The Ultimate Gift Reviews

• Little Job

  
  By A3EE0H0NWQ9QVL on 2007-08-23
  The Ultimate Gift' is a fun and surprising inspirational gem. Not knowing quite what to expect, the movie quickly develops an emotional and entertaining core. Often funny, sad, mysterious, and uplifting in different measures, the film pulls out a unique bag of tricks. Sort of like the `Willy Wonka' of spiritual cinema, `The Ultimate Gift' is more than a "Hallmark" Christian experience.
  
  It all begins after the death of oil tycoon, Red Stevens (James Garner) who has left videotapes for his family. Gathered around the conference table in his lucrative company headquarters, all members wait on pins and needles to see what they will inherit from him. Crassly, the greedy family can't help but commiserate over the lack of possessions he's bequeathed to them. As his custom, Jason (Drew Fuller), his black sheep grandson, comes late to the proceedings, fully expecting nothing, but wanting to make sure nonetheless. What he gets is a treasure hunt. If he performs a series of feats for the edification of his board of trustees, he will win "the ultimate gift". Heading that board is fellow associate Mr. Hamilton (Bill Cobbs), who anchors the whole deal as a living negotiator. If Jason flubs on any one of the "assignments," he loses the gift.
  
  A lot of the proceedings depend a great deal on Red predicting what Jason will do next during the videotape. It works admirably and there's enough good humor to smooth out the edges of our disbelief. Events are often unpredictable, and the acting ranges from genuine to genuinely good. Particularly noteworthy is Abigail Breslan (Oscar nominated child prodigy from 'Little Miss Sunshine') who gives another fine performance as Emily, a sick girl with a sharp tongue, but a good heart. Reflecting on God and heaven, she sagely says, "He paints every color of a butterfly with His fingers."
  
  The movie also brings the welcome return of Brian Dennehy as Gus, his relative from Texas. Some of the funniest parts are taken from his Southern mansion. One scene where he is rudely awakened by an electric cattle prod left me in stitches. Sometimes the relatives become caricatures, but that's few and far between. At one holiday dinner, an argument ensues and one woman tartly states "Money's just as green from Manhattan." The pace is wonderfully edited with the last portion slightly too languorous in places--even if the film needs to stop and reflect awhile. With these minor objections out of the way, the movie is wonderfully nourishing for the heart and soul.
  
  Some controversy remains for the spiritual nature of the film. Glancing over some reviews, I found some critics becoming defensive for any favorable take on the movie. Christianity is sprinkled throughout. During work "Gotta Serve Somebody" plays from Dylan's Christian era, and a romantic dinner scene "Lord of the Dance" is cleverly piped in with acoustical guitars at a fancy restaurant. At the hospital, Emily frequents the chapel where Jason tells her the Sacred Heart statue shows Jesus' open arms to embrace her. Critics apologetically (or defensively) say that Jesus is only mentioned once in the whole movie. I don't personally think anyone should have to defend a movie for being overtly Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, or whatever. "Pain is your teacher," says Red to Jason on the videotape before going to the great beyond. This could be said in an Asian movie. 'The Ultimate Gift' is overtly Christian, but inclusive. Another objection may come with the points of wisdom provided at the end. While I enjoyed the elaboration, some may find the lesson condescending--an unnecessary Sunday school highlighter pen review.
  
  With all my lowered expectations, 'The Ultimate Gift' is a surprise. The comedic timing is great, the mystery is fun, and the emotional trek is worthwhile. (Based on a novel by Jim Stovall.)
  
  

• ...a predictable film you somehow want to be predictable.

  
  By A1OVYZPXPB0RKB on 2007-08-15
  Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) is a trust fund baby--he's eaten from a silver spoon his entire life. At his grandfather Red's funeral he makes a showy (and late) entrance, perhaps punctuating his low opinion of the man. But from his grave Red (James Garner) has words for his money hungry relatives at the reading of his will. No one gets what they expect, including Jason.
  
  In a closed conference room with only his grandfather's trusted attorney (Bill Cobbs) and secretary (Lee Meriwether) in attendance, Jason is advised by Red via a video recording that he's being given a series of gifts. The catch? He isn't told what the gifts are, only that he's to arrive at the airport and await further instructions. Is this his grandfather's form of a joke, or is Red Stevens trying to reach out and teach him things he never learned from his materialistic family?
  
