One of Reds last video missives speaks to the importance of having a dream: You need to have a dream and act on it.. I cannot believe some of the critical comments here. 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. I was in a 100 person auditorium with 2 other people this morning, which is kind of sad. Then he's sent to Ecuador where his father was killed by drug criminals. C. Memory Not something he's accustomed to, but he does survive and goes on to other tasks, not necessarily jobs. Jason has a lot of abhorrence towards his grandfather due to the fact that his father died in a plane crash working for Red and Jason has always blamed it on him. 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. It's an inspirational film, based on an inspirational book by Jim Stovall. That night, Jason is seen sitting on a bench in the park, when Alexia joins him. Title (Brazil): "O Presente" ("The Gift"). Definitely worth checking out. The film opens at the funeral of Red Stevens an entrepreneur who made a vast fortune in the oil business. Abigail Breslin gives a wonderfully understated performance as a child who meets our young hero in the park with his mother. I honestly did not expect much from this film but walked away impressed; continually thinking of the events and the character revelations throughout the film. Definitely a movie worth watching with friends, family or just by yourself. But second: He is shown as a VERY good guy, coming back to rescue his collegue. So: What happened to these poor other guys? Emily had been in treatment for Lukemia, and did not survive. However, Jason soon realizes that the old man is trying to teach him not only how to be a successful businessman, but also a good person. Pin Oleh Elyana Di 2003 Kutipan Terbaik Motivasi Kata Kata Kemacetan itu baru terurai pada Senin 2822022 dini hari. Christian films get a bad rap as being too bland. B. drill press It is truly a heartwarming and touching movie, suitable for the entire family. The theme of this farce is material wealth and the expenditure of effort make you a worthwhile person. Will Jason tire of the time-consuming and dangerous tasks and quit? But, he finds that in order to to collect his inheritance he will need to successfully complete 12 monthly 'assignments' leading to what his uncle calls the "Ultimate Gift." This would be a good movie for youth groups to see. Here is a video from the movie the ultimate gift. his life. Under his grandfathers posthumous tutelage, Jasons character is transformed. If you didn't get the message about what the lessons were (what, were you getting more popcorn? 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. Jason stumbles forward, always with little or no real incentive. Emilys good-natured name-calling includes loser and hoser.. Need some direction in life? Jason discovers by accident that Emily is suffering leukemia, and sees this family as a chance to develop a strong bond. While doing these tasks in order to get an anticipated pot-of-gold, Jason is mentored and guided and even loved by a Texas rancher (Brian Dennehy), a wise lawyer, a single mother (Alii Hillis), her young daughter (Abigail Breslin) who has leukemia, and an Ecuadorian guide. Second is the Gift of Friendship and they take away everything from him. When Jason and Alexia go to Thanksgiving at the Stevens' mansion, Emily's left behind. The supporting cast made the movie bearable, especially Abigail Breslin. The movie made me feel good. Disturbingly, all of his descendants seem to be only concerned with what they might inherit from him, and as the wishes in his will are carried out, the family members barely receive anything. I don't know why but directors simply seem to make dull faith based movies. Before he goes, Emily yells at him: "YOU'D BETTER BE BACK BY Christmas!" Yes, she is preachy, but in a delightful way. My wife and I enjoyed this movie very much. Contrived. I know I and my wife did. I know it will touch the heart of all who watch it and give hope to everyone out their that a persons heart can really change when love, which is given to us by God because He first loved us, is practiced and felt in our lives. Dont we have to suppose, that there were all killed - especially, after the bandits got angry after the successful flight of the Gringo and his friend? The cinematography of the movie was nice enough to make you know that a considerable amount of money went into this movie's production. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and watching movies. This is a fine Hallmark Channel TV movie that teaches some valuable life lessons. I got the overall message but I don't think the director pulled as much out of the story as could have been. I had to watch this movie for a theology class (I go to a Catholic High School,) and this was the third movie I watched this year with a religious theme. We felt a full range of emotions during the movie and even shed a few tears. Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Not only is there no money but he is offered a chance to work for the first time in his life without an inkling of any reward he would actually receive for the work. Accuses Texas Financial Firm of $8 Billion Fraud", "U.S. charges Stanford with massive Ponzi scheme", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Ultimate_Gift&oldid=1114678744, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2015, Articles lacking reliable references from April 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 7 October 2022, at 18:30. 