The Ultimate Gift (2006) User Reviews

Don't Pass This Little Film By

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 24 August 2007]

Jim '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. Now THE ULTIMATE GIFT comes to the screen/DVD and before making the groaning judgment that here is yet another insipid little tale about learning life's lessons and gaining some spirituality in the process, try watching this two hour traversal of well acted and well scripted (Cheryl McKay) and well directed (Michael O. Sajbel) input. There is a lot more to the film than the grinches might think! A wealthy man Red Stevens (James Garner) has amassed a fortune, turning his personal life into a shambles in the process and producing a family of greedy ruthless gluttons - with one exception: one son rebelled and lost his life to dreams despite the aspirations of the father. 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). Through a taped interview just prior to his death Red outlines the twelve lessons Jason must learn if he is to inherit anything. And here begins the episodic journey during which Jason learns about poverty, compassion, friends, death, and spirituality that changes Jason into a full human being and creates a character who gives back more than he gets.

Along the way Jason encounters work-ethic Gus (Brian Dennehy), a little girl Emily dying from leukemia (Abigail Breslin) whose sharp wit and tongue manifest wisdom that leads to the bonding of Jason and Emily's mother Alexia (Ali Hillis), and host of other character actors in the various parts of the world where Jason's journey takes him. Yes, the plot is predictable, and yes, the tenor of the piece borders on soap opera at times, but the end result is an examination of life that is told with enough fine humor and realistic dialog that it works. If viewers pass by this DVD because they fear it is just another sappy lecture, they will miss the pleasure of entering the realm of tender communication delivered with style and sincerity. And we all need that, especially now...Grady Harp

An incredibly moving film

[mfithian · 8/10 · 19 March 2007]

This movie is one of the most powerful and moving films I have ever seen. This is a movie that I would recommend to anyone, but especially families. 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. Finding the ultimate gift is like finding your place in the world, what are you here for? What is your purpose? There is an incredible amount of value in this message and it is something people of all ages can learn from. The acting of Abigail Breslin is yet again incredible, I think even better then Little Miss Sunshine, she completely steals the show. Brian Dennehy is very funny, and James Garner is wonderful as well. This movie has all the aspects of a great film; sure it's no Godfather, but its still and incredible flick. In my showing of the film people where laughing and crying the whole way through, Highly recommended.

Discovering a New Man

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 1 January 2009]

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. For his reckless and selfish grandson Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller), 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. When he meets the leukemic girl Emily (Abigail Breslin) and her mother Alexia (Ali Hillis), Jason changes his perspective of life and money, superseding the expectations of Red, improving and becoming a better man and receiving the ultimate gift from his wise grandfather.

What a wonderful surprise "The Ultimate Gift" is! 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. Do not pay attention in the bad reviews in IMDb, and you will see a pleasant movie with a beautiful message. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "O Presente" ("The Gift")

Really good, family values movie, and a good story.

[TxMike · 28 August 2007]

We need more good family values movies. I really enjoyed this one, although some of the family clichés were a bit exaggerated.

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. There is a large gathering for the reading of the will, and all are disappointed because the sons and daughters are money-grubbing selfish people. But mysteriously, he has a special message, on DVD, for his grandson Jason (Drew Fuller). The grandson who is headed in the same direction as the others, never having worked and living a spendthrift life on his endowment. We know his father died in unfortunate circumstances, but we don't know any details.

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.

Ali Hillis is good as Alexia, whom Jason meets quite accidentally in the park in Charlotte, NC, when her young daughter Emily (Abigail Breslin) approaches Jason.

My wife and I enjoyed this movie very much. It isn't perfect (but which movie is??) but it has a good story and good family values.

SPOILERS FOLLOW. The "gifts" work for Jason and he becomes a caring person who appreciates the value of hard work, and giving back to society. Emily had been in treatment for Lukemia, and did not survive. 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. He also became head of all remaining corporations of his deceased grandfather, valued at near $2Billion.

A Set OfTasks

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 10 January 2011]

James Garner, multi-billionaire has just died and in the tradition of today has left a living will. He's left a flock of relatives, most of them a gang of sponges who've never worked a day in their lives. One of those is a grandson, Drew Fuller, who seems no better than the others. But while Garner was living he spotted something in this young man, some potential which if realized makes him entitled to The Ultimate Gift.