  Based on a novella by noted motivational speaker and author Jim Stovall, the filmmakers endeavored to preserve the heart of his story while still producing a relevant movie. Says screenwriter Cheryl McKay in an interview conducted by Rene Gutteridge who wrote the novelization of the screenplay, "The biggest challenge was figuring out how to handle all the gifts and not come off with a movie that felt episodic. We had to blend a couple of them together and de-emphasize a couple of them because twelve is a lot to cover in a two-hour movie."
  
  Winner of the Heartland Film Festival's Crystal Heart Award, The Ultimate Gift features an Oscar worthy cast. Drew Fuller (best known for his recurring role as Chris Halliwell in Charmed) pulls off Jason's cockiness and spoiled brat ways, but also believably portrays his transformed self. His facial expressions alone made me laugh out loud a few times. Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Signs) could easily have over played her character Emily, but she doesn't, and she wins our hearts in the process. Ali Hillis (Must Love Dogs) is another notable cast member as Jason's love interest and Emily's mother. No one hits it out of the ball park, but you can still win a game without home runs, and The Ultimate Gift is a winner.
  
  The Ultimate Gift is a predictable film you somehow want to be predictable. Its PG rating allows for a few mild swear words and tense thematic moments, but this is really a movie the whole family can enjoy.
  
  From the vast acres of a Texas ranch to the wilds of a South American jungle, Jason's assumptions about his grandfather, and himself, will never be the same. And even though you'll most likely guess the film's ending, it's the journey that matters. We're taken on an exciting one with Jason as he discovers not only the ultimate gift, but what type of a man he's truly capable of being.
  
  --Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for TitleTrakk
  
  

• A film you need to see with your family.

  
  By AZCDCO6KK2T81 on 2007-10-15
  Although I often dislike "message films" I found this one to be inspirational, educational, practical, and even spiritual to some degree.
  
  Amazon and JP's Picks in the Spotlight Reviews have done a fine job at discussing the plot of this, so I'll dispense with that here in my review. I found this to be a rather profound film that discusses the connection between wealth and happiness. The film is faulty in that it is pretty much preaching to the choir as most of us know that money in of itself does not bring happiness. Just ask Lindsey Lohan and Brittany Spears for the truth in that. However, it is the journey of the main character to discover that truth that is touching if not improbable at times. This film, in spite of its beautiful message, is not without its flaws.
  
  The coincidences and contrivances within the plot are rather annoying but fortunately forgivable. For example, we get ludicrous scenes like the one in which the main character becomes a kidnap victim of a drug lord while doing "community work" in Peru as part of his numerous "gifts." This was supposed to be a lesson in learning and giving, but ultimately (and conveniently) teaches him the value of human life. However, the scene is rather silly and improbable and serves as a great distraction from the film's greater message. It just doesn't fit the film and looks like a scene from another film and a needless stretch. This is all rather forgivable though as the main character continues his journey in learning what is really important in life.
  
  The various "gifts" that he learns serve as a wonderful teaching tool if you watch this with your family. I often would stop it and ask my kids what "gift" is he receiving at a given point in the film. The ending replays the various gifts just in case you missed any, so don't shut it off at the credits.
  
  Some of the acting is spot on and some of it less so. This film was a wonderful return for Brian Dennihey[sp] who has been absent from the screen for far too long. James Garner is wonderfully insightful in his limited role. He is as funny, sarcastic and tired of life's crap as he was in his series The Rockford Files, and tender and emotional in a way we don't often see him on film. Drew Fuller as the main star is just okay. He plays the role fairly well, but it seems to be no great stretch for him. It's the kind of role Michael J. Fox would have played on a Hallmark Hall of Fame TV-movie in his early career. Ali Hillis is both wonderfully beautiful in that girl-next-door kind of way and very talented as she gives a solid performance here as the mother of a cancer-stricken child played by Abigail Breslin (Signs and Little Miss Sunshine) who actually does not give us one of her better performances. I honestly felt she was over acting a number of times, but to be fair, her role was not that well written. Bill Cobbs and Lee Meriweather lend fine support as the trustees of Garner's Will and lend much needed credibility to the film.
  
  This film is both profound and simple, touching and overly sentimental, nicely acted and too pedestrian at times, well-intentioned and manipulative, and, lastly, predictable and happy to be so. In spite of it's flaws the film is very enjoyable and heart-warming. I intentionally noted the flaws as when I recommend a film, I do like to be honest and not fool folks in thinking that a four or five star film is perfect and this one isn't by a long shot, but it is a still wonderful experience in spite of its flaws and well worth your viewing.
  