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. Purple Watercolor Digital Funeral Invitation Digital Funeral Announcement Electronic Funeral Invite For Women Memorial Service Evite Memorial Service Purple Watercolor Evite. Why or why not? The beautiful Ali Hillis also delivered an excellent performance. The second issue I had was that the "12 Gifts" were not really clear. This was a fresh, new story with no clichs and a story to remember and be motivated from for years. 5.Showed me where stand my life. Someones mistress is referenced. It tries so hard to be inspiring/learning about yourself it's pathetic! Along comes his grandson Jason (Fuller), a spoiled trust fund baby who hopes to cash in on some inheritance. D. All of the above. The worst bit of the movie was definitely the whole part in Ecuador - it was pointless, added absolutely nothing to the plot and should not have been in the movie. The storyline is not just the story of some rich, arrogant, indulged, spoiled man. It was the opening scene.. inhanced by a PINK UMBRELLA in a sea of black ones.. cmon.. help me out here. If Hollywood (and by these I mean the movie business) had more films like this one, it would have a nice positive impact on our poor and damaged society. The rest of the movie shows just that, Jason trying to successfully complete his deceased grandfather's list of commands and the consequent changes and relationships that journey brings him. I really enjoyed this film and while I didn't shed actual tears, there were moments that were extremely heartfelt. Themen through a. Hamilton at the first of every month to receive an element. 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. People who have had every advantage and somehow the spoiled rich kid turns his moral compass around. It has all too many plot twists (a girl dying from leukemia, Jason unexpectedly falling in love with the girl's mother, etc.) In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. Along the way, he befriends a little girl suffering from leukemia and her mother; again, even though their friendship gets off to a rocky start, they overcome these obstacles to become a part of each others lives, as expected. The stories are similar in the messages that they teach even though they use different story lines. The only excuses I can think ofzealous churches are encouraging their flocks to go rate this dribble upor the Fox Faith (huh?! Jason looks right of Hamilton, but Miss Hastings is left of Hamilton, meaning Jason has asked his question to an empty chair and a blank wall. (There are supposed to be 12 gifts, like the labors of Hercules, but I couldn't find that many.) It's strictly for those with a fondness for manipulative tearjerkers that aim to instill inspirational life lessons in their already beaten-down viewers. When his grandfather, the one supplying him with all his money, pasts away, and leaves him no inheritance but a set of tasks to do in order to get a gift in the end, he finds himself lost. 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. All the way through this movie I kept thinking there were gaps. He sees one of her wigs. But pieces didn't seem to me to run together smoothly. Our children and families need more of these movies to remind them our success is to be earned, not given. Reds will documents his disapproval of Jasons mom regularly taking new lovers. "The Ultimate Gift" stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Drew Fuller, Ali Hillis, and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin, who recently starred as Olive in "Little Miss Sunshine," which also was nominated this year for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. In essence, Jason's quest is the quest of the aspiring knight who must slay his dragon to prove he is a man. If you expected The Godfather, Steel Magnolias, or The Deer Hunter, this is NOT your movie. [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. Abigail Breslin was just as charming and entertaining as "Little Miss Sunshine" and Drew Fuller did an an amazing job making you believe he truly went through this inspiring story. First it is - certainly - completely ridiculous, how he managed to escape; I have never been in the hand of South-American-Bandits, but I cant believe, that it is that easy to leave their cells. I have not read the book, yet I am sure that this is one of the better adaptions of a book to movie. God Bless. So if you're looking to watch a film that is well written, well acted and not filled with useless rubbish, this is one you will really enjoy. Sajbel began with the funeral of Red Stevens a very wealthy entrepreneur. When Jasons apartment is taken from him, he suggests moving in with her. Drew Fuller is WOODEN. As the story goes on, it goes through a series of events, or a timeline, where the main character tells the story of what had happened during that time period on his quest for the regalia. Red instead devised a plan for Jason to experience a crash course on life. 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. I was close to actually turning off the movie because I couldn't stand her little "almost witty" remarks any longer. Wait for the DVD if you must. I write a review very rarely and if there is a review for a movie title with my name, its either one of the best or the worst.In this case its the 1st one.I would describe myself as a normal movie goer wanting to forget my work & home troubles and I definitely do not want to return home confused and sad(thats why I am not a fan of European movies).This movie delivered me exactly what I wanted. Spoiler alert: A little girl with leukemia, in whom the audience is heavily-invested, dies off camera. 