What a shock young Fuller gets when he gets the first in a series of tapes where Garner charges him with performing a set of tasks to see if he's ready for The Ultimate Gift being it a fortune or whatever else is in store for him. Judging him will be attorney Bill Cobbs, but any number of other people in Garner's life will be involved. 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. Not something he's accustomed to, but he does survive and goes on to other tasks, not necessarily jobs.

Not all, but a lot of people born to wealth never really appreciate what it is to earn and strive. Without all the right wing politics involved The Ultimate Gift is very close to the message that John Wayne was giving in McLintock. If you remember Wayne tells Stefanie Powers that she and her husband to be which turned out to be Patrick Wayne that as his daughter she will get a small well stocked spread, but not the cattle empire that he built. That will go to the nation as a national park. Wayne is concerned that many a young man will be wooing her for his fortune and the joy of life is the striving together that a man and woman do in raising a family and making wealth.

Garner also views the fortune he made as a trust that carries obligations and he wants Fuller to appreciate that fact as well. 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.

This is a fine Hallmark Channel TV movie that teaches some valuable life lessons.

Wow

[FilmCritic1 · 9/10 · 12 March 2007]

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. Knowing as I went into the film that it was a "Christian" story, I had placed a lower ceiling on my expectations. Not that being "Christian" means that a movie has to be bad - it just usually seems to be the case. Not so much here, however. There were just three or four times where I felt my muscles tighten up as I mentally prepared for emotional cheese, but to my delight, they managed to pull out of it every time without leaving my intelligence insulted. It was a fun and cute story with believable characters, and strong performances all around. It was clean enough that you could take the whole family to see it, yet interesting enough that the parents will not only stay awake, but you'll actually find yourself caught up in a sweet, and sometimes tear-jerking story about redemption, and the pursuit of true joy. Christian-themed films have come a long way, and I look forward to what the future holds as they continue to get better. At this point, it's safe to say that "The Ultimate Gift" is among the best in Christian films on the market today. Definitely worth checking out.

Wonderful journey of self-discovery

[rshepard42796 · 7/10 · 24 March 2007]

Spoiled trust beneficiary playboy Jason Stevens is angry with his incalculably rich grandfather Red Stevens, and with his own life. When Red dies Jason shows up late for the funeral and makes a scene when he does show. But Red has prepared a "gift" for Jason's inheritance, unlike anything he leaves to the rest of the family. Indeed, Red leaves the rest of his self-absorbed and greedy Stevens family merely money. However, Jason's "gift" must be earned, and so Jason sets off on the quest. The quest for what Jason initially has no idea. In essence, Jason's quest is the quest of the aspiring knight who must slay his dragon to prove he is a man. Consequently, some may find the plot contrived or even hackneyed. 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. For some reason this kind of sentimentality is lately acceptable in war movies, but rarely elsewhere. Thus, it is refreshing to see in a context if minimal violence. When Jason finally gets his "gift" he has become a man that Red could be proud of, and who can be proud of himself. This is a deeply moving picture, and a well constructed one. But it is also one that one must be ready to watch.

It was very inspirational!

[cbennett3491 · 10/10 · 10 March 2007]

My first thoughts that came to mine after I saw The Ultimate Gift; were great movie. I took my wife to view the movie on a Friday night; with about 60 other people in the movie. The plot, acting and story were amazing. It was everything I look for in a movie, Hollywood gets one right now and then, most of all it was clean and entertaining. The first words from my wife were - "one of the best movie we've seen".This was an amazing, life changing movie with values. It was very inspirational! When we saw it everyone around us loved it. It's more than a "must see" movie, it's an "I want to do better" movie. We would buy this movie, it's that good.

Christmas movie

[tonygriffen · 7/10 · 7 December 2014]

I cannot believe some of the critical comments here. If you expected The Godfather, Steel Magnolias, or The Deer Hunter, this is NOT your movie. This is a family, Christmas, feel-good tear jerker. This is not a movie you later discuss with your friends over Chardonnay and cheese. Sure it is predictable, but all Christmas movies are. Abigail Breslin steals the show as young Emily. She is delightful. Someone commented she is preachy at times. If that surprises you, you have never seen children before. Yes, she is preachy, but in a delightful way. Perhaps it is not the best movie in its genre, but it is warm and pleasant to watch for the family. It's a Christmas movie.