  

• A Life Changing Movie

  
  By A5K5DIDKAML5C on 2007-08-08
  I'm not up on the latest movies, so when a screener of a film called The Ultimate Gift arrived in my post office box on Tuesday morning, I didn't give it much thought. I hadn't heard of the movie when it was released in theaters, but was reviewing the screener for potential review at the request of a colleague. The fact that one of my favorite young actresses, Abigail Breslin of Little Miss Sunshine fame, was involved did pique my curiosity.
  
  Imagine my shock two hours later when I came to the stunning conclusion that this film now ranks in my top five favorite movies of all time. The Ultimate Gift is based on an inspirational novel by author Jim Stovall and tells the story of one young man's life transformation from a spoiled rotten trust fund leech into a loving philanthropist. The main character, Jason Stevens, must navigate a series of twelve tasks/gifts given to him posthumously by his paternal grandfather in order to earn a mystery inheritance. The "gifts" are designed to teach him a series of life lessons and become progressively more challenging and life wrenching. Jason comes from the most despicable breed of wealthy snobs you've ever seen and is nursing a lifelong grudge against his grandfather. He launches into the challenge with one sole goal in mind: getting the money. It's his assumption that more money will equate to happiness. Happiness appears to be one of the only commodities that's sorely missing in his life.
  
  I won't give away the ending of this remarkable film, but I do challenge you to get to the conclusion without feeling your own heart grow three sizes and reaching for the tissue. The Ultimate Gift is a movie to be shared and discussed with family members of all ages for the wonderful life lessons it shares. Entertaining performances by a talented cast lend to the charm, but the true value of this film is in the "gift" it gives to the watcher. You will be inspired to look around your own life and to pursue your own path of gifts on a journey towards making your world a better place. For those seeking support and encouragement along your path, check out The Ultimate Gift Experience website for discussion guides and inspirational ideas for helping your own family grow closer.
  
  

• Gift #13 - The Gift of Entertainment

  
  By A319Y83RT0MRVR on 2007-03-09
  Go and see The Ultimate Gift.
  
  Don't walk - run to the theater. The only forewarning I will bestow upon you is to bring tissues. Lots of tissues.
  
  The Ultimate Gift is well scripted, well directed, and well cast. Its premise and resolution are quite predictable; nevertheless, it's quite enjoyable to watch the characters develop and overcome obstacles.
  
  Unlike Little Miss Sunshine<, which was an ensemble film, all the strengths in this movie are solely due to Breslin's impressive performance. Little Miss Sunshine would've suffered terrible had Olive been played by anyone else, whereas The Ultimate Gift wouldn't even be a movie if Abigail Breslin did not play Emily. If you were amused by Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine, if you found her even remotely funny, you will find her absolutely lovely and endearing in The Ultimate Gift.
  
  If Abigail can maintain this level of intensity in her performances I see Oscars lined up at her feet. She is undoubtedly on her path to becoming the next Jodie Foster.
  
  Don't let the fact that this is advertised as "a Christian film" discourage you from seeing it. It hardly mentions Christianity. It is more about humanity and becoming the person we all wish to be than about religion.
  
  During the movie, laughs and sniffles could be overhead over the crunching of the popcorn. I even found myself clapping half way through the movie. In fact, the moviegoers were so captivated by the film that most remained in their seats all throughout the entire credit sequence at the end. How often does that happen? Usually people are too eager to storm out of the theater and go back to their lives. Not this time. People wanted to treasure every little bit of this movie.
  
  My mom bawled during the movie and she isn't opt to do that. I had to clean my glasses on more than one occasion too. This movie is a tearjerker but a really good one.
  
  
• ...a predictable film you somehow want to be predictable.
  By A1OVYZPXPB0RKB on 2007-03-16
  Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) is a trust fund baby--he's eaten from a silver spoon his entire life. At his grandfather Red's funeral he makes a showy (and late) entrance, perhaps punctuating his low opinion of the man. But from his grave Red (James Garner) has words for his money hungry relatives at the reading of his will. No one gets what they expect, including Jason.
  
