A congenital heart defect HIV from a blood transfusion cancer Sickle Cell. care. we ended up with twelve. It wasn't until the end of this film that I worked out why - this film is a pseudo-Christian production trying to push a religious message in the guise of a heartwarming story. 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. (United States). In 2005, a press release from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy stated that the organization would be creating an affiliation with The Ultimate Gift Experience to use the story of The Ultimate Gift to promote philanthropy in North Americas not-for-profit health care institutions., Its easy to see why so many groups and companies are rallying around a film such as this one, as it eloquently promotes selfless giving. Jason also hits a hospital wall in frustration after Emily dies and tosses his cell phone onto the sidewalk when it quits working. And it is backed by a host of for-profit, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations that, as The Ultimate Gift Web site puts it, are helping to ensure that this story is told to as many audiences as possible. Among them: National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, Once Upon a Family, The NonProfit Times and the Barnabas Foundation. Without using anything crass, it gives you a message that is gritty and real. Sitting in the hospital chapel in front of a statue of Jesus with outstretched arms, she asks Jason, I wonder if He takes advance orders for my place. It recalls a time when Emily became reclusive and unwelcoming to guest. 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. 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. We know his father died in unfortunate circumstances, but we don't know any details. The first words from my wife were - "one of the best movie we've seen".This was an amazing, life changing movie with values. However it was a good movie. After serving as an associate editor at NavPress Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged Ins reviews as the sites director. This is too bad because it does have a good message and it tells an inspiring story. Have to be honest and say it didn't move me that much; I just couldn't buy into the premise that it might not work out; that said it may well be fine for those who want a nice, gentle movie to watch that won't offend, has moments of excitement, and some nice character roles. Upon landing in Texas his hopes are more than dashed. There are millions suffering without hundreds of millions, trust funds or billions that will be handed over to them when they complete a few jumps through some hoops. 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. He kept asking Emily what her dream was. The desire and hunger for education is the key to real learning. Is there a pot-of-gold at the end of these tasks? Because Red had built the hospital wing where Emily received The second I walked out of the theater, I felt like I had just been in church for the last hour-and-a-half. Some parts of the movie and unfeasible and highly unlikely. Summary:The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 American drama film directed by Michael O. Sajbel from a screenplay written by Cheryl McKay, which is based on the best selling See Details 10.Film / The Ultimate Gift - TV Tropes Author:tvtropes.org Post date:22 yesterday Rating:1(378 reviews) Highest rating:4 Low rated:1 The main story is devoted to the Jason character, he is given a series of 12 "gifts" by his deceased grandfather, and each is designed to teach him a valuable lesson about life and giving back to the people you value. At least, she adds some heart into this rather mechanical movie lesson. The story line is a little clichl - guy gets estate if he can prove himself - but done is such a way that you don't care. (James Garner) Jason is, essentially, a whiny brat throughout the first third of the film. With the money he later received, he built a foundation for people with cancer and their families to get help. 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 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. The question is, How are we going to get from point A to point B? Though God was missing, I don't know that Jason ever discovered God Subject matters include death - so be careful with who you encourage to watch this. So: What happened to these poor other guys? But the idea of self discovery and improvement was still very good. However, what really "spoiled" the movie (and almost made me give it a 1 or 2) was that Jason comes close to making up with his ex-girlfriend near the end! But beware, you might want to have the Kleenex handy. loyalty, commitment, and sharing another person's life, What gift did Jason learn about through this process. At first I was like ugh this is going to be a boring movie but after the first ten minutes i was in to it and i was amazed on how good the actors did and how good they expressed their emotions. These aren't gifts in the classic, physical sense. What was the lesson Jason told Mr. Hamilton and Mrs. Hastings that he learned through this experience? If you have kids, say 8 or years old and up, you should consider taking them to this movie for the lesson it teaches in a highly entertaining way. Unfortunately, it has all the grit and depth of one of those Hallmark Hall of Fame Christmas-miracle tales that crop up on TV with alarming regularity every holiday season. I rented the movie and was told by my wife to have the Kleenex handy. It was such a beautiful and heart worming story and Fuller and Breslin are fantastic together. 