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. Overall, the moments were worth it. With his inheritance, Jason chooses to build a hospital, called Emily's Home, for children with terminal illnesses, but before the building begins, Emily dies. At the will, Garner's videotape is shown and in it he gives Fuller 12 tasks to complete before he can gain his inheritance. Giving his family everything they wanted. We hear the sounds of a man being beaten, then see him tied to a tree, unconscious. Oh there were many great moments. I love a good romance story. It had challenges, both sweet and sad moments, intense moments, and a little bit of romance. There is a lot more to the film than the grinches might think! If I threw these all in a basket like they use to pick Bingo tiles, the sequence might get jumbled a little, but as the movie played out, it seemed almost like the moments were drawn out just like the Bingo basket. I also learned that you are rewarded for being charitable. The movie made me feel good. Many of them are, but not the Ultimate Gift. This is all going in accordance to his grandfathers wishes as part of his test. Something the entire family can watch without stressing out over vulgar additions that normally ruin a film in the first place. Hadly any movie these days can please all of us. The whole movie is touching but the ending really hits home. 162 Pages. The Ultimate Gift a movie produced in 2006 by Michael O. The film deals with the subject of religion tangentially, as two characters discuss the idea of an afterlife. I was in a 100 person auditorium with 2 other people this morning, which is kind of sad. 5.Showed me where stand my life. Bottom line is this: the only way you might find this movie entertaining is if you fit into on of three categories. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. Emilys good-natured name-calling includes loser and hoser.. Potentially a 10+ movie, 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. I'd happily watch it again. When we saw it everyone around us loved it. When he tries to see where his father was killed, he is kidnapped himself. Drew Fuller was superb as someone you want to hate but end up liking. The script is new and fresh and I haven't seen any movie alike. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Spoiled trust beneficiary playboy Jason Stevens is angry with his incalculably rich grandfather Red Stevens, and with his own life. Why was Jason selected for the Ultimate Gift, meet with Mr. Hamilton at the first of every month to receive an element, What happens if Jason is too much trouble. Spoiler alert! Strange that it has an over 7 average rating here, a nearly 5 star rating on Netflix! Anyway, we know what's going to happen from the moment that Jason arrives late for his grandfather's funeral. But mysteriously, he has a special message, on DVD, for his grandson Jason (Drew Fuller). Directed by Michael O. Based on the best-selling book "The Ultimate Gift" by Jim Stovall, the story sends trust fund baby Jason Stevens on an improbable journey of discovery, having to answer the ultimate question: "What is the relationship between wealth and happiness?" Jason had a very simple relationship with his impossibly wealthy Grandfather, Howard "Red" Stevens. His trendy girlfriend, Caitlin, ditches him when his credit card is rejected at a fancy restaurant, and none of his friends are willing to give him a place to stay despite him having done so many favors for them in the past. Great family movie. The drug dealers drink hard liquor straight from bottles (and are later shown passed out). To begin, the acting was nothing short of horrific. Their stories sometimes feel clunky and self-serving. This is a great idea- a spoiled angry rich kid who's taught the meaning of life. I agree with another post that Drew Fuller could have done a better job. The Ultimate Gift is a film from Fox studio's Fox Faith division which produces only movies with evangelical Christian values. 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. One of those is a grandson, Drew Fuller, who seems no better than the others. It is the story of a young man, Jason, whose grandfather has just died. Emily's a young girl with terminal cancer. Seorang lelaki yang menderita pemisahan kronik daripada isterinya seperti pedagang kemb. He learned that money wasnt always there when he needed it and that money is earned through hard work and dedication to your job, also relating to value in work. Family was a main part because family raises you to become who you are and that they also support you in what you are doing if its right to them. I think that the main thing that is illustrated by his use of putting his feeling in his chara during his childhood and adolescence by trying his hardest to been seen as he is, a smart, Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D. and William D. Danko, Ph.D. wrote The Millionaire Next Door, which is a highly informative book about what it takes to become wealthy. Drew Fuller's inexperience shows itself from time to time, as he plays Jason Stevens, the spoiled grandson of a deceased billionaire whose expectations from the will are put off while he is led through several tasks designed to make him a better person. Ground rules for the gift are. He uses his paycheck from that job to cover a medical bill for Alexia. A very unlikable young man is awakened by his boss using a cattle prod, left without resources to fend for himself on the streets, and is captured, beaten, and threatened with death by