN- 9781589193574. Fuller's life journey takes him all over the globe, but in the end he's judged ready to receive The Ultimate Gift, whatever that is. and the right-wing paternal-guidance aspect. romance? If you could witness one event past, present, or future, what would it be? An odd segment near the end of the film finds Hamilton showing Jason a videotape that includes images of him stealing public plants, stealing coins and panhandling. Based on the best-selling book The Ultima. 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. Why isnt he at least interested in getting money for the Gringo, who told him, that he has a rich family?) The production values here are Hollywood quality, though both the script and the acting could have been improved. 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! In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. I had previously read the book and than went to see the movie at a special premiere showing last night (1/28/07). In conclusion, save yourself the money and don't go see it. The Ultimate Gift wears its heart on its sleevethat is, its message is very clear: Monetary wealth may be nice, but a well-lived life is one filled with love and generosity. There was her mom and a budding romance. My advice would be to skip this flick if you want to see something interesting and thought-provoking. I have not read the book, yet I am sure that this is one of the better adaptions of a book to movie. Drew Fuller, who played the Jason Stevens character, was actually raised in a wealthy Orange County town located in California so he convincingly exudes the true spirit of a wealthy and privileged twenty-something single man. It opens with Mr. Obviously he has lots of lessons to learn. What a wonderful surprise "The Ultimate Gift" is! No close up shots of him sweating. The whole thing seemed to be a lot of different situations all pasted together rather than the flow of a whole story. And it is backed by a host of for-profit, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations that, as The Ultimate Gift Web site puts it, are helping to ensure that this story is told to as many audiences as possible. Among them: National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, Once Upon a Family, The NonProfit Times and the Barnabas Foundation. The message here has really resonated with folks already, as proved by the little underground book that has become a worldwide sensation. At the end Jason surprises himself and others, to lay his hands on the ultimate gift. As for Jason and Emily's mom Alexia there is little chemistry in this equation which is consistent with our inability to determine what if any feelings they have for one another during most of the movie. Stupid stuff like that! Instead, however, Jason must set out on a . But Red has prepared a "gift" for Jason's inheritance, unlike anything he leaves to the rest of the family. He sees one of her wigs. Had a strong, clean, message. D. All of the above. There was nothing about this film that I would recommend to the average person who doesn't fit into one of those categories. 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. Spoiled trust beneficiary playboy Jason Stevens is angry with his incalculably rich grandfather Red Stevens, and with his own life. I have even encouraged friends to see it. but it has a good story and good family values. When Jason takes his girlfriend out for an expensive dinner and his credit card is denied he assumes, as any of us would, that there was a glitch. The scene simply showed him doing the job. There are elements of comedy, intrigue, suspense, hope, love, and danger for everyone in the family to enjoy. For my complete review of this movie and for other movie and book reviews, please visit my site TheCoffeeCoaster.com. I had to watch this movie for a theology class (I go to a Catholic High School,) and this was the third movie I watched this year with a religious theme. Who cares? He is the last hope in the family. Not all that bad to be honest. Her death drew my attention away from the movie. What it did have was a few curse words (h-ll,an abbreviation for "B-S", and "screw you" ) along with a few sexual comments and one particular scene where his mom answers her door scantily clad in lingerie. Inspirational antidote to loud, violent fare, A good movie ruined by all the wrong key cast, Copyright 2019 Living Scriptures Inc. |. Jason begins as a complete cad. The whole thing radiates low-budget film. Normally I would have walked out, except that I had roped a friend along to see it and he did not initially express any negative reactions. 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. His long time gold digging girlfriend should have little choice but to pay the bill. There is a lot more to the film than the grinches might think! You can help us help kids by Spoiler alert: A little girl with leukemia, in whom the audience is heavily-invested, dies off camera. Why did Emily keep the body of her father. Need some direction in life? Jason, by the way, is the ultimate rich-kid, lazy, shallow brat. Like a sympathy grab for the 1%. Jason looks right of Hamilton, but Miss Hastings is left of Hamilton, meaning Jason has asked his question to an empty chair and a blank wall. After the movie discuss the gifts and the character development with your kids. Individuals should beware that the story does stray from the book, but it only serves to enhance the storyline. The cinematography was severely lacking. IF this had been a movie with a christian message, the "young man" would have been obliged to do everything, to free the other prisoners: He had already knocked out one guard, he could have taken his weapon and he could have tried to free the other hostages (even if it would have cost his live, Jesus etc. 