User reviews

Jim 'You Don't Have to be Blind to See' Stovall is an inspirational writer who in 2001 published a little book by the name of THE ULTIMATE GIFT in which he transposed many of his motivational teachings into a novel form, a story of how a tape of a dying man can alter the life of a crassly money-centric young grandson leading him through trials and challenges to teach him the meaning of life. Now THE ULTIMATE GIFT comes to the screen/DVD and before making the groaning judgment that here is yet another insipid little tale about learning life's lessons and gaining some spirituality in the process, try watching this two hour traversal of well acted and well scripted (Cheryl McKay) and well directed (Michael O. Sajbel) input. There is a lot more to the film than the grinches might think! A wealthy man Red Stevens (James Garner) has amassed a fortune, turning his personal life into a shambles in the process and producing a family of greedy ruthless gluttons - with one exception: one son rebelled and lost his life to dreams despite the aspirations of the father. Red has just died and the will is read by Red's longtime partner and lawyer Ted (Bill Cobbs) and his devoted assistant Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether): the family is outraged at the results of Red's division of his fortune and the one person who is left to learn of the will's content is Red's egocentric grandson Jason (Drew Fuller). Through a taped interview just prior to his death Red outlines the twelve lessons Jason must learn if he is to inherit anything. And here begins the episodic journey during which Jason learns about poverty, compassion, friends, death, and spirituality that changes Jason into a full human being and creates a character who gives back more than he gets.

Along the way Jason encounters work-ethic Gus (Brian Dennehy), a little girl Emily dying from leukemia (Abigail Breslin) whose sharp wit and tongue manifest wisdom that leads to the bonding of Jason and Emily's mother Alexia (Ali Hillis), and host of other character actors in the various parts of the world where Jason's journey takes him. Yes, the plot is predictable, and yes, the tenor of the piece borders on soap opera at times, but the end result is an examination of life that is told with enough fine humor and realistic dialog that it works. If viewers pass by this DVD because they fear it is just another sappy lecture, they will miss the pleasure of entering the realm of tender communication delivered with style and sincerity. And we all need that, especially now...Grady Harp

This movie is one of the most powerful and moving films I have ever seen. This is a movie that I would recommend to anyone, but especially families. It has a message about a young man who has to find out there is more to life then money, that being apart of a family who loves you is the most important thing in life. Finding the ultimate gift is like finding your place in the world, what are you here for? What is your purpose? There is an incredible amount of value in this message and it is something people of all ages can learn from. The acting of Abigail Breslin is yet again incredible, I think even better then Little Miss Sunshine, she completely steals the show. Brian Dennehy is very funny, and James Garner is wonderful as well. This movie has all the aspects of a great film; sure it's no Godfather, but its still and incredible flick. In my showing of the film people where laughing and crying the whole way through, Highly recommended.

James Garner, multi-billionaire has just died and in the tradition of today has left a living will. He's left a flock of relatives, most of them a gang of sponges who've never worked a day in their lives. One of those is a grandson, Drew Fuller, who seems no better than the others. But while Garner was living he spotted something in this young man, some potential which if realized makes him entitled to The Ultimate Gift.

What a shock young Fuller gets when he gets the first in a series of tapes where Garner charges him with performing a set of tasks to see if he's ready for The Ultimate Gift being it a fortune or whatever else is in store for him. Judging him will be attorney Bill Cobbs, but any number of other people in Garner's life will be involved. The first one happens to be Brian Dennehy owner of a big ranch in Texas, a Ewing sized spread where Fuller is first shown what it is like to do physical work out there for a paycheck. Not something he's accustomed to, but he does survive and goes on to other tasks, not necessarily jobs.

Not all, but a lot of people born to wealth never really appreciate what it is to earn and strive. Without all the right wing politics involved The Ultimate Gift is very close to the message that John Wayne was giving in McLintock. If you remember Wayne tells Stefanie Powers that she and her husband to be which turned out to be Patrick Wayne that as his daughter she will get a small well stocked spread, but not the cattle empire that he built. That will go to the nation as a national park. Wayne is concerned that many a young man will be wooing her for his fortune and the joy of life is the striving together that a man and woman do in raising a family and making wealth.

Garner also views the fortune he made as a trust that carries obligations and he wants Fuller to appreciate that fact as well. Fuller's life journey takes him all over the globe, but in the end he's judged ready to receive The Ultimate Gift, whatever that is.