drunken drug dealers. Firstly, there was nothing religious in it at all except for a mention of a church near the very end. Why isnt he at least interested in getting money for the Gringo, who told him, that he has a rich family?) En route, Jason meets a series of helpful folks, including Gus (Brian Dennehy), a rancher who has Jason set a lot of fence posts so that he can experience the rewards of manual labor. If we all were this sacrificial, the work would indeed be a better place. Perhaps they were trying to "kill" the movie in its first week due to low sales by purposely keeping it off the marquee. When Jason goes to visit her in the hospital, he finds her in the Red Stevens Wing. [6], On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, The Ultimate Gift holds an approval rating of 33% based on 60 reviews, with an average rating of 5.20/10. We are starting to go again with Fireproof, Courageous, The Help, etc. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME. It was very inspirational! Only Emily (Abigail Breslin) is willing to befriend him sleeping on a park bench. 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. Because the process of learning begins at that point, Where are Mr. Hamilton, Ms. Hastings, and Jason going on their trip, What was the building that Mr. Hamilton took Jason to visit. I wouldn't watch it again or rave about it, but it was nice enough and not insufferable. Based on the best-selling book The Ultima. What did Red Stevens and Gus Caldwell do for each other when they were concerned about the other not making it as a rancher? 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. Samara's other friend catches Emily giving Zoey her number and then later tells Samara . Jason is finally given money but it's only pay from the work with Gus. I am sad to see that the box office receipts for this movie were so low. The parents' guide to what's in this movie. There are very few movies that can really move you to tears. But the movie is far from great. 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! Christian references that were never explained in context, but just enough to get the "Fox Faith" production approval. I am sorry I paid $10 to see it. When Jasons apartment is taken from him, he suggests moving in with her. However, if you enjoy all these sugar-sweet generic dramas, you might enjoy it. The ending was overly sappy, and the actors handled it badly. And what a great investment that living room sofa for the night would have been! He has videotaped an elaborate will. Garner also views the fortune he made as a trust that carries obligations and he wants Fuller to appreciate that fact as well. And sometimes that's enough. The plots revolved around discoveries in people's lives we can easily relate to, leading us to reflect on what values we hold dear. This is too bad because it does have a good message and it tells an inspiring story. If you didn't get the message about what the lessons were (what, were you getting more popcorn? The story was nice to an extent, Jason became a better man at the end of the movie. Abigail Breslin gives a wonderfully understated performance as a child who meets our young hero in the park with his mother. What illness does Emily have in Jim Stovalls novel The Ultimate Gift. Not so much here, however. I don't know which was worst- the completely unnecessary romance or the lead characters' on and off bouts of conscience. I'm lucky that he gave me some of these gifts in real life instead of from beyond the grave. Unfortunately, it has all the grit and depth of one of those Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas-miracle tales that crop up on TV with alarming regularity every holiday season. They went to Texas and Emily said it was the perfect day another gift. (at around 23 mins) Jason has been talking to Mr. Hamilton when Mr. Hamilton turns away and leaves. I rarely write reviews, but the level of negativity thrown at it during the initial preview back in 2007 made me decide to add my 2 pence. A month toiling at hard manual labor on a cattle ranch teaches him the value of work, while the removal of all his material possessions leads him to the gift of true friendship. The Ultimate Gift, a drama directed by Michael O. Sajbel and released in 2006, tells the story of a thoroughly spoiled and rebellious man Jason, whose dying grandfather decides to put him through a series of obstacles, leading to what he calls 'the ultimate gift'. With James Garner Bill Cobbs Lee Meriwether George Lee. Planning a Funeral During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Funeral Options During the Pandemic; Attending a Funeral; When a Funeral Isn't Possible or Is Delayed; Supporting Friends and Family When a Funeral Isn't Possible; Grief During the Pandemic. 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. Some of his deliveries are so terrible, they are hilarious. Even the cinematography was something that you see done better on an episode of "Mythbusters!" ENOUGH SAID! Well acted movie with some great names starring. The Ultimate Gift. This movie is a rollercoaster. 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. All rights reserved. And even though hes struggled to forgive his grandfather for a plane crash that killed his father (near that village), a friend of Reds tells Jason, He had one desire and one desire alone: To ask your forgiveness.. 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. This simple, profound movie can help change your heart. I actually think this film is my favourit movie, and thats saying a lot seeing as I say I have a lot of "favourit" films and I am a film student. 