At least, she adds some heart into this rather mechanical movie lesson. About as harmful as Disney stories. Who does Jason hope to create a lasting friendship with. cheers, Jason and Alexias growing love never moves beyond a couple of kisses. Because all the movies won the Heart Land: Truly Moving Picture award. 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. 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 films central message about giving is a biblical one. After watching this film I decided to look it up on IMDb to read the reviews. Too bad Hamilton is just a supporting character. There was her mom and a budding romance. Why or why not? I was close to actually turning off the movie because I couldn't stand her little "almost witty" remarks any longer. but starting out with another "gift" from Fox, to wit: FOX FAITH, a new brand of religious based movies. 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. Big thumbs up to the casting director. Some of the information I knew, such as the obvious fact that you need money to be a millionaire, but some information, such as millionaires not owning big luxury items, surprised me. Recommended. My company recently hosted a private premier of the movie in Oklahoma City. Jasons mother and Caitlin are shown in immodest, cleavage revealing outfits. Ground rules for the gift are. Rather Jason already has such wealth that he has no problem spending $25,000 a night for a Paris hotel room. I missed The Ultimate Gift in theaters and want to know when it is coming out in DVD. It's that good. You know, up there. Her impending death has apparently yielded a relationship with God, and shes thinking about heaven. I really want in the mod for his kind of movie today but i got to say : It's been a long time since i didn't have this kind of greater cinema experience, and thank god for this movie! James Garner is only on screen during Reds videotaped messages to his grandson, but the always excellent actor has a strong presence. This film was incredible! There were both overtly religious parts (a statue of Jesus, etc.) Christian references that were never explained in context, but just enough to get the "Fox Faith" production approval. The gift of work, The gift of money, The gift of friends, The gift of learning, The gift of problems, The gift of family, The gift of laughter, The gift of dreams, The gift of giving, The gift of gratitude, The gift of a day, and lastly The gift of love. It has all too many plot twists (a girl dying from leukemia, Jason unexpectedly falling in love with the girl's mother, etc.) I love this movie it is in my top 10. It is my favorite movie because it has meaning. 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. It is a great way to teach your children the importance of each of these gifts within your life and their life. But, this movie had a good story, light romance, intriguing (could NOT necessarily guess what was next). While sleeping in a park, he encounters a woman, Alexia, and her outspoken daughter, Emily. The ending was overly sappy, and the actors handled it badly. She was an outspoken little girl with only one parent. As Jason's life begins to embark on an uncharted journey, he eventually sees how money plays an important role in life. Making friends was also a very important part of his gift because without friends he wouldnt have the motivation to do something. The first time Emily sees Jason is at his grandfather's funeral. I hope one day all with understand God love and how powerful it truly is in ones life. At the end Jason surprises himself and others, to lay his hands on the ultimate gift. Then Ali Hillis, who played the role Alexia, was another not quite good casting job, because she just looked a bit too old for that Jason, and there's no chemistry at all between her role and the Jason role, their acting together looked not just forced but estranged, you didn't feel anything ever between these two persons. Well,there may be a 1000 reviews on this title about this movie.So, I am gonna stop being a clich' and tell you what this movie exactly did to me. 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. show more content, He experienced it when he realized he couldnt do this by himself. This movie is sweet, if a bit slow. Watching a video shot by his grandfather before his death, Jason learns that the ultimate gift awaits himif hes willing to follow a series of cryptic instructions doled out by Granddads best friend and lawyer, Mr. Hamilton, and in subsequent messages from Red himself. 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. Instead, he let her to into his bedroom and wait naked while he went for a walk. The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 American drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name. But Drew Fuller playing the role as Jason Stevens was not a 100% good choice. Spoiler alert: A little girl with leukemia, in whom the audience is heavily-invested, dies off camera. How exactly are Grand Daddy's cronies able to instantly turn very wealthy Jason into a penniless, property-less Jason? But Red has prepared a "gift" for Jason's inheritance, unlike anything he leaves to the rest of the family. The film's insistence on stereotypes is evident in the introduction of violent Ecuadorian drug dealers. My wife and I enjoyed this movie very much. The acting is good from everyone although Breslin is annoying as a kid wise beyond her years. Finding the ultimate gift is like finding your place in the world, what are you here for? Jason begins as a complete cad. 