The Thirteenth Gift: The gift of entertainment

[butterflyswest · 9/10 · 20 July 2007]

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. However it was a good movie. 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. Drew Fuller (Black Sash, Charmed, and Army Wives) was brilliant I think that he really showed his range in the film. Abigail Breslin was great and she and Drew had great chemistry as did Drew and Ali Hillis whose great performance I think was lost in the shuffle. All in all, the cast was great, the acting was great, the script was...well, it could have been easier to understand and it was good, and the directing could have been better but I suggest that everyone sees it. 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.

Potentially a Great Movie

[theonejrs · 7/10 · 5 June 2009]

My reason for a 7 is easy. Whoever edited the video didn't have a clue what he was doing! I did better editing when I was 15, and that was with film, by hand! Seriously, this could easily be one of those "Classic" movies, all it needs is proper editing. The scene changes are so Klutzy, they are annoying! Stupid mistakes too! Like, Mr Hamilton holding the envelope, and the scene changes and Jason has it in his hand! Stupid stuff like that! There are a number of scenes in the movie just like that or worse. I have no idea who reviewed the movie within the company, but they must have been asleep! No professional would have accepted scene cuts like that. It ruins a really Great movie! The shame of it is, that no-one seems to care, and that's sad!

Potentially a 10+ movie,

John

One of the most heart warming gripping movies I've ever seen

[djschwar518 · 10/10 · 12 February 2007]

This story is about a rich, arrogant, spoiled nephew who is a potential beneficiary of his billionaire uncle's estate. Jason Stevens hasn't worked a day in his life and just expects to have life fed to him a a silver platter.

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." The journey that Jason takes will surely make this one of the most heart warming and memorable films you will ever see. My 13 year old son was almost in tears while watching this. It's a movie for young and old alike.

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!

Beautiful Reminder of the Value of Life

[jace_the_film_guy · 7/10 · 27 November 2021]

The Ultimate Gift is a beautiful reminder of the value of life. While it is not the most groundbreaking film from a technical standpoint, the core message is both poignant and important. The relationships between Jason and the rest of the characters (especially Emily and Red) are emotionally driven and create immediate investment. There were melodramatic moments and the acting felt forced at times, but it did not distract too much from the message. Walking away, the film accomplishes its core objective of allowing the audience to reflect on their own acts and steps to become better people.

Ultimately Disappointing

[stevepat99 · 3/10 · 27 August 2007]

Rotten Tomatoe's 33% rating is on the money. I caught a blurb about the film including mini synopsis to wit: Grandfather dies and leaves challenges, rather than $$$$$ to his errant playboy grandson. Finally, I thought, an adult 'coming of age film' with a nice twist and good potential. In the end good potential does not carry the day.

This is a faith based film (not that there is anything wrong with that) where Grand Daddy (James Garner) has a postmortem plan to make a mensch of his long estranged, errant young adult playboy grandson. A plan to instill maturity, family values and a large dose of moral clarity. We are not talking about a run of the mill grandson. Rather Jason already has such wealth that he has no problem spending $25,000 a night for a Paris hotel room. 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.

It became obvious early on that viewing this film required that I constantly suspend my disbelief system.

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. Upon landing in Texas his hopes are more than dashed. 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. This awkward set-up typifies the problems with this script. It quickly gets worse. 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.'

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.' The first gift, the gift of work, will set the tone. Surely it will by some kind of work aimed at building Jason's moral fiber, right? 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? Not at all. This well thought out job requires Jason to awaken daily at 4-5am, for a full month, and spend each day at hard labor digging fence post holes on a vast ranch. We are to believe Jason buys into this when he could be savoring that $25,000/night Paris hotel suite.

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. His long time gold digging girlfriend should have little choice but to pay the bill. After all, Jason's spent countless thousands on her, this is his first ever credit card glitch and she has no real reason to believe he is detached from his great wealth. Instead she storms out in a huff and tosses their relationship leaving Jason to deal with the unpaid bill several hundred dollar bill.

And quite the immoral lesson that leaves Jason enjoying his several hundred dollar meal without paying a cent while the restaurant owner is stiffed and left to take the loss.

How exactly are Grand Daddy's cronies able to instantly turn very wealthy Jason into a penniless, property-less Jason? Gone in the bat of an eye are all his cars, property, money etc. Another lesson at the expense of legalities?

I loved Emily as Little Sunshine but scripts that have young kids endlessly playing 12 going on 30 bug me. As did Emily's incessant lecturing to Jason vis a vis: This is how your love life is going to be....DO YOU HEAR ME JASON....DO YOU HEAR ME?

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.

