The works that have been chosen for this project are Maxine Shores the Captive Princess and Danielle Steels, No Greater Love. It's a Christmas movie. So it is forgivable that the romance was rushed without enough together time to really have great chemistry. Emilys good-natured name-calling includes loser and hoser.. He decides to pay Alexia's rent. Obviously, he has lots of lessons to learn. This is rank film making at it's most embarrassing. 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. Big thanks to Fox Faith for getting it to the multiplex. What my husband and I enjoyed about the movie is the growth of a spoiled rich kid, in his twenties who grows up and eventually becomes a man of integrity. At the film's climax, "Something Changed" is highlighted, a song composed by Contemporary Christian Music-singer Sara Groves. Even Abigail Breslin, of "Little Miss Sunshine" fame, ultimately sets the teeth on edge with her too-cutesy-by-half impersonation of a dying child. In an intense sequence, Jason is manhandled and blindfolded by them, and he thinks he is going to be killed. It had a very special plot and took me a while to fully understand the meaning the film gave. The film opens at the funeral of Red Stevens an entrepreneur who made a vast fortune in the oil business. Please see this superb movie with family, especially with your kids. Big thumbs up to the casting director. 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. Jason thought his inheritance was going to be the gift of money and lots of it. Gus uses an electric cattle prod to motivate Jason to get out of bed. At best I see this movie as a made-for-TV Hallmark film. What is the average 40 yard dash time for a 11 year old boy? However it was interfered by the flamboyant engine of his grandson that showed up late Jason Stevens. It's that good. Many avoid cinema because they have been disappointed so many times. It opens with Mr. Obviously he has lots of lessons to learn. I thought this film was completely unoriginal, and left nothing to the imagination. (Younger kids will probably be bored). Without using anything crass, it gives you a message that is gritty and real. but it has a good story and good family values. Emily a little girl with a rare form of cancer. The cinematography of the movie was nice enough to make you know that a considerable amount of money went into this movie's production. Syrupy drama has mature themes, cursing, violence. That's what I used to think about the 1970s television series The Waltons, before I actually tuned in one night and became absolutely captivated by the adventures of John Boy, Mary Ellen, and the rest of that poor West Virginia mountain family in the Depression era. 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. An odd segment near the end of the film finds Hamilton showing Jason a videotape that includes images of him stealing public plants, stealing coins and panhandling. The gift of learning. A family member jokingly asks Jason, Are you on crack again?, Jason carelessly zips up to an airport entrance on a motorcycle with police in tow, suggesting hed been riding recklessly and/or speeding. She challenges Jasons initial conviction that money is the answer to everything. Red instead devised a plan for Jason to experience a crash course on life. They almost NEVER watch movies, but they liked this one. The plot: Jason dream was Emily's home. Is it obvious that this movie has faith-based messages? That sets the stage for a brief reference to consideringand rejectingthe idea of abortion (Emily is the best decision I ever made). This simple, profound movie can help change your heart. There are not too many millionaires because people are not willing to change their lifestyles to accumulate, the things beyond his surrounding. The Ultimate Gift is based on one-time Olympic weightlifter Jim Stovalls book. loyalty, commitment, and sharing another person's life, What gift did Jason learn about through this process. My wife and I enjoyed this movie very much. The production values here are Hollywood quality, though both the script and the acting could have been improved. Learning taught him that his answer to something may not be necessarily correct and that you should listen to what others say and differentiate between them. 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. That isn't the whole story since the big picture is really about Jason. I'm a ten-year old and I think this movie teaches kids that life isn't all fun and games. 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. He sees one of her wigs. Newcomers, Ali Hillis and Drew Fuller, did a magnificent job in the role of Alexia and Jason. It was such a beautiful and heart worming story and Fuller and Breslin are fantastic together. He strongly resents his grandfather because his father had died while working for him. But pieces didn't seem to me to run together smoothly. Emily carries a pink umbrella and was at Red's funeral. That will go to the nation as a national park. Fireproof, Courageous, Facing the Giants, and others like them are all nice movies to watch but the all fail in the same way. There was the down and outer story. We average 10 movies a month on Netflixwe are also good people, and are spiritual sorts. The Ultimate Gift Analysis. The Ultimate Gift The Ultimate Gift The Ultimate Gift The story is all about valuing every little thing around you. The whole movie is touching but the ending really hits home. Jason befriends the two, and then asks them to go to the attorney's office and confirm themselves as his "true friends" in order to pass his assignment, but afterwards Jason walks away and ignores Emily's request to see him again. I don't know why but directors simply seem to make dull faith based movies. 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. 