This is a fine Hallmark Channel TV movie that teaches some valuable life lessons.

Spoiled trust beneficiary playboy Jason Stevens is angry with his incalculably rich grandfather Red Stevens, and with his own life. When Red dies Jason shows up late for the funeral and makes a scene when he does show. But Red has prepared a "gift" for Jason's inheritance, unlike anything he leaves to the rest of the family. Indeed, Red leaves the rest of his self-absorbed and greedy Stevens family merely money. However, Jason's "gift" must be earned, and so Jason sets off on the quest. The quest for what Jason initially has no idea. In essence, Jason's quest is the quest of the aspiring knight who must slay his dragon to prove he is a man. Consequently, some may find the plot contrived or even hackneyed. 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. For some reason this kind of sentimentality is lately acceptable in war movies, but rarely elsewhere. Thus, it is refreshing to see in a context if minimal violence. When Jason finally gets his "gift" he has become a man that Red could be proud of, and who can be proud of himself. This is a deeply moving picture, and a well constructed one. But it is also one that one must be ready to watch.

I gave "The Ultimate Gift" a 9 out of 10, which is an unusually high rank for me, but I can't describe enough how pleasantly surprised I was with this effort. Knowing as I went into the film that it was a "Christian" story, I had placed a lower ceiling on my expectations. Not that being "Christian" means that a movie has to be bad - it just usually seems to be the case. Not so much here, however. There were just three or four times where I felt my muscles tighten up as I mentally prepared for emotional cheese, but to my delight, they managed to pull out of it every time without leaving my intelligence insulted. It was a fun and cute story with believable characters, and strong performances all around. It was clean enough that you could take the whole family to see it, yet interesting enough that the parents will not only stay awake, but you'll actually find yourself caught up in a sweet, and sometimes tear-jerking story about redemption, and the pursuit of true joy. Christian-themed films have come a long way, and I look forward to what the future holds as they continue to get better. At this point, it's safe to say that "The Ultimate Gift" is among the best in Christian films on the market today. Definitely worth checking out.

I cannot believe some of the critical comments here. If you expected The Godfather, Steel Magnolias, or The Deer Hunter, this is NOT your movie. This is a family, Christmas, feel-good tear jerker. This is not a movie you later discuss with your friends over Chardonnay and cheese. Sure it is predictable, but all Christmas movies are. Abigail Breslin steals the show as young Emily. She is delightful. Someone commented she is preachy at times. If that surprises you, you have never seen children before. Yes, she is preachy, but in a delightful way. Perhaps it is not the best movie in its genre, but it is warm and pleasant to watch for the family. It's a Christmas movie.

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. 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. 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.

What a wonderful surprise "The Ultimate Gift" is! This simple little movie has a magnificent story of discoveries, friendship, family values, redemption and love, supported by awesome performances highlighting the girl Abigail Breslin, whose witty dialogs make the viewer laugh and cry. Do not pay attention in the bad reviews in IMDb, and you will see a pleasant movie with a beautiful message. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "O Presente" ("The Gift")

The Ultimate Gift (2006) was directed by Michael O. Sajbel. It's an inspirational film, based on an inspirational book by Jim Stovall. Within that genre, it's not bad.

James Garner plays Howard 'Red' Stevens, who has died before the film begins. He appears by video, dispensing wisdom and "gifts" to his grandson Jason (played by heartthrob Drew Fuller.)

These aren't gifts in the classic, physical sense. They are gifts of opportunity to allow Jason to become a decent human being. (There are supposed to be 12 gifts, like the labors of Hercules, but I couldn't find that many.)

Anyway, we know what's going to happen from the moment that Jason arrives late for his grandfather's funeral. The question is, How are we going to get from point A to point B? (If your guess is that Jason will still be a rotten, spoiled, arrogant person at the end of the movie, maybe this review won't be useful to you.)

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. She's cared for by her single mother, Alexia, played by Ali Hillis.

A great little girl dying of leukemia has to emotionally touch the viewer, and, of course, I was touched by her too. (Maybe more so, because I've worked with little girls like her, and you are changed forever by the incredible experience.) Ali Hillis is perfect for the part of Emily's mother, because she's a good actor and she's beautiful, but not so beautiful that she pushes everyone else off the screen.

