Powerful Stories About Martin Luther King Jr. Festive Lunar New Year Activities for Kids and Teens, Drama Movies That Tug at the Heartstrings. I can't believe the remarkably high average vote! Please continue producing more movies with true meanings. A storyline that Hollywood seems to skip in favor of big budget action or graphic horror films. The main story is devoted to the Jason character, he is given a series of 12 "gifts" by his deceased grandfather, and each is designed to teach him a valuable lesson about life and giving back to the people you value. 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! The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 American drama film directed by Michael O. (There are supposed to be 12 gifts, like the labors of Hercules, but I couldn't find that many.) Brian Dennehy is very funny, and James Garner is wonderful as well. And then there is Abigail Breslin (Emily)her overacting makes Fuller look like Morgan Freeman! Well today I definitely got my money's worth. Without knowing his actual reward, the Ultimate Gift, Jason must complete a series of tasks designed to help him learn the true relationship between wealth and happiness. I am disappointed it did not receive a better advertising/marketing campaign. Audio: EnglishSubtitles: EnglishStarring: Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail BreslinDirector: Michael O. SajbelGenre: Faith, Supporting actors: Ali Hillis , Drew Fuller , Mircea Monroe , Donna Cherry , Catherine McGoohan , Mark Joy , Mel Fair , Alecia Brady Curcuru , Francis Isaac , Daniel Barbeau Producers: Cleve Landsberg Studio: Remember FilmsDevices: Available to watch on supported devices, im 'You Don't Have to be Blind to See' Stovall is an inspirational writer who in 2001 published a little book by the name of THE ULTIMATE GIFT in which he transposed many of his motivational teachings into a novel form, a story of how a tape of a dying man can alter the life of a crassly money-centric young grandson leading him through trials and challenges to teach him the meaning of life. B. The characters in The Ultimate Gift are at times stereotypicalgruff but loving grandfather, cranky lawyer, misguided youthbut strong performances make them enjoyable and realistic. Definitely a movie worth watching with friends, family or just by yourself. His mother (Donna Cherry) is told not to help him. 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. I never have heard of this movie till recently. Jason's old life had no purpose, but from gaining these new gifts, he helped others and learned to care. 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. This simple little movie has a magnificent story of discoveries, friendship, family values, redemption and love, supported by awesome performances highlighting the girl Abigail Breslin, whose witty dialogs make the viewer laugh and cry. There is a lot more to the film than the grinches might think! But the movie has a good message at the end and I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who likes movies of faith and value. 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. This awkward set-up typifies the problems with this script. Having no concerns for anyone around him, he was selfish and egotistical and did nothing productive in life. Gus uses an electric cattle prod to motivate Jason to get out of bed. I know it's real life that kids will die but she was such an important character that I felt as if she was the lead story, and the director killed the lead. 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 Ultimate Gift is based on one-time Olympic weightlifter Jim Stovalls book. The movie began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy and successful entrepreneur. My dream was a perfect day. I liked this movie because it teaches people that its better to work for what you have, and not just asking other people for it. The acting of Abigail Breslin is yet again incredible, I think even better then Little Miss Sunshine, she completely steals the show. Her portrayal of this spunky child dazzled me and made up for several of the numerous shortcomings. Overall, the moments were worth it. They branded their own cows with other person's brand. 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. All good stuff. (at around 23 mins) Jason has been talking to Mr. Hamilton when Mr. Hamilton turns away and leaves. 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. His long time gold digging girlfriend should have little choice but to pay the bill. Many rich people in the city splurge their wealth on the daily but seem to be the most unhappy. This is one of the most generic pieces of wannabe films I have ever seen! 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. Greetings again from the darkness. 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. Having lost a loved one recently, this movie spoke to me. To begin, the acting was nothing short of horrific. 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 . 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. The film started out with just a normal setting. Stereotypical representations of rich people and homeless people. It is my favorite movie because it has meaning. Jason starts from the bottom as he is evicted from his apartment, his car is towed, and his credit card is all of a sudden declined everywhere. Among The Ultimate Gifts other (plentiful) positive themes are the many values Red attempts to communicate to Jason via videotape. The editing and cuts were a few of the chief aspects that reminded me of 7th Heaven. The acting is very mediocre. I don't know which was worst- the completely unnecessary romance or the lead characters' on and off bouts of conscience. Jason's Character and Its Transformation Through the Movie the Ultimate Gift. Red gives him the Ultimate Gift if he follows Red's instructions. was to be with people I love. 