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. This movie is not terribly made, it has a substantial budget and perfectly good sets and camera work. Many rich people in the city splurge their wealth on the daily but seem to be the most unhappy. The acting can be sketchy. Overall the movie failed to live up to the potential provided by the critically acclaimed book. The main character doesn't have that good a life, and over the course of the films gains a much better perspective on how to live his life. Your privacy is important to us. I hope one day all with understand God love and how powerful it truly is in ones life. They rambled about the "message" and the ultimate gift and how their business core values were reflected in the film. Truly, the ULTIMATE gift indeed. The $30 spent on a BR disc was completely worth it.I would definitely watch this movie many more times. Having lost a loved one recently, this movie spoke to me. SPOILERS FOLLOW. I challenge anyone to remember such films. The movie began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy and successful entrepreneur. The story, which is based on Jim Stovall's novel of the same name, is manipulative (big surprise there), but is fairly engaging once it gets going. Thats right, I said it. I am so glad I did! was to be with people I love. Why . 2401 Lake Park Drive SE Smyrna, GA 30080 404-920-7430 | editor@georgiabulletin.org webmaster@archatl.com. We are starting to go again with Fireproof, Courageous, The Help, etc. You won't be sorry. I know, I know, it sounds a little corny and saccharin. Jason smokes cigarettes twice and asks Gus if they can stop at a store for more smokes. The angles and pans failed to inspire me as they should. *** SPOILERS *** There were a lot of fine plot elements in this film, and it had the makings for being great. This is a great movie it is great for life lessons and to learn what is the best way to live. Then I saw that Abigail Breslin was in it and I thought "Well I definitely have to see it now!" Usually its wine. Jason's family is royally messed up, living up to the scripture when it says, "The love of money is the root of all evil." It wasn't like his grandfather had been flying the plane in which his father died. He could tell her off for using him for his money. They are gifts of opportunity to allow Jason to become a decent human being. 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. Not only is there no money but he is offered a chance to work for the first time in his life without an inkling of any reward he would actually receive for the work. It comes with the gift of work gift of money gift of friends gift of learning gift of problems gift of family gift of laughter gift of dreams gift of giving gift of gratitude gift of a day and ultimately the gift of love. 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. And then there is Abigail Breslin (Emily)her overacting makes Fuller look like Morgan Freeman! Each (12) gifts or lessons comes with its specific instructions and Mr. Hamilton's critiques so Jason has to pass each gift or lesson before he is advanced to the next one until he reaches the "The Ultimate Gift". 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. She is a parishioner at St. Pius X Church, Conyers. James Garner will instead leave his grandson with a list of tasks to perform, each teaching values, before he receives a dime. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. The gift of learning. We see the tops of her shoulders in bra straps as she waits for him, but he doesnt take the bait. We are to believe Jason buys into this when he could be savoring that $25,000/night Paris hotel suite. I'd happily watch it again. Led by videotaped messages from his grandfather Red and supervised by Reds trusted friend and lawyer, Ted Hamilton, Jason accumulates twelve of these valuable gifts that change his life in ways he never anticipated. This movie goes on to reveal that somebody may not have a purpose in life, but it can be found by giving to others. Jason and Alexia spend time together in the chapel where a priest is briefly visible kneeling in prayer. Family was a main part because family raises you to become who you are and that they also support you in what you are doing if its right to them. The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 American drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name. Jason a self centered person who has no respect for himself or his family. The theme of this farce is material wealth and the expenditure of effort make you a worthwhile person. 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. At best I see this movie as a made-for-TV Hallmark film. The Ultimate Gift a movie produced in 2006 by Michael O. Drew Fuller's inexperience shows itself from time to time, as he plays Jason Stevens, the spoiled grandson of a deceased billionaire whose expectations from the will are put off while he is led through several tasks designed to make him a better person. The acting is very mediocre. Most households generate a lot of money, but, because people love buying things, they live from paycheck to paycheck. The second I walked out of the theater, I felt like I had just been in church for the last hour-and-a-half. Then he meets Emily and her mother Alexia. 