However, the rest of the film plays out almost as if it were computer-generated. Most of the roles are one-dimensional--the crusty family lawyer, the greedy aunts and uncles, Jason's sexy scheming girlfriend, the tough Texas ranch owner, the Andean drug lords (don't ask), the private detective, and all the rest.

Still, given the nature of the movie, you could do worse than The Ultimate Gift. It's inspirational, but the inspiration is to help other people and form stronger relationships, and it's hard to argue with that.

This isn't a movie I would have chosen for myself. It was lent to me by a friend who knew that I would be home for a week following surgery. 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. Some of the scenes in Texas would have worked better on a large screen, but the film works well on DVD.

I liked this movie not only for what it said, but how it said it. It was inspiring--not in its religiosity but in its morality. The Christian slant of the movie was evident, but it did not proselytize or become judgmental. In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. I am a Unitarian-Universalist (we believe that there are many paths that lead to good and moral actions), so I appreciated the MORAL outlook of the film and its emphasis on good works.That is a fine line to draw and this movie does it magnificently.

Are there plot holes? Inconstistancies? Who cares? The movie made me feel good. And sometimes that's enough.

My reason for a 7 is easy. Whoever edited the video didn't have a clue what he was doing! I did better editing when I was 15, and that was with film, by hand! Seriously, this could easily be one of those "Classic" movies, all it needs is proper editing. The scene changes are so Klutzy, they are annoying! Stupid mistakes too! Like, Mr Hamilton holding the envelope, and the scene changes and Jason has it in his hand! Stupid stuff like that! There are a number of scenes in the movie just like that or worse. I have no idea who reviewed the movie within the company, but they must have been asleep! No professional would have accepted scene cuts like that. It ruins a really Great movie! The shame of it is, that no-one seems to care, and that's sad!

Potentially a 10+ movie,

John

My first thoughts that came to mine after I saw The Ultimate Gift; were great movie. I took my wife to view the movie on a Friday night; with about 60 other people in the movie. The plot, acting and story were amazing. 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 first words from my wife were - "one of the best movie we've seen".This was an amazing, life changing movie with values. It was very inspirational! When we saw it everyone around us loved it. It's more than a "must see" movie, it's an "I want to do better" movie. We would buy this movie, it's that good.

The Ultimate Gift is a beautiful reminder of the value of life. While it is not the most groundbreaking film from a technical standpoint, the core message is both poignant and important. The relationships between Jason and the rest of the characters (especially Emily and Red) are emotionally driven and create immediate investment. There were melodramatic moments and the acting felt forced at times, but it did not distract too much from the message. Walking away, the film accomplishes its core objective of allowing the audience to reflect on their own acts and steps to become better people.

I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."

This is a story of a very rich dysfunctional family. Red Stevens (James Garner) is a crusty, old billionaire who dies suddenly in an air crash. But, Red has planned for his death carefully. He has videotaped an elaborate will. His spoiled and unappealing adult children receive enough to be set for life, but the status of the bulk of the estate remains a mystery. For his grandchild, Jason (Drew Fuller) , Red has special and unknown plans. Jason, by the way, is the ultimate rich-kid, lazy, shallow brat. Through Red's lawyer, Jason is given a number of elaborate, time-consuming tasks and challenges that Red calls "gifts." There are many of these "gifts."

The viewer has the distinct impression that these will either make Jason or break Jason. 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. Jason can't make it without these true, unselfish friends.

The story plays out as a mystery. How many tasks are there? Will Jason tire of the time-consuming and dangerous tasks and quit? Why does Red choose Jason and not the many other numerous children and grandchildren? Is there a pot-of-gold at the end of these tasks? Why is everything shrouded in secrecy? It is profound and interesting storytelling. You want to know the answers to these questions.

As the film progresses, Jason begins to turn for the better, but you never know whether he will finally make it to become a fine human being; specifically, displaying traits like respect for others, sacrifice, heroism, humility, compassion, and fidelity. Or, will he go back to his playboy lifestyle? The acting in this film makes the storytelling believable.

The acting is outstanding and it is a toss-up whether the young people dominate your attention or the old people dominate your attention.

FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart Award winners as well as other Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.

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). But the idea of self discovery and improvement was still very good.

What I didn't like, though, was the direction. I think the film itself was poor - poorly directed. 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. The whole thing seemed to be a lot of different situations all pasted together rather than the flow of a whole story. I guess the book must have been much better.