Jason stumbles forward, always with little or no real incentive. When he needs a place to stay for the night he cannot find even one of his scores upon scores of hanger on friends willing to 'invest' even a single night on the very real assumption that Jason will bounce back and quickly be reunited with his fortune. And what a great investment that living room sofa for the night would have been!

There are billions of reasons to stay tuned for: Ultimate Gift 2: Jason & the Lure of the Green Poultice.

Truly Moving Picture

[tollini · 24 October 2006]

I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."

This is a story of a very rich dysfunctional family. Red Stevens (James Garner) is a crusty, old billionaire who dies suddenly in an air crash. But, Red has planned for his death carefully. He has videotaped an elaborate will. 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. For his grandchild, Jason (Drew Fuller) , Red has special and unknown plans. Jason, by the way, is the ultimate rich-kid, lazy, shallow brat. Through Red's lawyer, Jason is given a number of elaborate, time-consuming tasks and challenges that Red calls "gifts." There are many of these "gifts."

The viewer has the distinct impression that these will either make Jason or break Jason. While doing these tasks in order to get an anticipated pot-of-gold, Jason is mentored and guided and even loved by a Texas rancher (Brian Dennehy), a wise lawyer, a single mother (Alii Hillis), her young daughter (Abigail Breslin) who has leukemia, and an Ecuadorian guide. Jason can't make it without these true, unselfish friends.

The story plays out as a mystery. How many tasks are there? Will Jason tire of the time-consuming and dangerous tasks and quit? Why does Red choose Jason and not the many other numerous children and grandchildren? Is there a pot-of-gold at the end of these tasks? Why is everything shrouded in secrecy? It is profound and interesting storytelling. You want to know the answers to these questions.

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. Or, will he go back to his playboy lifestyle? The acting in this film makes the storytelling believable.

The acting is outstanding and it is a toss-up whether the young people dominate your attention or the old people dominate your attention.

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.

Not bad for what it is.

[Red-125 · 7/10 · 13 November 2010]

The Ultimate Gift (2006) was directed by Michael O. Sajbel. It's an inspirational film, based on an inspirational book by Jim Stovall. Within that genre, it's not bad.

James Garner plays Howard 'Red' Stevens, who has died before the film begins. He appears by video, dispensing wisdom and "gifts" to his grandson Jason (played by heartthrob Drew Fuller.)

These aren't gifts in the classic, physical sense. They are gifts of opportunity to allow Jason to become a decent human being. (There are supposed to be 12 gifts, like the labors of Hercules, but I couldn't find that many.)

Anyway, we know what's going to happen from the moment that Jason arrives late for his grandfather's funeral. The question is, How are we going to get from point A to point B? (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.)

The means of getting from point A to point B appear in the form of Abigail Breslin as Emily Rose, a tough little girl who is dying of leukemia. She's cared for by her single mother, Alexia, played by Ali Hillis.

A great little girl dying of leukemia has to emotionally touch the viewer, and, of course, I was touched by her too. (Maybe more so, because I've worked with little girls like her, and you are changed forever by the incredible experience.) 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.

However, the rest of the film plays out almost as if it were computer-generated. 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.

Still, given the nature of the movie, you could do worse than The Ultimate Gift. It's inspirational, but the inspiration is to help other people and form stronger relationships, and it's hard to argue with that.

This isn't a movie I would have chosen for myself. It was lent to me by a friend who knew that I would be home for a week following surgery. If I had it to do over, I would probably watch it again, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it at all costs. Some of the scenes in Texas would have worked better on a large screen, but the film works well on DVD.

A rewarding treat

[spooly_montana · 9/10 · 8 March 2007]

"The Ultimate Gift" stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Drew Fuller, Ali Hillis, and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin, who recently starred as Olive in "Little Miss Sunshine," which also was nominated this year for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

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." An important thing to keep in mind, though, is that these Fox Faith films are thankfully not "preachy." Their content is more balanced, with solid story lines exploring each character's mental and spiritual health and wellbeing.

The plots revolved around discoveries in people's lives we can easily relate to, leading us to reflect on what values we hold dear. These films straddle the line tastefully, without overdoing pivotal moments in the story. They do a fine job of avoiding the pitfalls that could make them sappy.

This film deals with the universal quest for finding real happiness. In today's world, the pursuit of happiness for many is the chase for wealth, yet many rich people also find happiness alluding.

Red Stevens (Garner) is a billionaire who dies suddenly in a crash. Disturbingly, all of his descendants seem to be only concerned with what they might inherit from him, and as the wishes in his will are carried out, the family members barely receive anything.