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. But the value of friendship is the important moral of this story and worth working through a few of those tears. Copyright 2023 Archdiocese of Atlanta. It certainly sends out a true message of hope & love for all of mankind. I, on the other hand, found this film's plot to be too contrived and irksome. I saw the first Sunday showing of "The Ultimate Gift" at my local AMC here in Northern Virginia and I enjoyed it immensely. [Jason finds Emily in a hospital church, sitting before a statue of Jesus with welcoming arms raised]. It was one of those types of movies that is completely predictable, and actually manages to be somewhat insulting to those of us that don't pride ourselves on our religious beliefs. Jasons journey takes him to South America where he is kidnapped by outlaws. This movie is both sweet and meaningful, yet is could have been much better. We know hes going to be humbled, but the way it goes down doesnt strain credulity (apart from his Ecuadorian kidnapping, which feels like something out of MacGyver). He decides to pay Alexia's rent. It's a Christmas movie. On a scale of 1 to 10, The Ultimate Gift, rates a: 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. Out of ten, I would rate it two for acting, four for direction, five for music, four for plot and eleven for Breslen. I saw it at a special screening for State Officers for the National FFA Organization and the movie was amazing! But the film doesn't show us how and why and when they fall in love. I first got this film out of the video store last year because i wanted to see what Drew Fuller was like outside of his role in Charmed. Michael O. Sajbel fails to give the book the film adaptation it deserves, and it shows. Here's what this movie did to me: 1.Pulled me in. So if you're a non-believer this might seem Christian but it totally misses the mark as an evangelistic movie. Whether you buy The Ultimate Gift movie on DVD, VHS, or in blue ray form for under 10.00 USD$, it is a rare gem for parents or relatives who want to protect their legacy of hard work, wealth, and teach moral ethics to their present and future descendants. I don't read much, but the book that inspired this piece of true art is going to my shelf soon after i eat all the pages.I Recommend for you to see this movie in the company of your family. Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) is a spoiled rich kid. Per Gus instructions, Jason finds himself digging fence-post holes in the middle of nowhere. It's fitting to contrast cinematic dramas such as these with what I decried in so much modern fare with my previous review of Dark Knight. COVID-19 Grief Guide; Mourner's Bill of Rights; Grieving Alone and Together Booklet; Atravesar el Duelo . However, what really "spoiled" the movie (and almost made me give it a 1 or 2) was that Jason comes close to making up with his ex-girlfriend near the end! 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. The Ultimate Gift (2006) was directed by Michael O. Sajbel. 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. 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. Besides the religious aspect, there was the extreme heavy-handedness. No, there's no gore, sex twists or terrorist plotsjust a story that anyone who's ever been part of a family will not only want to see but tell others about. The need to be reminded of the purpose of life and the need to find your true role in it was poignantly illustrated. Answer: Emily Emily was the little girl in this movie played by Abigail Breslin. The Ultimate Gift doesnt always avoid these pitfalls but it does manage to choose the right mallet. I also noted that my local AMC didn't have it on the big board of show times at the box office, which I found odd. It's that good. Her character may be brash but she really makes sense. And we all need that, especially nowGrady Harp. Great movie. I cry very easily during movies, yet this movie, which was supposed to be a tearjerker did not bring a single tear. This awkward set-up typifies the problems with this script. Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is an elegant and engaging morality story because it's interesting, with well-developed characters. But Jason's grandfather had other ideas planned for him. This movie had everyone laughing and most people even crying (yeah, i don't cry and it got a tear or two). I asked the author of the book about this, and he said it was completely coincidental. I gave it a 10 because on how organized the movie is and how good the actors were. Why was Jason selected for the Ultimate Gift. It managed to take a 'Brewsters Millions' theme and turn it into something far more emotional, a drama rather that a comedy. Emily: My dream? Another lesson at the expense of legalities? I thank God for His ultimate sacrifice and His free gift of salvation. What it takes to be a truly unique, caring individual whose inner soul really understands the gifts that we are all given. What gift did Jason learn about through this process? Finally, I thought, an adult 'coming of age film' with a nice twist and good potential. Red seems to have held out hope for his grandson Jason, however. The acting is wooden, predictable, forgettable. There are many of these "gifts." God Bless. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. The story plays out as a mystery. 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