The movie is still worth watching.

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. However it was a good movie. 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. Drew Fuller (Black Sash, Charmed, and Army Wives) was brilliant I think that he really showed his range in the film. Abigail Breslin was great and she and Drew had great chemistry as did Drew and Ali Hillis whose great performance I think was lost in the shuffle. All in all, the cast was great, the acting was great, the script was...well, 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 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.

7.3 stars.

'The Ultimate Gift' is a film that could meet your expectations for being inspiring and uplifting and touching, but for me it was just another film in a long line trying to teach the audience about selflessness and sacrifice. If this is based on a true story, I'm eating it up, but since it appears to be fictitious, it doesn't approach its true potential.

The premise is intriguing, of a young man who must go through a bunch of challenges and trials in order to possibly receive his inheritance, sort of a quid pro quo. The presentation, the package delivered to the viewer is more like a bait and switch. We are not rewarded for sitting through the story, rather we are left with unanswered questions in the producer's and author's attempts to sway our emotions. Why do these tragedies happen? If there is a purpose for them and we are to learn a lesson, what is the lesson? We learned nothing about humility or sacrifice or love. We learn that a young man decides to be generous after he is given great gifts. But where is the sacrifice? There is none. Sacrifice is giving up something you desperately feel you cannot live without, is it not? Where is the desire for riches, the need for wealth? We don't see any avarice or greed being transformed into charity and selfless love, rather we see a man who is angry and frustrated (not particularly well acted by the way) and he suddenly decides to be good. He is formerly a playboy, lives the high life, cares not what people think, but we don't get to witness any of this. The first we see him, he's simply a disgruntled and impatient young man. There is no sense of necessity or loss, we don't experience any of the pain that would be involved in this process. The actors don't provide us with the raw emotion. I guess I'm left a bit flat with the performances. So many reviewers are saying the acting was great, or this, or that. I feel the story is good, the film production is average, but the acting is sub-par (mainly from the lead male). There's a reason the lead actor is not cast in the sequels.

This story is about a rich, arrogant, spoiled nephew who is a potential beneficiary of his billionaire uncle's estate. Jason Stevens hasn't worked a day in his life and just expects to have life fed to him a a silver platter.

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." The journey that Jason takes will surely make this one of the most heart warming and memorable films you will ever see. My 13 year old son was almost in tears while watching this. It's a movie for young and old alike.

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!

"The Ultimate Gift" is a Drama movie in which we follow the life of Jason Stevens, a young man who stands to inherit his wealthy grandfather's fortune. However, in order to claim the inheritance, he must complete a series of meaningful tasks designed to teach him important life lessons.

I liked this movie because it's an enjoyable and inspiring that combined elements of personal growth, family dynamics, and the search for true happiness. The story was both heartwarming and thought-provoking, offering valuable lessons about generosity, gratitude, and the importance of personal connections over material wealth. The interpretation of Drew Fuller who played as Jason was amazing. While the movie's plot might feel predictable in some moments, its emotional core and the themes that it presents were genuinely touching. All in all, I have to say that "The Ultimate Gift" is a beautiful, heartwarming movie with a solid message, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

I must say that this is one of the best films I've seen in my life. 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. 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.

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!

Totally recommended for the whole family!

Having watched this movie today, I am somehow surprised.

Surprised about a beautiful movie, and a magnificent storyline I did not expect. But also surprised why this movie has been, and is being endorsed as a Christian movie.

Yes, there are some scenes inside a room with a statue of CHRISTOS and the name of 'G-d' is mentioned. Yes, there is quite a transformation of an arrogant and selfish guy toward a person he himself did not even know that existed within him. There are a lot of elements that are morally good.

But moral is, although being part of Christianity, equally found in the world. Moral does not make someone a Christian, but only the proclamation to follow IESOUS. Now IESOUS is not even mentioned in this movie, neither does the main actor find any kind of salvation in this movie. He became a better person, but spiritually not an inch closer to eternity with THEOS than before. This might be a hard pill for some, but the Bible does not teach us, that becoming a better I than you had been before, makes you a Christian. Such stories are beautiful, but to be really saved we need to accept the offer for salvation from IESOUS CHRISTOS.

No amount of good deeds and charities and donations will bring you into Eternity. Only to follow Him, and then of course plus the good deeds that follow this decision.