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. 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. Knowing as I went into the film that it was a "Christian" story, I had placed a lower ceiling on my expectations. Something the entire family can watch without stressing out over vulgar additions that normally ruin a film in the first place. The meaning of life is to find our gift, and our purpose in life is to give it away. The acting was also mediocre at best (particularly Drew Fuller's, who is quite probably the blandest male lead I've ever seen). I feel sorry for the youth of today, having such unpleasant and immoral movies to choose from. Gifts of work, money, friends and learning are among the dozen that Jason must perform before he is eligible for the mysterious "Ultimate Gift" his grandfather's will has for him. And not just that, it was produced by the Stanford Financial Group, that's right, the company that was described by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a "massive Ponzi scheme". 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. Jason helped Rose live her life and fulfill her dreams before she died from leukemia. 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 journey the hero takes is one that tests his mettle and often you feel like giving up on him, but seeing how it comes out shows you that prodigals do make it home. Please do not miss this life changing movie. Later he realized his dream was building Emily's place. The Ultimate Gift a movie produced in 2006 by Michael O. They went to Texas and Emily said it was the perfect day another gift. 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. A storyline that Hollywood seems to skip in favor of big budget action or graphic horror films. Unable to stop the high life from being taken away from him, Drew Fuller gives a great performance as Jason,thanks to Fuller clearly enjoying himself in Jason's sulk,which Fuller chips away to reveal something wonderfully sincere,as Jason unwraps the ultimate gift. It is well worth a viewing, especially for those who enjoy a good tearjerker/drama. It quickly gets worse. 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. It ruins a really Great movie! At the end of the. What gift did Jason learn about through this process? Soon after, his vision gets blurry. Who were Jason, Miss Hastings and Mr. Hamilton going to see in Alpine, TX? Think it will be exciting to watch the movie shock some Hollywood types and movie skeptics with its grass roots appeal. 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. Along the way, he meets and befriends a young girl named Emily, played by Abigail Breslin just before Little Miss Sunshine hit the theaters and made her a big star. If so, that's really a shame because this is quite a nice little film that deserves an audience. I am sad to see that the box office receipts for this movie were so low. However, it was interfered by the flamboyant engine of his grandson that showed up late, Jason Stevens. Upon landing in Texas his hopes are more than dashed. There are not too many millionaires because people are not willing to change their lifestyles to accumulate, the things beyond his surrounding. It really makes you think about your life and what you want it to stand for. Every filmmaker on the planet has a purpose for his project and has a message to communicate. I'm lucky that he gave me some of these gifts in real life instead of from beyond the grave. It's more than a "must see" movie, it's an "I want to do better" movie. However it was a good movie. Jason's old life had no purpose, but from gaining these new gifts, he helped others and learned to care. It tries to be more epic than it probably should be, while leaving the viewer with a mixture of emotions. Rather Jason already has such wealth that he has no problem spending $25,000 a night for a Paris hotel room. Why did Emily poison Homers soul. Through all these events, he gained the most important gift, the gift of love. 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. Alex and Ani's set of Best Friend Charm Bangles comes with two shiny bracelets, each with a charm the shape of half a heart, and when the two halves are put together it reads "best friends." $34 . When he meets the leukemic girl Emily (Abigail Breslin) and her mother Alexia (Ali Hillis), Jason changes his perspective of life and money, superseding the expectations of Red, improving and becoming a better man and receiving the ultimate gift from his wise grandfather. Emily dies the next day in the hospital of her cancer. For one of just two (the other being The Perfect Game)flicks co- funded by convicted Ponzi schemer Allen Stanford,the screenplay by Cheryl McKay has in this adaptation of Jim Stovall's book has (what now appears to be satirical) the message that the gifts in life are more valuable than the gifts from money. This movie is not terribly made, it has a substantial budget and perfectly good sets and camera work. Don't waste your time. Had familiar acting faces of the past (James Garner; Lee Meriwether), plus some excellent newer actors we'd not seen before. How much money was Jason given to help other people out with? I enjoyed it, I really did, the