7.left me happy. Giving his family everything they wanted. At the end Jason surprises himself and others to lay his hands on the ultimate gift. The desire and hunger for education is the key to real learning. I found it ironic that I saw this film at a sponsored preview hosted by a group of wealthy stockbrokers. he finds out that she died, and he comes up with the idea for Emily's Home. By that point of the movie, Jason had seemed reformed, trustworthy, and now I wonder if he ever can be truly that. There's also a site www.onceuponafamily.com that has a great program to further reinforce The Ultimate Gift and really 'brings the movie to life' with a program of projects (activities) that help you and your family discover all of the gifts and live them on an ongoing basis As a sidebar, they have a cool kit not associated with the movie called 'Dates with Dad' that looks like a great tool to assist in building a relationship with my girls. Jason a self centered person who has no respect for himself or his family. I feel that the biggest strength in this film was the acting of Bill Cobbshe perfectly captured the essence of his character. No anger, no sense of accomplishment both in the fence post work but also in the lesson he was learning. Ini mengakibatkan kekurangan keluaran bijirin ruji lebih daripada 1 juta tan daripada apa yang negara perlu memenuhi diterima di peringkat antarabangsa keperluan. Jason and the guide are captured there and taken hostage by militants for several weeks, until Jason manages to ensure their escape. What I didn't like, though, was the direction. I wanted this to be a good movie, but it wasn't to my taste. I picked this film up as a new video release not realizing that it was from the Fox Faith Collection a Christian film. Syrupy drama has mature themes, cursing, violence. Not the best Christian film, but definitely not the worst. 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. However, Jason accidentally discovers that Emily is suffering from leukemia, and sees a chance to develop a strong bond with someone. 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. The whole movie is just verymediocre! 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. I gave it a 10 because on how organized the movie is and how good the actors were. It's inspirational, but the inspiration is to help other people and form stronger relationships, and it's hard to argue with that. And that money can be used to make life more for others. Still have tears in my eyes! 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. Awesome movie of changing for the better! First, Jason fails to turn right around and head home as we would expect him to do and then he learns the nature of Grand Daddy's first of many 'gifts.' 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. (James Garner) Jason is, essentially, a whiny brat throughout the first third of the film. I saw the first Sunday showing of "The Ultimate Gift" at my local AMC here in Northern Virginia and I enjoyed it immensely. Jason a self centered person who has no respect for himself or his family. I did not believe that Abigail Breslin's acting was quite up to par with what we have seen her do in other films. suggesting a diversity update. The question is, How are we going to get from point A to point B? And don't get me started on his trip to Equador. The movie had unfortunate drawbacks that stole from the overall mood of the film. Jason ends up finding Alexia's purse in the park, and upon returning the purse he finds out that Emily has cancer. 123Helpme.com. In his last video message, Red uses h as an expletive. James Garner plays Howard 'Red' Stevens, who has died before the film begins. The characters in The Ultimate Gift are at times stereotypicalgruff but loving grandfather, cranky lawyer, misguided youthbut strong performances make them enjoyable and realistic. Of course, the tests are designed by Garner to teach Jason the real meaning of life and to help him find his lost soul. This is a heart warming story that I would rather watch any day than some of the big budget, special effects laden blockbusters that leave you devoid of any real emotion at the end of the film. Pin Oleh Elyana Di 2003 Kutipan Terbaik Motivasi Kata Kata Kemacetan itu baru terurai pada Senin 2822022 dini hari. I liked this movie not only for what it said, but how it said it. Her character may be brash but she really makes sense. Oh well, I thought, I am a reviewer. Why does Red choose Jason and not the many other numerous children and grandchildren? Its not news that incivility is on the rise, but what do we do about it? God Bless. Instead she storms out in a huff and tosses their relationship leaving Jason to deal with the unpaid bill several hundred dollar bill. Brian Dennehy is very funny, and James Garner is wonderful as well. I think the film itself was poor - poorly directed. 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. I gave this movie a 9 because as much as I did enjoy it there were a few things that didn't completely make sense. We learn quite quickly that Red Stevens (James Garner) is about to die and is video taping his instructions, but we don't know for whom. Gus uses an electric cattle prod to motivate Jason to get out of bed. She challenges Jasons initial conviction that money is the answer to everything. Paraphrasing David White, with movies.go.com, this film most resembles a two hour Thanksgiving special episode of 7th Heaven. "[7] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 49 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Drew Fuller (Black Sash, Charmed, and Army Wives) was brilliant I think that he really showed his range in the film. As Jason, Drew Fuller is able to hold his own in this company of old pros. Jason's grandfather "Red" dies and in his will he leaves Jason a series of "gifts."
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