  In a closed conference room with only his grandfather's trusted attorney (Bill Cobbs) and secretary (Lee Meriwether) in attendance, Jason is advised by Red via a video recording that he's being given a series of gifts. The catch? He isn't told what the gifts are, only that he's to arrive at the airport and await further instructions. Is this his grandfather's form of a joke, or is Red Stevens trying to reach out and teach him things he never learned from his materialistic family?
  
  Based on a novella by noted motivational speaker and author Jim Stovall, the filmmakers endeavored to preserve the heart of his story while still producing a relevant movie. Says screenwriter Cheryl McKay in an interview conducted by Rene Gutteridge who wrote the novelization of the screenplay, "The biggest challenge was figuring out how to handle all the gifts and not come off with a movie that felt episodic. We had to blend a couple of them together and de-emphasize a couple of them because twelve is a lot to cover in a two-hour movie."
  
  Winner of the Heartland Film Festival's Crystal Heart Award, The Ultimate Gift features an Oscar worthy cast. Drew Fuller (best known for his recurring role as Chris Halliwell in Charmed) pulls off Jason's cockiness and spoiled brat ways, but also believably portrays his transformed self. His facial expressions alone made me laugh out loud a few times. Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Signs) could easily have over played her character Emily, but she doesn't, and she wins our hearts in the process. Ali Hillis (Must Love Dogs) is another notable cast member as Jason's love interest and Emily's mother. No one hits it out of the ball park, but you can still win a game without home runs, and The Ultimate Gift is a winner.
  
  The Ultimate Gift is a predictable film you somehow want to be predictable. Its PG rating allows for a few mild swear words and tense thematic moments, but this is really a movie the whole family can enjoy.
  
  From the vast acres of a Texas ranch to the wilds of a South American jungle, Jason's assumptions about his grandfather, and himself, will never be the same. And even though you'll most likely guess the film's ending, it's the journey that matters. We're taken on an exciting one with Jason as he discovers not only the ultimate gift, but what type of a man he's truly capable of being.
  
  --Reviewed by C.J. Darlington for TitleTrakk
  
  
• A MUST SEE for EVERYONE
  By A1UZXL5NRLQV0O on 2007-03-27
  This movie is absolutely awesome. We laughed, we cried and we were inspired. Everyone should see this movie it will put life into true perspective. The way it's supposed to be. These types of movies should be supported by consumers to send a clear message to Hollywood that movies can be tasteful and have a good moral value and character. The only thing that disappoints me is the fact that there wasn't more advertising done to get the word out. I only knew about it because of Amazon sending me a notice based on my previous on-line interests which I really appreciated.
  
  
• "Learning is a gift,even if pain is your teacher"
  By A1POFVVXUZR3IQ on 2007-08-29
  The quote above is from the movie The Ultimate Gift, and what a truly uplifting movie it is. Though I feared it would be more of a preachy sort of film, it really is more a movie about learning the lessons in life that make one a better person.
  
  The lead role is played by Drew Fuller, whose character Jason Stevens, is a typical rich spoilt brat whose late grandfather, Red Stevens [James Garner] leaves a series of 12 "gifts" [more like life lessons] that he needs to complete satisfactorily before being rewarded with the ultimate gift.Overseeing the mission is the executor of Red's estate [played marvelously by Bill Cobbs] & his helpful assistant [Lee Meriwether].
  
  Jason's quest is fraught with hard work, obstacles, even danger - and along the way he meets some interesting characters, such as the hard-working cattle rancher Gus [Brian Dennehy], the charming & witty Emily[ Abigail Breslin], and the lovely Alexia [Ali Hillis]. The storyline is simple enough, but is told well, and we the viewers get to learn along with Jason as he learns the 12 gifts - of work, money, problems, friends, giving, family, gratitude, learning, laughter, the gift of a day, dreams, and of course, love.
  
  A heart-warming movie that uplifts and persuades one to examine one's priorities in life.
  
  
• Usual Hollywood Faith-Based Fare
  By AWT4RE7CDDV24 on 2008-09-09
  Being that this movie is being sold through most, if not all Christian outlets, I feel compelled to distinguish this from others for the sake of Christians who are truly looking for deeply spiritual family viewing.
  
  This is not it.
  
  Mentioning Jesus Christ favorably, showing a statue of Him occasionally, and mentioning a few lines here and there about life hereafter does not pass muster...sorry.
  
  If you are looking for movie similar to a Rich Christiano and Alex Kendrick production, this is not it.
  