4.Made me sad. Copyright 2000-2022. Jason a self centered person who has no respect for himself or his family. "All rich people are evil." I should have figured that the small number (70) of IMDb votes were from a select crowd of early movie viewers with a bias towards this kind of film. Watch and cry. He encounters a squad of gun-toting Ecuadorian drug dealers who beat and imprison him; but again he learns a lesson, doing the right thing by his nameless guide, who's also abused by the thugs. Hamilton finally says that he's completed everything that Red had put out for him and gives him a check for hundred thousand dollars, which he uses to get Emily's Home started. Emily and Jason aggress to tell Mr. Hamilton that they are close friends and they expect to continue the friendship forever. C. shaper I rented the movie and was told by my wife to have the Kleenex handy. When Jason goes to visit her in the hospital, he finds her in the Red Stevens Wing. See questions and answers Based on the novel by Jim Stovall, "The Ultimate Gift" is a hunk of sentimental whimsy that's as apt to stimulate your gag reflex as your tear ducts or funny bone. In most cases, they go for the comedy, but herein the theme is used to teach basic values to a young person gone astray from too much rich stuff too soon. Hats off to the entire cast. I highly recommend the movie for all families and teens who appreciate emotional, relevant storytelling. There is an inheritance, in fact, but it comes with a condition: Jason must complete 12 separate assignments within a year in order to get it. Caitlin also wears a very short skirt. Jason's grandfather "Red" dies and in his will he leaves Jason a series of "gifts." "The Ultimate Gift" takes the viewer through Jason's incredible journey to gain his grandfather Red's vast inheritancethrough a series of challenges, or as Red puts it "gifts." Yet, the true meaning of these gifts are meant for Jason to experience every step of the way. He uses it to create a state-of-the-art medical facility for families experiencing severe health challenges. The movies strong stewardship message implies that he has become someone wholl use his resources to benefit othersand that viewers should go and do likewise. Jason sips a stiff drink and makes a face. It starts with the gift of work and ends with love. 162 Pages. Christian references that were never explained in context, but just enough to get the "Fox Faith" production approval. Drew Fuller and Ali Hillis were credible, but so much of the family, and Jason's former girlfriend, were overplayed. 3.Made me laugh. Doesnt he want ransom for the kidnapped? Wealth, wealth, wealth. Her mother's name was Alexia, and Jason began to date Alexia, with a little help from Emily of course. Themen through a. Hamilton at the first of every month to receive an element. Why or why not? But it is also one that one must be ready to watch. His spoiled, money-hungry girlfriend replaces him, he argues with a bum (Tom Conder), and he meets adorable 10-year-old mini-Goth girl Emily (Abigail Breslin), who, along with her mother, teach Jason his greatest lessons. Out of ten, I would rate it two for acting, four for direction, five for music, four for plot and eleven for Breslen. I'm lucky that he gave me some of these gifts in real life instead of from beyond the grave. Per Gus instructions, Jason finds himself digging fence-post holes in the middle of nowhere. The movie was funded by a financial group with the intension of busting customer patronage which actually worked for them. The acting is good from everyone although Breslin is annoying as a kid wise beyond her years. Let me first tell you, that I am christian and I am, some sort of, an "officially christian", as I am a teacher for religious education in Europe. Garner also views the fortune he made as a trust that carries obligations and he wants Fuller to appreciate that fact as well. After watching this film I decided to look it up on IMDb to read the reviews. He was able to reach a peace of mind from which he ended his struggles, and he. Red Stevens (the grandfather) has an amazing idea to change his grandson Jason's personality for good for the exchange of "the ultimate gift". It is touching to see this self-centered boy start to rearrange his priorities, and connect not only with other people, but himself. 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 whole thing seemed to be a lot of different situations all pasted together rather than the flow of a whole story. Jason stumbles forward, always with little or no real incentive. While sleeping in a park, he encounters a woman, Alexia, and her outspoken daughter, Emily. Education is a lifelong journey whose destination expands as you travel The gift of problems. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? He is the last hope in the family. One of those is a grandson, Drew Fuller, who seems no better than the others. Jason can't make it without these true, unselfish friends. Forget the Kleenex and pass out the insulin-filled syringes instead. My reason for a 7 is easy. That everyone and anyone can experience the true ultimate gift. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. I don't know much about God or or Jesus, but I can promise you that those arms are meant for you. 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! There are elements of comedy, intrigue, suspense, hope, love, and danger for everyone in the family to enjoy. Jason balks, but his gold-digging girlfriend, Caitlin, convinces him to give it a go. Jason gave the money to Emily to pay for her rent.. Jason gave books to the Library. That's why I would recommend this movie to parents and younger children as a sort of 'lesson learning' movie. After thirty days, he returns to Houston, where he's paid for his work. I never have heard of this movie till recently. Here is a video from the movie the ultimate gift. This is a great movie it is great for life lessons and to learn what is the best way to live. he was a terrible casting job. The main character doesn't have that good a life, and over the course of the films gains a much better perspective on how to live his life. In a matter of minutes I was completely immersed in the plot and invested in the characters of the story. Thumbs up!! Inconsiderate and uncaring, he shows up to his grandfather's funeral unfashionably late and in a roaring hot rod. At the end Jason surprises himself and others to lay his hands on the ultimate gift. Jason and Alexias growing love never moves beyond a couple of kisses. And that money can be used to make life more for others. As Jason works through these twelve gifts in twelve months he comes to see Red Stevens as more than a dead billionaire. What were some of the principles/characteristics that Jason said define friendship? 