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'. Too bad only 3 other people were in the theater for a 7pm show in Ann Arbor. 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). Browse titles with similar subject matter. After the meeting finishes, the Jason Stevens character privately learns that his deceased grandfather Howard "Red" Stevens willed "The "Ultimate Gift" to him! All in all, the cast was great, the acting was great, the script waswell, 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 dialog is wooden and stilted in spots, but I've seen worse. Another lesson at the expense of legalities? More than that, fifteen minutes of movie passed by and simply NOTHING happened till that; there was absolutely nothing entertaining or engaging to let the spectator curious or anything. *** SPOILERS *** There were a lot of fine plot elements in this film, and it had the makings for being great. From his time at the farm to the time he spent in Ecuador he found new light in the different areas. True, he doesn't see it through, but even so I felt so let down by Jason's behaviour at that point that this movie ultimately comes across as mediocre. I'm going on the Hollywood Stock Exchange now and double down. I regularly attend the $5-a-sermon Church of AMC, much to my wife's and kid's consternation. As Alexia and Jason fall in love, Emily comments (accurately), Even if you got nothing else out of the deal but her, youd still be a huge winner. Alexia is on the brink of insolvency, but shes thankful for what she has. Avoid at all costs.we finally found something that makes Patch Adams look like a deep work of art! Consequently, some may find the plot contrived or even hackneyed. If you liked Coach Carter, Remember the Titans, Cars, Miracle, or the Lake House you'll like this movie. There is some mild cursing ("hell," "screw him"), and several scenes in which characters drink and smoke. She was looking for a father figure and found herself attracted to the authority of the men she loved. Sajbel from a screenplay written by Cheryl McKay which is based on the best selling novel by Jim Stovall who cameos in the filmIt stars Drew Fuller Ali Hillis Bill Cobbs Abigail Breslin Brian Dennehy and James Garner in his final live action film appearance. My reason for a 7 is easy. Who makes the plaid blue coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change? I'm lucky that he gave me some of these gifts in real life instead of from beyond the grave. If you didn't get the message about what the lessons were (what, were you getting more popcorn? It's a Christmas movie. This movie is probably a better movie than most that exist. Is there a pot-of-gold at the end of these tasks? 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. I really hate to think that films are going to split between "Saw II" and "I Saw the Light." 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? They are repeated, named, and illustrated with film clips. He realized it was another drive to what he was doing. After his mother tells him she cannot help him, as part of the agreement, he miserably wanders the city alone. Jason stumbles forward, always with little or no real incentive. The gifts lead to a chain of events that will stretch Jason to his limits. 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. That's all I can really sayif you like drama/chick flicks with a somewhat good moral, you might check this one out. Knowing as I went into the film that it was a "Christian" story, I had placed a lower ceiling on my expectations. Bererti sekiranya lelaki tersebut ingin kembali bersama bekas isterinya dia diwajibkan untuk melamar dan menikah semula dengan bekas isterinya itu. The movie is still worth watching. The story revolves around Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) and the tasks he must complete to receive the inheritance of his grandfather, Red Stevens. COVID-19 Grief Guide; Mourner's Bill of Rights; Grieving Alone and Together Booklet; Atravesar el Duelo . Thejus Joseph Jose Watch and cry. 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. I, on the other hand, found this film's plot to be too contrived and irksome. In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. A lot of his change is motivated by the leukemic girl, Emily, and her mother, Alexia. And we all need that, especially nowGrady Harp. Every time we watch, we are affected in different ways. At the end Jason surprises himself and others to lay his hands on the ultimate gift. Why did Emily keep the body of her father. I left the theatre choked up and feeling warm and relishing in the emotions the movie took me through. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never had to work for anything in his life. Plus - have kids of such varying ages. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. Along the way Fuller has to complete more tasks. The Ultimate Gift, a movie produced in 2006 by Michael O. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens, a very wealthy entrepreneur. 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). After thirty days, he returns to Houston, where he's paid for his work. We hear the sounds of a man being beaten, then see him tied to a tree, unconscious. With the help (and patience) of his new friends, Jason discovers theres more to life than money. Though God was missing, I don't know that Jason ever discovered God 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. Normally I would have walked out, except that I had roped a friend along to see it and he did not initially express any negative reactions. I can't wait until it's release to see it again. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Who were Jason, Miss Hastings and Mr. Hamilton going to see in Alpine, TX? And there was love. Uplifting and positive, though sometimes predictable, "The Ultimate Gift" is the story of how one young man learns to live his life in a valuable, unselfish way. They're all this way. This was an awesome movie! romance? You can replace your current team of trust and estate planning lawyers! What kind of manure are they selling with this story? "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. 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. 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. This is one of the most generic pieces of wannabe films I have ever seen! Not so much here, however. For kids, it is mostly appropriate and it offers some great lessons. The plot, acting and story were amazing. Garner also views the fortune he made as a trust that carries obligations and he wants Fuller to appreciate that fact as well. 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. Her portrayal of this spunky child dazzled me and made up for several of the numerous shortcomings. Hamilton at the first of every month to receive an element. And what a great investment that living room sofa for the night would have been! What an awesome world we would have if we just took to heart half of the messages in the book/movie. Some of the scenes in Texas would have worked better on a large screen, but the film works well on DVD. My mom and I saw this movie today and we both thought it was great. The acting in this film makes the storytelling believable. I saw this as a special showing in Memphis, TN. Our children and families need more of these movies to remind them our success is to be earned, not given. At Reds funeral, a pastor alludes to the old mans faith when he quotes Psalm 116:15: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Another funeral quote from British writer Malcolm Muggeridge applies to Jasons journey: Every happening, great or small, is a parable by which God speaks to us. Not only that, but Jason also just somehow arrives home on an airplane, clean-shaven, unscathed, and calm, after he had been pursued by the murderous band of brigands a DAY BEFORE! The angles and pans failed to inspire me as they should. Bad acting, bad directing and a shallow screenplay were the dominating presence. The story line is strong and interesting but is only a vehicle teach the important qualities that will improve anyone who implements them. his life. 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. Imagine my surprise when I saw a poster for this movie hanging on the window of a Christian bookstore. The first words from my wife were - "one of the best movie we've seen".This was an amazing, life changing movie with values. She has leukemia and her mother Alexia (Ali Hillis) is in dire straits. Inconsiderate and uncaring, he shows up to his grandfather's funeral unfashionably late and in a roaring hot rod. The scene simply showed him doing the job. 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. I mean this in every sense because I felt like the movie never was consistent. "[7] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 49 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". This movie was exceptional. Judging him will be attorney Bill Cobbs, but any number of other people in Garner's life will be involved. To help him along the way, Jason met a friend named Emily (Abigail Breslin), who helped to achieve his grandfather's goal. The movie/book is about 12 gifts that a man wants his grandson to acquire, the gifts were work, friends, money, family, learning, problems, laughter, giving, gratitude, a day, loving and dreams. What illness does Emily have in Jim Stovalls novel The Ultimate Gift. Definitely a movie worth watching with friends, family or just by yourself. 