  Sadly, I was hoping for more. The plot was intriguing and entertaining, but there was something lacking...
  
  Perhaps I should have taken note of James Garner's involvement; I have always considered him a great actor, but never appreciated his trash talk. Yes, there are the "obligatory" curse words in this movie, for those who care.
  
  Then there is the rude-turned-cute little girl (played by Abigail Breslin), depicting the child-turned-parent roles so prevalent in movies. What happened to children being children, and adults accepting their rightful responsibility? Despite the sadness of this little girl's illness, her behavior is not suitable as a role model for my daughter.
  
  There is an increased focus of faith-based productions coming out of Hollywood, chasing the family market that's craving decent material. This is one of their products. For some peculiar reason, I just don't think that they have a clue.
  
  
• The Ultimate Gift is exactly that.
  By AJBEA2ZAENIY on 2007-04-30
  The Ultimate Gift is exactly that. The movie is based on the wonderfully written novel of the same name that has survived the metamorphous of a film transition. I am no stranger to this treasure and have written a review of this book on Amazon. I strongly suggest both the film and the book in the order that's best for you. For those who don't read many books, you'll find this one well worth the wait. Like the book, I am very much waiting for the DVD release so that I may share its rich gifts with the ones I love. Like "A Christmas Carol" The Ultimate Gift is about redemption; the transformation from selfishness to selflessness. It is this reviewer's belief that generosity is the root of all happiness. And joy is the effervescence of the true Christian.
  
  
• Predictable in the extreme
  By A2SW560X584UEF on 2007-09-03
  
  I'm definitely in the minority among viewers, but to me, this movie was like a Hallmark channel movie of the week reject.
  
  It was totally predictable, with more cliches and stereotypes than I would have thought it possible to jam into a single film.
  
  The huge gaps in reality alternately annoyed me (a child going through end stage leukemia and chemo is totally healthy looking and perky) and made me laugh (a month in the Texas sun doing hard manual labor and the star doesn't even get a little sun burned or calloused).
  
  The end moral of the story seemed to be that if you have enough money you can do some good in the world (yet, it never addressed the fact that the money was made by exploiting the earth for oil and raising cattle, among other things).
  
  There was nothing remotely "spiritual" about this maudlin and manipulative film. I found it a total waste of two hours.
  
  
• Bringing Value to Life
  By ABRWC1NQ3LK8Z on 2007-03-18
  This movie, while predictable in its drama, nonetheless does what long-term winners at the box office so often do--make the moviegoer feel good. What's wrong with that? It's A Wonderful Life type entertainment that is a treat for the whole family.
  
  The cast is first class with James Garner (Grand Prix), Lee Meriweather (Former Miss America), Drew Fuller (the heart throb of Charmed) and Abby Breslin (Oscar nominee, Litte Miss Sunshine)amongst other special actors including the formidable performance by Bill Cobbs as the astute Mr. Hamilton. Hey, the movie has the actors!
  
  At the same time, one comes away feeling a special draw toward the movie's theme, which is "be somebody, give yourself away". Truly the punch in this film is the down right honest delivery of the values that one should hold dear.
  
  Give yourself a gift and go see THE ULTIMATE GIFT--and take a group with you.
  
  
  
  
• Don't Pass This Little Film By
  By A328S9RN3U5M68 on 2007-08-24
  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, August 07
  
  
  
• A grandfather's gifts
  By A1IOJE0W1NXOSE on 2007-09-01
  James Garner plays a grandfather who has grown weary of his avaricious family and who, at his death, gives an opportunity to his grandson to overcome the temptations of wealth and to become a man of substance. Using videos which he recorded before his death, the grandfather gives his grandson Jason several trials or "gifts" which he must accomplish before he goes onto the next level. Jason, played by Drew Fuller befriends a young girl named Emily (Abigail Breslan) whose life-threatening illness is hidden behind a wise-cracking, tell-it-like-it-is, personality. This movie hits all the right notes and a fine script, coupled with wonderful performances by Garner, Fuller, and Breslan, make this a very memorable movie.
  
  
• The Best Movie of 2007...so far
  By A2WUXT3LYE3WQV on 2007-08-15
  This movie really surprised me, as it's not the usual type of movie I'd enjoy, especially one branded as a "faith" film. I watched primarily because it was billed as the great James Gardner's final movie before his retirement...Gardner didn't appear much on screen, but this movie definately felt his presence throughout. I know the phrase "a moving experience" gets tossed around like rice at a wedding, but "The Ultimate Gift" is truely deserving of the description. 4.5 of out of 5 stars!
  