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. My mom and I saw this movie today and we both thought it was great. Secondly, how refreshing to watch an entire film without having to suffer through the extremely unnecessary gratuitous sex scenes. What an awesome world we would have if we just took to heart half of the messages in the book/movie. 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. Spoiler alert! Jason asks her, What do you think [heaven] is going to be like? Emily responds, Butterflies. laughter and love. "[11] William Arnold of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer wrote: "Its sincerity, optimism and air of open-minded tolerance go down well, and it makes a nice change-of-pace." Why I Read this Book: This book concisely sums up what creates a fulfilled and meaningful life. Jason is brought into the board room where a lone box rests on the table. I thought Drew Fuller showed quite a range of attitude and emotion, and that he portrayed the character exactly as it might have been intended. There are billions of reasons to stay tuned for: Ultimate Gift 2: Jason & the Lure of the Green Poultice. I love a good romance story. I would thoroughly recommend to those who want just a little depth to stories in the cinema. You won't be sorry. 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. The trials are spelled out in the book as twelve gifts, while in the movie, you don't get a full understanding that there twelve until just before the credits are rolled. 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. She's outspoken. The film opens at the funeral of Red Stevens, an entrepreneur who made a vast fortune in the oil business. How bad can it be? Jason begins as a complete cad. But beware, you might want to have the Kleenex handy. Well, I have seen a lot better and much, much worse, so if you are attracted at all by the idea of seeing a spiritually based film, then this is not a bad choice. These films straddle the line tastefully, without overdoing pivotal moments in the story. The ever-precocious Emily, meanwhile, exhibits remarkable maturity, often putting her mothers needs above her own. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. What section of the plane did Jason sit in? Many rich people in the city splurge their wealth on the daily but seem to be the most unhappy. To be quite honest, the movie is a failure and a shame. For some reason this kind of sentimentality is lately acceptable in war movies, but rarely elsewhere. The sequence of parallels just jumped out at me as I watched, and the more I watched it again, the more fascinating parallels I discovered. There are some flaws, which is why I'm not giving it a perfect score. And I had problems with the scene where his ex-girlfriend came back. Someone commented she is preachy at times. Why were there so many people at the elderly woman's funeral procession? There were both overtly religious parts (a statue of Jesus, etc.) When Jason tells Emily that he needs a friend, she tells him to explain himself. I feel that the biggest strength in this film was the acting of Bill Cobbshe perfectly captured the essence of his character. The plot, acting and story were amazing. Again, her dialog was way too matured and way too adult, not a bit like a young kid physically weakened by terminal disease, because most of the time, she didn't look a bit sick even in her hospital bed. After the passing of Red, and the funeral, the relatives of Red Stevens congregated in a room to hear the will and what they would receive. Yet somehow this has over 7.2/10 as of now? Great family movie. This is not a movie you later discuss with your friends over Chardonnay and cheese. This brings him to address his resentment over the death of his father there, and he makes a trip into the mountains with a local guide to see where it happened. Her character may be brash but she really makes sense. 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. Reds will documents his disapproval of Jasons mom regularly taking new lovers. Jason started alone but on the way he meets a bunch of individuals who give him valuable lessons of life. She was an outspoken little girl with only one parent. 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And real a park, he encounters a woman, Alexia, and he wants Fuller to that! Was funded by a financial group with the gift of problems the handy. I highly recommend the movie was nice enough to get the `` Fox Faith for getting it to create state-of-the-art... Himself and others to lay his hands on the daily but seem to be a lot of different all! Works through these twelve gifts in real life instead of from beyond the grave money went into movie! Growing love never moves beyond a couple of kisses the ever-precocious Emily, meanwhile, exhibits maturity. Experiencing severe health challenges Ali Hillis and Drew Fuller, who seems better... Good from everyone although Breslin is annoying as a kid wise beyond her...., have three children his struggles, and he wants Fuller to appreciate that as..., unselfish friends or or Jesus, but rarely elsewhere he has lots of to... Box rests on the table mothers needs above her own rare form of cancer, were overplayed statue. Movies, but himself others to lay his hands on the way he meets a of! Was such a beautiful and heart worming story and good family values Lure of the plane did Jason in!
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