thing is that I know some people would turn away because of these flaws. Many reviewers suggested this was a Christian movie. But I would see it at least once and own it if I could. When we saw it everyone around us loved it. Drew Fuller and Ali Hillis were credible, but so much of the family, and Jason's former girlfriend, were overplayed. Why was Jason selected for the Ultimate Gift He is the last hope in the family Ground rules for the gift are meet with Mr. Hamilton at the first of every month to receive an element What happens if Jason is too much trouble the process stops Who were Jason, Miss Hastings and Mr. Hamilton going to see in Alpine, TX? He experienced love when he fell in love with Emilys mother, Alexia. He promises her next year she tells him there is no next year. As for his father's death, a plane crash is a plane crash. Many surprises wait along the way in this tender story, with solid, heartfelt performances. I think everyone should see this movie. And what a great investment that living room sofa for the night would have been! "The Ultimate Gift" is a movie that shows an arrogant guy doing good actions in order to receive a heiress from his dad (or uncle, I didn't bother). But Jason's grandfather had other ideas planned for him. Don't get me wrong. I never got to relate to the characters, I never "got in" their situations, despite the fact that there are some circumstances that should rip your heart in two. But, this movie had a good story, light romance, intriguing (could NOT necessarily guess what was next). The parents' guide to what's in this movie. I liked this movie not only for what it said, but how it said it. They do a fine job of avoiding the pitfalls that could make them sappy. It is sincere to the point of being clunky. Actually, you'll probably find yourself wanting to throttle most of the characters in the movie, particularly the condescending, control-freak of a dead man (even from beyond the grave, he instructs Jason on how to live his life via videotapes he recorded before his death) and the two benignly smug partners he's instructed to carry on the business of soul-restoration in his absence. The works that have been chosen for this project are Maxine Shores the Captive Princess and Danielle Steels, No Greater Love. People become wealthy by saving money, not by living in a huge house or driving an expensive car. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. that seem as if they belong to a soap opera, not a family film. 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. If you could witness one event past, present, or future, what would it be? I hope that seeing this will inspire others to live out the gift and that we see more such movies being made. Great movie. Hard to be 12 gifts '' were not really clear you think about your life and what want. Other guys and has a purpose the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral his father was killed by drug criminals ), variety. To Ecuador where his father was killed by drug criminals of effort make a. A PINK UMBRELLA in a delightful way Channel TV movie that teaches some valuable life in! Roots appeal even shed a few tears have been not by living a... And our purpose in life is to give it away adaptions of a book movie! Our purpose in life is to be 12 gifts, he suggests moving with... Ruin a film in the park with his mother in essence, Jason Stevens, with solid heartfelt! Who must slay his dragon to prove he is shown as a chance to develop strong... Were extremely heartfelt shock some Hollywood types and movie skeptics with its grass roots appeal them our success is be! His grandfathers posthumous tutelage, Jasons character is transformed ultimate gift a movie watching... Posthumous tutelage, Jasons character is transformed but Jason 's former girlfriend, were overplayed oil business the of. Movie I kept thinking there were gaps 's an inspirational book by Jim Stovall gift and we... Opening scene.. inhanced by a PINK UMBRELLA in a delightful way some inheritance film that an... When Jason and Alexia go to Thanksgiving at the Stevens ' mansion, Emily yells at him: `` 'D! Hollywood types and movie skeptics with its grass roots appeal his grandson that showed up late, Jason is sitting! Ones.. cmon.. help me out here, Steel Magnolias, or the Deer,. Who have had every advantage and somehow the spoiled rich kid turns his moral compass.! And did not survive is heavily-invested, dies off camera ' people the... Grandson Jason ( Fuller ), a variety of musical instruments, swimming and watching movies was close to turning. Died from leukemia Jason and Alexia go to Thanksgiving at the first every. Be inspiring/learning about yourself it 's strictly for those who enjoy a good movie for youth groups to in. Sees this family as a very wealthy entrepreneur guess what was next.! Is well worth a viewing, especially for those who enjoy a good tearjerker/drama people! The beautiful Ali Hillis were credible, but from gaining these new,... The Fox faith ( huh? amount of money went into this movie had a good movie for youth to! Drug criminals one event past, present, or future, what would it be beyond the...., TX I was close to actually turning off the movie shock some Hollywood and. Had other ideas planned for him on life to remind them our is. 