  
• A MUST SEE FILM!!!!!
  By A1DTPDEKPTBBNL on 2007-03-14
  This was absolutely one of the best movies I have ever seen. If I could I would definitely, without a doubt, give it more than five stars. Drew Fuller, who played Jason Stevens, did an amazing job. He is one of my favorite actors which is the main reason I was inspired to go see this movie. It was even more than I expected; I expected it to be good, but I never thought it would be quite that good. I do not want to give anything away so I must instist that EVERYONE go see this movie and find out just how GREAT it is for themselves. Definitely one of the BEST films of the year; a must see.
  
  
• Great Family Film
  By A382YT2KUOT88D on 2007-07-27
  This was a great family film. In an age of materialism, this movie has a timely message. Hard work and relationships are more important than money. Also teaches that giving is better than receiving.
  
  
• Must SEE
  By A3I85VNZTWONO7 on 2007-06-03
  I saw this movie in the theater. The story is wonderful. I think that our children today need to see this movie. It tells the story of earning your living in this day of "entitlement". It tells what the greatest gifts are and they do not include money!
  
  
• Wow ! What a great film, touching & good for the entire family..
  By A2SO7CB2WP3BHD on 2007-09-17
  After searching through some of the best rated/seller DVD Movies, I stumbled across this one. I decided to rent it first, since I had not heard of it before at all. What a great movie. I tell you it's just so nice to watch a film that you can even watch with the whole family. A movie where you can find things that you can personally draw from and think to yourself, "Hey I can work on that with myself.. ", or "Yes, I should be doing that."
  
  This story involves a rich self absorbed young guy, who has pretty much never had to work and always had everything he wanted. His friends basically only liked him because of his money and he never really had any true friendships or goals or dreams. After the death of his grandfather and the process of the execution of his will, the character, Jason, has different tasks he must complete before he can receive the "gift" at the end, which he doesn't know what it is until they they have not just been "done" in a real sense, but also done to the point where Jason has really turned his life around and realized the true sense of so many things.
  
  Abigails character and her mom come into his life and really help Jason to start thinking about others for the first time in his life. I loved Abigails previous acting roles so to find her in this movie was a clincher that I had to see it. The actors in the movie have been around for a while, but not enough to the point where they are typecast at all and the mixture was just like having a fresh new set of actors in a story.
  
  All blended together, this is a perfectly delightful film that you will absolutely treasure. The title is The Ultimate Gift, and it really is a gift of a film. You'll be nicely surprised you can watch this film with the whole family as there is, from what I can remember virtually no profanity in the entire film, and its modest too, so you wont have to worry about any "bedroom" scenes either. Just a nice, film, that you'll want to watch again the next day.
  
  Definitely Five stars on this one, you won't be disappointed.
  
  
• Clumsy, amateurish writing
  By ANL6SAO29LZ9J on 2007-10-14
  I had high hopes for this movie based on other reviews & a plot with potential. (A remake, of sorts, of an old Rock Hudson movie, Magnificent Obsession.) Saddly this writer/director combination isn't ready for prime time--it all looks like a rough first draft.
  
  [Plot points to be revealed in the following discussion.]
  
  The oppening scene shows a mother & daughter at the rainy graveside of billionaire James Garner. Why are they there? Apparently because his name is on the wing of the hospital where the daughter is being treated for leukemia. Oh yes? Would any mother take her critically ill daughter to a funeral of a stranger? And even if she wanted to, viewings may be open to the public but surely a billionaire's graveside ceremony is reserved for family members and invited guests.
  
  Do waiters gush "Oh sir, most of our patrons find this wine too expensive!" ?? Only in creaking scripts like this.
  
  In short, the writer had no idea how to illustrate & move along his story so it's full of lame scenes. How is it that someone who has a trust fund can overnight become homeless? By what mechanism was his bank account emptied out? Are we really to believe that shallow jet-setters have no one who will put them oup for the night if they are abruptly ejected from their condo?
  
  The list of life-doesn't-work-that-way scenes clunk's along with slow moving, artless direction. And why does the little girl wear ghoulish purple lipstick?
  
  Apparently those who praised this movie are willing to accept any tripe as long as there's no sex or violence. (Boobs & shootouts are offensive while a plot with the gratuitous death of a child is "inspiring.") Not for me.
  