Along comes his grandson Jason (Fuller), a spoiled trust fund baby who hopes to cash in on some inheritance. But Jason's grandfather had other ideas planned for him.

Jason is brought into the board room where a lone box rests on the table. Inside the box is a DVD with a special message from his grandfather who has set up a series of 12 gifts for him, leading up to the ultimate gift.

The gifts lead to a chain of events that will stretch Jason to his limits. Starting with digging holes for fence posts down on a large ranch in Texas, his journey takes him as far away as Ecuador, teaching him the value of work, real friends, family, true love, laughter, dreams, gratitude, giving, and the importance of using each day to its fullest.

These are things that Red Stevens could not teach his grandson in life. But with his passing, he offers him a chance to inherit the wealthiest of treasures, a sense of what really matters most in life.

Many surprises wait along the way in this tender story, with solid, heartfelt performances. It is touching to see this self-centered boy start to rearrange his priorities, and connect not only with other people, but himself.

This film is a rewarding treat that everyone should see.

Depends on your mood

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 8 February 2024]

7.3 stars.

'The Ultimate Gift' is a film that could meet your expectations for being inspiring and uplifting and touching, but for me it was just another film in a long line trying to teach the audience about selflessness and sacrifice. If this is based on a true story, I'm eating it up, but since it appears to be fictitious, it doesn't approach its true potential.

The premise is intriguing, of a young man who must go through a bunch of challenges and trials in order to possibly receive his inheritance, sort of a quid pro quo. The presentation, the package delivered to the viewer is more like a bait and switch. We are not rewarded for sitting through the story, rather we are left with unanswered questions in the producer's and author's attempts to sway our emotions. Why do these tragedies happen? If there is a purpose for them and we are to learn a lesson, what is the lesson? We learned nothing about humility or sacrifice or love. We learn that a young man decides to be generous after he is given great gifts. But where is the sacrifice? There is none. Sacrifice is giving up something you desperately feel you cannot live without, is it not? Where is the desire for riches, the need for wealth? We don't see any avarice or greed being transformed into charity and selfless love, rather we see a man who is angry and frustrated (not particularly well acted by the way) and he suddenly decides to be good. He is formerly a playboy, lives the high life, cares not what people think, but we don't get to witness any of this. The first we see him, he's simply a disgruntled and impatient young man. There is no sense of necessity or loss, we don't experience any of the pain that would be involved in this process. The actors don't provide us with the raw emotion. I guess I'm left a bit flat with the performances. So many reviewers are saying the acting was great, or this, or that. I feel the story is good, the film production is average, but the acting is sub-par (mainly from the lead male). There's a reason the lead actor is not cast in the sequels.

One of the best, cleanest, and educational movies shown in a long time

[ccofer · 10/10 · 20 September 2007]

I commend the author, producer, actors, etc., on this movie. It one of the best, cleanest and educational movies shown in a long time. Everyone I've mentioned it to has not heard of it. This is what disappoints me about good clean movies, they don't receive enough publicity. Our children and families need more of these movies to remind them our success is to be earned, not given. Also, giving and showing concern for others takes our mind off our own problems and makes us aware of how fortunate we are compared to the majority of the world.

Please continue producing more movies with true meanings.

The greatest gift.

[morrison-dylan-fan · 7/10 · 7 November 2016]

With the October Horror Challenge on IMDb's Horror board having recently ended,I mentioned to a friend about how impressed I was with Abigail Breslin performance in Haunter,and that I've recently enjoyed watching her in Little Miss Sunshine again recently.Happily catching me by surprise,they revealed that they had recently picked up a lesser-known Breslin movie,which led to me unwrapping the gift.

The plot:

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. 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.

View on the film:

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. Whilst retaining some of the TV Movie staples (hello sick child!) 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!

Taking the gold from Jason's hand,director Michael O. Sajbel & cinematographer Brian Baugh give the title a golden shine which glows in a bright amber with each self-discovered "gift" of Jason. Putting Jason on track, Abigail Breslin gives a charming performance as Emily Rose,whose sure-footed ways are given a sass by Breslin that keeps Jason on track. 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.

I loved it!

[mimib · 9/10 · 29 December 2007]

I liked this movie not only for what it said, but how it said it. It was inspiring--not in its religiosity but in its morality. The Christian slant of the movie was evident, but it did not proselytize or become judgmental. In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. 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.