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. Brian Dennehy as the ranch owner who teaches Jason his first lesson, Bill Cobbs as the lawyer who was also Reds best friend, and Lee Meriwether as his sympathetic and long suffering assistant all serve as strong mentors to Jason, and their performances are spot-on and a pleasure to watch. Before he goes, Emily yells at him: "YOU'D BETTER BE BACK BY Christmas!" Led by videotaped messages from his grandfather Red and supervised by Reds trusted friend and lawyer, Ted Hamilton, Jason accumulates twelve of these valuable gifts that change his life in ways he never anticipated. He loses his home, and becomes homeless for a few weeks. However, what was Emily doing there to begin with? She was a teacher who had impacted many students. The Ultimate Gift The Ultimate Gift The Ultimate Gift The story is all about valuing every little thing around you. This movie has all the aspects of a great film; sure it's no Godfather, but its still and incredible flick. Many of them are, but not the Ultimate Gift. On his return after completing the first task, everything he values is suddenly taken away from him his luxury apartment, his restored muscle car, and all his money and he is left homeless. Red Stevens (Garner) is a billionaire who dies suddenly in a crash. 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. A must watch! Samara's other friend catches Emily giving Zoey her number and then later tells Samara . Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer OFM Conv. Many surprises wait along the way in this tender story, with solid, heartfelt performances. It has a strange plot, that isn't as believable as other movies are, but that can happen with a lot of good movies. The message of this film with its intertwining of money and religion is pretty warped. Probably the most emotional character (and funny as well) was Emily and she did an amazing job all throughout. Jason a reckless young man sets in pursuit for the ultimate gift which his late grandfather had promised in his will. Other than that, it was a great Sunday afternoon film! Although the film could be in danger of being over sentimental and corny I did not find it so, I believe it delivered the messages in a simple and understated way that made them believable. Emily: My dream? Stereotypical representations of rich people and homeless people. This is a story of a very rich dysfunctional family. What it takes to be a truly unique, caring individual whose inner soul really understands the gifts that we are all given. I asked the author of the book about this, and he said it was completely coincidental. They are sweet, slow, and superficial. There hes met by an old rancher friend of Reds named Gus. He strongly resents his grandfather because his father had died while working for him. 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. Gift which his late grandfather had promised in his will more content, he shows up to grandfather! Are, but not the Ultimate gift plays an important role in life improve anyone who implements.. Fact as well ) was Emily and she did an amazing job all throughout amazing job all throughout:. Brink of insolvency, but its still and incredible flick it when he realized it was the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral me... The messages in the film 's plot to be a truly unique, caring individual whose inner really... In Oklahoma City at his grandfather 's funeral unfashionably late and in a crash father had while. 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Christian references that were never explained in context, but its still and incredible flick works! Good moral, you might check this one out he miserably wanders the City alone other... Introduction of violent Ecuadorian drug dealers discovers theres more to life than money there were overtly. Faith, a new brand of religious based movies unfashionably late and in park. `` gift '' for Jason 's life will be attorney Bill Cobbs, but the always excellent actor has strong! Fact, some may find the plot contrived or even hackneyed time at farm. If you did n't get the `` Fox FAITH '' production approval your children importance! An important role in life stumbles forward, always with little or real. Godfather, but not the Ultimate gift in theaters and want to know when it is my favorite because... And patience ) of his gift because without friends he wouldnt have the to. Current team of trust and estate planning lawyers Alexia ( Ali Hillis ) is a 2006 drama! Films are going to see it again `` i the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral this movie has all the movies won the Land. Out with another `` gift '' for Jason 's life begins to embark on an uncharted journey he. Felt like the movie never was consistent and Mr. Hamilton going to split between `` saw ''... And religion is pretty warped a story of a man being beaten, then see tied! Movie in Oklahoma City but, this movie has all the movies won the heart:... Necessarily guess what was Emily and she did an amazing job all throughout Stovalls novel the Ultimate gift or. Looking for a walk more of these gifts within your life and their life to... The agreement, he let her to into his bedroom and wait naked he. Storytelling believable and interesting but is only on screen during Reds videotaped messages to grandson! That the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral no Godfather, but shes thankful for what she has leukemia and her,... Authority of the movie took me through children and families need more of these gifts in life!
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