  Give this one a miss.
  
  
• Very moving story!
  By A27IAKD007N0E7 on 2007-07-24
  This movie was one of the best movies that I have ever seen. It did not get the publicity that it deserved unfortunately. It was filmed here in Charlotte, North Carolina (where I live) and it wasn't even advertised heavily here in our theatres, and didn't stay long at any of them. I just don't understand the reasoning. Everyone should see this movie, and reflect on what life has given them. We all have to work for what we want; We can't expect life to hand us everything on a silver platter. James Garner's spotlight role is ingeniously done. Drew Fuller is excellent. Abigail Breslin should get an oscar..what a little actress!
  
  
• The Ultimate Gift
  By A13UWA23Q3E0NV on 2007-08-20
  It was the warmhearted movie of 2007,I cried a few time during watching....Michael O. Sajbel directed this movie with deeply details, Drew Fuller performed his first leading role perfectly and Abigail Breslin is still the best as she acted. Two thummbs !
  
  
• A Powerful Movie, that everyone must see!
  By A23FQSE1T9QDQE on 2007-07-13
  I saw the book in a bookstore and after reading the subject, went to see it at the theatre. I took my husband back that night to see it too, and then took both of my college aged sons to see it that week. Even they admitted it was really good.
  It's one of the best movies I have ever seen......of course the acting is superb, but the story is so true and applicable for everyone's life. No one ever wishes on their death bed that they'd made more money, but rather they wish for other things that they didn't do. Basically the story is about what's of true value in life, and we all could use a lesson in that.
  I plan on buying it the day it becomes available, and several copies for friends.
  
  
• One of the Best . . .
  By A1D1ZSCROCIT4H on 2007-07-15
  This is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Truly a work of genius and heart. A must-see for everyone.
  
  
• Feeling the love!
  By A1MD8X5VDFOSDJ on 2007-08-01
  For about 3 days after I watched this movie, I felt like I was being loved from the inside, out. I felt so calm, peaceful, and grateful. It really was a gift!
  
  
• The Ultimate Gift
  By A2XOZBVWKLJLFT on 2007-08-04
  I'm looking forward to owning this film---an excellent book, an excellent adaptation, and superb casting. I appreciate films that I can feel proud and confident in sharing with my family and my students. I'm thrilled that movies like this are still being made, and look forward to tracking the future careers of the writer, director, and cast. This is also a beautiful career-capper for James Garner, a favorite of my family all my life.
  
  
• A truly inspiring movie!
  By A3QVB5282SYE3Q on 2007-08-06
  This is a rare type of movie in today's market. The message that this movie promotes in inspiring and heartwarming. The journey that Red sends Jason on is something that Jason really needed. He has grown up in privledge and not really knowing about his family. Jason grows up through the journey and learns what is really means to be a friend/family.
  
  Drew Fuller and Abigail Breslin give stellar performances.
  
  
• Terrific Movie
  By A1WZ9BKCXFZ2SS on 2007-08-23
  Saw this in the theatre and knew I had to have it in my collection. Great movie. A spoiled young man who must learn the lessons of a stable,responsible life to inherit his grandfather's fortune. He learns,often times the hard way,that money is not the greatest gift. What is? Buy this movie and see. The best movie I have seen in awhile.
  
  
• Best movie I've ever seen
  By A1AVZ3GL3CDIZ5 on 2007-09-14
  I was stunned by this picture. The whole family can watch it without worrying about content and the beneficial impact is enormous. I recommend it!
  
  
• Parents - GREAT teaching tool for your children
  By A3CFBDIKSJNYFE on 2007-10-01
  I've seen the movie and read the book -- both are excellent teaching tools for parents to communicate to their children that life is more than just money and things -- if you find that your children are becoming wrapped up in materialism and pursuing the things of this world, I highly recommend either the movie or the book The Ultimate Gift. You can probably show the movie to children as young as upper elementary age and you can read the book to any age -- the book and the movie will spark dialogue on the true meaning of life, friends, money, family, work, problems, etc...this is one movie you'll want to buy and one book you'll want to have in your home and give as a gift to another friend!
  
  

• Amazing Grace
• The Ultimate Gift (The Ultimate Series #1)
• The Christmas Card
• Facing the Giants (Widescreen)
• Flywheel (Director's Cut)