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. I gave it a 10 because on how organized the movie is and how good the actors were. I mean, the acting is alright and everything, but something about it just doesn't for it for me. That sets the stage for a brief reference to consideringand rejectingthe idea of abortion (Emily is the best decision I ever made). Her portrayal of this spunky child dazzled me and made up for several of the numerous shortcomings. 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. Something the entire family can watch without stressing out over vulgar additions that normally ruin a film in the first place. You try to help someone fulfill it or live your own one. Snake. After seeing the bad ratings it got, it took me more than 6 years to see this movie but after seeing it I wonder why I waited so long. A. boring mill [PDF] The Ultimate Gift Culture of Life Studies Program, 8.The Ultimate Gift Free Online Research Papers, TOP 10 the ultimate gift why was emily at the funeral BEST and NEWEST, TOP 10 the strokes why are sundays so depressing lyrics BEST and NEWEST, TOP 9 the song this is why i love you BEST and NEWEST, TOP 10 the ring why does aiden call her rachel BEST and NEWEST, TOP 10 the reason why raeliana ended up in the dukes mansion BEST and NEWEST, TOP 10 the reason why raeliana ended up in the dukes mansion BEST and NEWEST, TOP 9 the office why say lot word BEST and NEWEST, TOP 9 the northman why is it rated r BEST and NEWEST. I have no idea who reviewed the movie within the company, but they must have been asleep! But I must say that this film actually did make me laugh here and cry there! The Christian slant of the movie was evident, but it did not proselytize or become judgmental. The Ultimate Gift is a decent attempt at a moving film. I think Fox should have put a little bit more into the publicity machine on this one. The best part is the adorable Abigail Breslin. 2.Kept me guessing. And what a great investment that living room sofa for the night would have been! 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? That is probably the only way it would really be worth the watch. Jason started alone but on the way he meets a bunch of individuals who give him valuable lessons of life. 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. It was very inspirational! By that point of the movie, Jason had seemed reformed, trustworthy, and now I wonder if he ever can be truly that. and the right-wing paternal-guidance aspect. We know hes going to be humbled, but the way it goes down doesnt strain credulity (apart from his Ecuadorian kidnapping, which feels like something out of MacGyver). The Ultimate Gift is simply an amazing movie with a heart rendering message. The message of this film with its intertwining of money and religion is pretty warped. Life is about love. It was absolutely wonderful. 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. I thought the story line was great. Yee gads! Fourth is the Gift of Family and he has to spend Thanksgiving with his family. Alluding to her sexual activity in high school, Alexia describes how Emilys father abandoned her when she told him she was pregnant. Another thing. 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. *** SPOILERS *** There were a lot of fine plot elements in this film, and it had the makings for being great. Amazing! 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. It's that good. Faulkner explains this in the first paragraphWHEN Miss Emily Grierson died our whole town went to her funeral. What is the "ultimate gift" his grandfather teaches him? Perhaps building homes for the poor a la Jimmie Carter, working in a soup kitchen, being a hospital volunteer, a senior home volunteer and/or delivering meals to the ill and elderly? They are repeated, named, and illustrated with film clips. He had to work for what he wanted instead of just having it handed to him. In today's world, the pursuit of happiness for many is the chase for wealth, yet many rich people also find happiness alluding. I encourage anyone taking the time to read my comments to seek out this film. Thanks to everyone involved in getting this film to the big screen. It comes not only with the ultimate gift. It's really good. Emily had been in treatment for Lukemia, and did not survive. Then he asks her and her what the ultimate gift is and she says it;s health. Jason Stevens in The Ultimate Gift, directed by Michael O. Sabjel, lived this lifestyle. En route, Jason meets a series of helpful folks, including Gus (Brian Dennehy), a rancher who has Jason set a lot of fence posts so that he can experience the rewards of manual labor. Starring Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin. Jasons mother and Caitlin are shown in immodest, cleavage revealing outfits. [12], The Ultimate Gift opened with receipts of $1.2 million on its first weekend, with final box office of $3.4 million. Jason finds himself working odd jobs, spending a month as a farm-hand, befriending a woman and a sick daughter, traveling to Ecuador to help a village, and escaping hostile militants, and lastly, inheriting $100 million. 