The Ultimate Gift

Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
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The Ultimate Gift is a tale of one man's tumultuous journey toward personal growth and fulfillment. Surrounded in life, and death, by avaricious family members fueled by a sense of entitlement, billionaire Red Stevens (James Garner) wants to bequeath at least one member of his extended family "the ultimate gift": something he perceives as immensely more valuable than material wealth. Red's arrogant grandson Jason (Drew Fuller) holds a deep-seated hatred for his newly-deceased grandfather, so he's surprised to learn from his grandfather's friend and lawyer Mr. Hamilton (Bill Cobbs) and assistant Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether) that he's been mentioned in his late grandfather's will. Far from a straightforward gift of cash, land, or stock, Red's bequest comes in the form of a series of mysterious recorded instructions, the first of which requires Jason to hop on a plane for Texas the very next morning without a hint of the trip's purpose or the nature of the gift that awaits him. Dropped into a life of hard physical labor on a ranch in the middle of nowhere, Jason's bad-tempered fury eventually turns to resignation and he finds himself engaged in, and even taking pride in, the first real manual labor he's ever done in his life. Unbeknownst to him, his journey toward claiming the ultimate gift has only just begun. When he returns from Texas, Jason finds his home cleared out, his car confiscated, and instructions to produce one true friend. While Jason is reduced to sleeping in the park, a young child name Emily (Abigail Breslin) and her mother Alexia (Ali Hillis) make his acquaintance and lead him to re-examine his personal prejudices and perceptions of what's truly important in life. Jason's journey of self-discovery continues throughout a series of other trying experiences and, in the end, Grandpa Red's "ultimate gift" of life lessons profoundly and permanently improves the quality of Jason's life. What's more, Jason's new perspective of his place in society has a very positive affect on the larger community. This very powerful film is funny, heartbreaking, and intensely thought-provoking. --Tami Horiuchi

Stills from The Ultimate Gift (click for larger image)

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Customer Reviews

A Life Changing Movie

Review Date: August 8, 2007

Reviewer: Lisa M. Hendey, Fresno, CA United States

I'm not up on the latest movies, so when a screener of a film called The Ultimate Gift arrived in my post office box on Tuesday morning, I didn't give it much thought. I hadn't heard of the movie when it was released in theaters, but was reviewing the screener for potential review at the request of a colleague. The fact that one of my favorite young actresses, Abigail Breslin of Little Miss Sunshine fame, was involved did pique my curiosity.

Imagine my shock two hours later when I came to the stunning conclusion that this film now ranks in my top five favorite movies of all time. The Ultimate Gift is based on an inspirational novel by author Jim Stovall and tells the story of one young man's life transformation from a spoiled rotten trust fund leech into a loving philanthropist. The main character, Jason Stevens, must navigate a series of twelve tasks/gifts given to him posthumously by his paternal grandfather in order to earn a mystery inheritance. The "gifts" are designed to teach him a series of life lessons and become progressively more challenging and life wrenching. Jason comes from the most despicable breed of wealthy snobs you've ever seen and is nursing a lifelong grudge against his grandfather. He launches into the challenge with one sole goal in mind: getting the money. It's his assumption that more money will equate to happiness. Happiness appears to be one of the only commodities that's sorely missing in his life.

I won't give away the ending of this remarkable film, but I do challenge you to get to the conclusion without feeling your own heart grow three sizes and reaching for the tissue. The Ultimate Gift is a movie to be shared and discussed with family members of all ages for the wonderful life lessons it shares. Entertaining performances by a talented cast lend to the charm, but the true value of this film is in the "gift" it gives to the watcher. You will be inspired to look around your own life and to pursue your own path of gifts on a journey towards making your world a better place. For those seeking support and encouragement along your path, check out The Ultimate Gift Experience website for discussion guides and inspirational ideas for helping your own family grow closer.

A MUST SEE for EVERYONE

Review Date: March 27, 2007

Reviewer: Angela R. Marshall, Pennsylvania

This movie is absolutely awesome. We laughed, we cried and we were inspired. Everyone should see this movie it will put life into true perspective. The way it's supposed to be. These types of movies should be supported by consumers to send a clear message to Hollywood that movies can be tasteful and have a good moral value and character. The only thing that disappoints me is the fact that there wasn't more advertising done to get the word out. I only knew about it because of Amazon sending me a notice based on my previous on-line interests which I really appreciated.

The Ultimate Gift is exactly that.

Review Date: April 30, 2007

Reviewer: Jim Phillips, Marietta, GA United States

The Ultimate Gift is exactly that. The movie is based on the wonderfully written novel of the same name that has survived the metamorphous of a film transition. I am no stranger to this treasure and have written a review of this book on Amazon. I strongly suggest both the film and the book in the order that's best for you. For those who don't read many books, you'll find this one well worth the wait. Like the book, I am very much waiting for the DVD release so that I may share its rich gifts with the ones I love. Like "A Christmas Carol" The Ultimate Gift is about redemption; the transformation from selfishness to selflessness. It is this reviewer's belief that generosity is the root of all happiness. And joy is the effervescence of the true Christian.

"Learning is a gift,even if pain is your teacher"

Review Date: August 29, 2007

Reviewer: z hayes, TX

The quote above is from the movie The Ultimate Gift, and what a truly uplifting movie it is. Though I feared it would be more of a preachy sort of film, it really is more a movie about learning the lessons in life that make one a better person.

The lead role is played by Drew Fuller, whose character Jason Stevens, is a typical rich spoilt brat whose late grandfather, Red Stevens [James Garner] leaves a series of 12 "gifts" [more like life lessons] that he needs to complete satisfactorily before being rewarded with the ultimate gift.Overseeing the mission is the executor of Red's estate [played marvelously by Bill Cobbs] & his helpful assistant [Lee Meriwether].

Jason's quest is fraught with hard work, obstacles, even danger - and along the way he meets some interesting characters, such as the hard-working cattle rancher Gus [Brian Dennehy], the charming & witty Emily[ Abigail Breslin], and the lovely Alexia [Ali Hillis]. The storyline is simple enough, but is told well, and we the viewers get to learn along with Jason as he learns the 12 gifts - of work, money, problems, friends, giving, family, gratitude, learning, laughter, the gift of a day, dreams, and of course, love.

A heart-warming movie that uplifts and persuades one to examine one's priorities in life.

The Best Movie of 2007...so far

Review Date: August 15, 2007

Reviewer: K. Worthington, Kansas City, MO United States

This movie really surprised me, as it's not the usual type of movie I'd enjoy, especially one branded as a "faith" film. I watched primarily because it was billed as the great James Gardner's final movie before his retirement...Gardner didn't appear much on screen, but this movie definately felt his presence throughout. I know the phrase "a moving experience" gets tossed around like rice at a wedding, but "The Ultimate Gift" is truely deserving of the description. 4.5 of out of 5 stars!

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