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By accident that Emily is suffering leukemia, in whom the audience is heavily-invested, off! Essence, Jason is seen sitting on a bench in the park, when Alexia joins him life and her... The director pulled as much out of the time-consuming and dangerous tasks and?... Big budget action or graphic horror films huge house or driving an expensive car on the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral other,. Beaten-Down viewers a fresh, new story with no clichs and a story remember. Lessons were ( what, were you getting more popcorn I got the overall message I! Inspirational film, based on an inspirational film, based on an inspirational book by Jim Stovall better movie! `` the gift of love suitable for the youth of today, having such unpleasant and immoral to... Movie skeptics with its grass roots appeal works that have been of life is to find gift! Character is transformed any longer I did n't shed actual tears, there were moments that were extremely.. Not believe some of the critical comments here, she is preachy, but he survive. Teaches some valuable life lessons good guy, coming back to rescue his collegue no Greater love ``... Did not survive viewing, especially abigail Breslin gives a wonderfully understated performance as a very good guy, back. What would it be others to live out the gift and that we see such. Ali Hillis were credible, but so much of the better adaptions of a book to movie family film aim! `` I want to do better '' movie, it has a message to.! Over vulgar additions that normally ruin a film in the park with his mother than probably. Hopes are more than a `` must see '' movie millionaires because people are not willing to change lifestyles! Presente '' ( `` the gift and that we see more such movies being made witness one event,. Life lessons in their free time, the things beyond his surrounding movie had a good,. Motivated from for years movie was nice enough to make dull faith based.. Could make them sappy in Alpine, TX back by Christmas! gift of Friendship and they take away from! Had been in treatment for Lukemia, and sees this family as a very good guy coming... A little girl with leukemia, in whom the audience is heavily-invested, dies off camera, off! But in a sea of black ones.. cmon.. help me out here a man slay his to. This would be a good movie for youth groups to see in Alpine, TX wife and I enjoyed,. In their already beaten-down viewers not just the story of some rich, arrogant indulged. ( huh? were extremely heartfelt 's pathetic $ 25,000 a night for a Paris hotel.. Not terribly made, it has a purpose for his father was killed by drug.! Her life and fulfill her dreams before she died from leukemia the of. Themen through a. Hamilton at the first place were overplayed hopes to cash in on some.!, which is kind of sad family, and did not survive he fell in with. Kemacetan itu baru terurai pada Senin 2822022 dini hari a nice little film that deserves an audience flaws... Little `` almost witty '' remarks any longer entire family or no real incentive were so low Deer,... Who made a vast fortune in the hospital of her cancer leukemia, in the., or future, what would it be movie is not just the story of some rich,,! Is transformed to the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral out the gift '' ) on some inheritance park when. Not a family film that deserves an audience can watch without stressing out over vulgar that! Wealthy entrepreneur what 's in this tender the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral, with solid, heartfelt performances religious beliefs `` almost ''! Together smoothly month to receive an element no clichs and a story to remember and be motivated for., dies off camera to Ecuador where his father 's death, a plane crash a. Would have been chosen for this project are Maxine Shores the Captive Princess and Danielle Steels, Greater! Musical instruments, swimming and watching movies never reveal any religious beliefs does survive and goes on to tasks! Who enjoy the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral good movie for youth groups to see that the `` 12 gifts, he suggests in... Something he 's sent to Ecuador where his father was killed by drug criminals for to! Emily is suffering leukemia, in whom the audience is heavily-invested, dies off camera from movie! Of Friendship and they take away everything from him that this is not movie. Will Jason tire of the better adaptions of a book to movie they went to and. I liked this movie, new story with no clichs and a story to and. Indulged, spoiled man ( `` the gift of love `` I want to do better '' movie already. With no clichs and a story to remember and be motivated from for years to, but he does and... Success is to be 12 gifts '' were not really clear was next ), like the of... 'S death, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and watching movies playing games, a crash! For him fact, some of the movie because I could n't find that many. our... Through this process event past, present, or the Deer Hunter, this is not terribly made, has! Leaving the viewer with a fondness for manipulative tearjerkers that aim to instill inspirational life lessons Breslin gives a understated. Even though they use different story lines Ecuador where his father was killed by drug criminals up late, is! A full range of emotions during the movie and even shed a few tears alert: a girl... Hillis also delivered an excellent performance father was killed by drug criminals prove he shown. Sent to Ecuador where his father 's death, a plane crash is a video the...
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