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. I thank God for His ultimate sacrifice and His free gift of salvation. Also, made you think: what might happen next? By the end of the film you are rooting for him to make good on his grandfathers hope for him. To help him along the way, Jason met a friend named Emily (Abigail Breslin), who helped to achieve his grandfather's goal. There are some flaws, which is why I'm not giving it a perfect score. Starring Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin. The friend who recommended this film likes sentimental slop so I should have known better, but after reading quite a few comments here on IMDb, I thought it sounded a cut about "Tuesdays With Morrie". Why did Emily poison Homers soul. This is a great idea- a spoiled angry rich kid who's taught the meaning of life. Because he used the $100,000,000 to yep others he is rewarded with $2,000,000,000 as his final gift. It ruins a really Great movie! Why were Alexia and Emily at the funeral of Red Stevens in The Ultimate Gift? I also was very confused with the relationship between Jason and Alexia. This would have been the perfect opportunity for him to truly show how he had changed. One assignment takes Jason to a poor Ecuadorian village where his grandfather had a library built. A prime example is the Ecuador diversion. As Jason, Drew Fuller is able to hold his own in this company of old pros. Why were there so many people at the elderly woman's funeral procession? Jason looks to Miss Hastings to ask where Mr. Hamilton is going. Also enjoyed the musical background - was a good compliment to the film. The art of life is to get the message., Emily seems to understand that message. Jason Stevens, the spoiled grandson of Texas oil baron Red Stevens, shows up late for Red's funeral and makes a scene. He just ignored her. I had several problems with it. I love this movie it is in my top 10. One minute, Jason will be calmly resting at the town hospital, and shortly after, he is quite randomly running away from villains in a different continent. 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". If you are looking for high action, great stunts, special effects, and shocking scenes, you might need to watch a different movie. 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. Nothing more. 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. It is poorly acted on the whole (apart from Abigail Breslin, she is quite clearly going to be a star), has many plot holes and a very weak script. I must say I have just watched this film and admit to having tears in my eyes whilst watching, unusual for me. She's outspoken. John. Copyright 2023 Archdiocese of Atlanta. These are things that Red Stevens could not teach his grandson in life. Our children and families need more of these movies to remind them our success is to be earned, not given. 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 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. 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. Lots of butterflies. But she also tearfully admits, I think theres something basically unfair about a person dying. Jason reassures her, You know, I dont know much about God or Jesus, but I can promise you that those arms are meant for you.. Without ever watching it, you might not know how good it is. Jason dream was Emily's home. Caitlin also wears a very short skirt. Usually its wine. Inconstistancies? 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." If you are looking for a good family move, this is it. The dialog is wooden and stilted in spots, but I've seen worse. It was lent to me by a friend who knew that I would be home for a week following surgery. I really enjoyed this film and while I didn't shed actual tears, there were moments that were extremely heartfelt. Why was Jason selected for the Ultimate Gift. Is it obvious that this movie has faith-based messages? The quest for what Jason initially has no idea. "[10] Joe Leydon of Variety magazine was favorably impressed and noted that "discussions of faith and God are fleeting, almost subliminal without stinting on the celebration of wholesome family values. No close up shots of him sweating. A cynic may proclaim it to be predictable and clichd but a movie this meaningful should not be viewed through cynical eyes. And I had problems with the scene where his ex-girlfriend came back. I laughed at times, I bawled at times. 5.Showed me where stand my life. Education is a lifelong journey whose destination expands as you travel The gift of problems. In reading previous postings, it is apparent that some have not in fact seen the film. This is a ridiculous premise that a spoiled rich kid will somehow turn over a new leaf by completing a series of "challenges." Unimaginative and hardly something that deserves even a spotlight. But what Red left him was anything but simple. Afterwards they all pulled away in their Mercedes and Lexus and went back to million dollar homes. Movies that deliberately try to deliver a narrowly focused message or moral often fail. This is the movie that would remind you two movies with similar dramatic situation: The Million Pound Note (1954) and Trading Places (1983). "All rich people are evil." I felt like I was sitting through some after school special made by a film student. I long for a good solid movie of this genre that is a 10. There was the terrifying moment of danger. The film was financed with $14 million from the Stanford Financial Group,[5][6] a Houston based firm the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shut down two years later for being a "massive Ponzi scheme". We felt a full range of emotions during the movie and even shed a few tears. Little known Drew Fuller stars as Jason, the spoiled, unappreciative grandson of the recently departed billionaire James Garner. An example of how the movie missed on depth and emotion was the early scene with Jason Stevens setting fence posts. In conclusion DO NOT WATCH THIS EXPECTING A GOOD MOVIE. I feel sorry for the youth of today, having such unpleasant and immoral movies to choose from. 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. What is the average 40 yard dash time for a 11 year old boy? The Ultimate Gift (2006) was directed by Michael O. Sajbel. 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. In his last video message, Red uses h as an expletive. We were given the DVD by my parents. Emily is getting sicker and asks Jason for Christmas. Faith-based movie with obvious but positive messages. Show it in your home to your kids and grandkids, and the neighbors kids then take it to church and show it to the kids there.

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