Are there plot holes? Inconstistancies? Who cares? The movie made me feel good. And sometimes that's enough.

Great story, not so great movie

[victork · 6/10 · 19 March 2008]

The story is beautiful, even though for some reason the idea didn't seem very original to me (I think I have seen a similar movie before). But the idea of self discovery and improvement was still very good.

What I didn't like, though, was the direction. I think the film itself was poor - poorly directed. I never got to relate to the characters, I never "got in" their situations, despite the fact that there are some circumstances that should rip your heart in two. The whole thing seemed to be a lot of different situations all pasted together rather than the flow of a whole story. I guess the book must have been much better.

The movie is still worth watching.

Great film!

[ksequen · 10/10 · 13 November 2007]

I must say that this is one of the best films I've seen in my life. It proves a great movie does not need to involve violence and sex... Plus, it makes you appreciate all the gifts you've got in your life. If Hollywood (and by these I mean the movie business) had more films like this one, it would have a nice positive impact on our poor and damaged society.

Maybe it doesn't have outstanding special effects, or a main-role actor or actress who deserves an Academy Award, but the plot it's so great, that makes you analyze your own situation and feel thankful for what you have and realize you're missing a lot of nice simple great things of life... and it even makes you want to be a better person!

Totally recommended for the whole family!

Spoiler alert

[jdonalds-5 · 6/10 · 2 June 2015]

This movie is sweet, if a bit slow. I got the overall message but I don't think the director pulled as much out of the story as could have been. I liked it but it was a on the dull side.

An example of how the movie missed on depth and emotion was the early scene with Jason Stevens setting fence posts. The scene simply showed him doing the job. No close up shots of him sweating. No anger, no sense of accomplishment both in the fence post work but also in the lesson he was learning. Just dull.

The part that I had the most difficult time with was the death of Emily Rose. It just killed the movie for me. Her death drew my attention away from the movie. 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. Not good.

Many reviewers suggested this was a Christian movie. I am a Christian and while the movie had "nice" themes, "nice" people, "nice" scenes, there were only the thinnest mentions of church within, and I don't think the name Jesus was spoken once. So if you're a non-believer this might seem Christian but it totally misses the mark as an evangelistic movie. Without reading that this was a Fox Faith (didn't know that existed) creation I wouldn't have thought of this as a Christian movie. But having seen quite a few "Christian" movies I guess my review isn't much of a surprise to me.

I don't know why but directors simply seem to make dull faith based movies. They're all this way. Oh it's certainly nice to watch a movie that isn't full of swearing, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or having sex without knowing the partners name. But I want a movie with some passion and depth and these just don't cut it. Fireproof, Courageous, Facing the Giants, and others like them are all nice movies to watch but the all fail in the same way. They are sweet, slow, and superficial. I long for a good solid movie of this genre that is a 10.

What was up with Equador?

[finley410 · 1/10 · 10 March 2007]

I thought this was one of the worst movies I have seen in quite some time. I cry very easily during movies, yet this movie, which was supposed to be a tearjerker did not bring a single tear. I had several problems with it. I did not believe that Abigail Breslin's acting was quite up to par with what we have seen her do in other films. I also was very confused with the relationship between Jason and Alexia. 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.

And don't get me started on his trip to Equador. I understand that he needed to find out the truth about his father, which still doesn't seem relevant to me, but getting taken hostage by drug lords? How did that advance the plot in any way? They never mention it again and it took up way too much of the movie to be so irrelevant.

The continuity was horrible. He was homeless for a month but he barely got stubble. He's taken hostage and grows a huge beard.

The first time Emily sees Jason is at his grandfather's funeral. However, what was Emily doing there to begin with? 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. I kept waiting for them to explain that. I waited in vain.

And I had problems with the scene where his ex-girlfriend came back. He just ignored her. This would have been the perfect opportunity for him to truly show how he had changed. He could tell her off for using him for his money. He could try to show her what he had learned in hopes of starting to change her too. Instead, he let her to into his bedroom and wait naked while he went for a walk.

As for his father's death, a plane crash is a plane crash. It wasn't like his grandfather had been flying the plane in which his father died. Seriously, no matter whether or not he just left for the sake of leaving, or left to take medicine to a nearby town, the crash itself was still an accident that could have happened either way.

In conclusion, save yourself the money and don't go see it. There are plenty of other movies that better handle the issues tackled in The Ultimate Gift. If you are that curious, wait for it to come out on DVD. I'm sure you won't have long to wait.