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. It refocused me on what's truly important to myself, my relationships and life overall. 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. 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. Abigail Bresslin as the little girl makes you stop and think. As such, The Ultimate Gift certainly succeeds, providing a strong moral lesson about the dangers of greed and the uplifting values of love, faith, family and generosity. The plot, acting and story were amazing. But the movie is far from great. I know I and my wife did. Giving his family everything they wanted. The stories are similar in the messages that they teach even though they use different story lines. Surely it will by some kind of work aimed at building Jason's moral fiber, right? Don't waste your time. There hes met by an old rancher friend of Reds named Gus. Though theyre never shown in bed, its implied that Jason and Caitlin had a prior sexual relationship. But Drew Fuller playing the role as Jason Stevens was not a 100% good choice. For all the complaints, this movie was OK and could have been a lot worse. I'm going on the Hollywood Stock Exchange now and double down. He asks his grandson, How can I give you something and not have it ruin you like your uncles and aunts? Other messages praise problems (Our lives should be lived not avoiding problems, but welcoming them as challenges) and learning from lifes inevitable hard knocks (Any process worth going through will get tougher before it gets easier. But with his passing, he offers him a chance to inherit the wealthiest of treasures, a sense of what really matters most in life. 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. Not good. It should be required viewing for anyone between 10 and 30 years old. They went to Texas and Emily said it was the perfect day another gift. .avoid this movie ! Inconstistancies? Even the one genuine performance was lost in this disjointed production. In the end, Jason gave so much, and in return, did receive the ultimate gift. I thought this was one of the worst movies I have seen in quite some time. Overall, The Ultimate Gift receives a quite disappointing five out of ten. 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. James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Bill Cobbs and Lee Meriwether make this movie worth seeing just to see these great actors together in the same movie. In an intense sequence, Jason is manhandled and blindfolded by them, and he thinks he is going to be killed. Great movie to show kids to teach what matters most in life. Jason thinks it's money. Big thanks to Fox Faith for getting it to the multiplex. Soon after, his vision gets blurry. Everyone I've mentioned it to has not heard of it. However, if you enjoy all these sugar-sweet generic dramas, you might enjoy it. But Jason's grandfather had other ideas planned for him. Dreams. This movie is a rollercoaster. Emily's a young girl with terminal cancer. For me this movie was very moving, and it was actually a "tear-jerker." I also noted that my local AMC didn't have it on the big board of show times at the box office, which I found odd. However, Jason's "gift" must be earned, and so Jason sets off on the quest. Her death drew my attention away from the movie. So that plot-line was very thin. It is profound and interesting storytelling. What section of the plane did Jason sit in? Watch this movie! Some people are born into wonderful families. Drew Fuller portrayed Jason very well, both as a rich brat and as a good-hearted man. Well acted movie with some great names starring. Watch this to be entertained by wooden acting and baffling writing. I saw this as a special showing in Memphis, TN. If you didn't get the message about what the lessons were (what, were you getting more popcorn? The production values here are Hollywood quality, though both the script and the acting could have been improved. "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. And just in case you somehow managed to miss the message that they have been pounding into your skull for nigh unto two full hours at this point, the filmmakers thoughtfully provide a recap of each of Jason's "gifts" as part of the closing credits. I'd happily watch it again. All these assignments revolve around giving some sort of gift while learning the importance of them. An important thing to keep in mind, though, is that these Fox Faith films are thankfully not "preachy." Please recommend to friends. 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. His long time gold digging girlfriend should have little choice but to pay the bill. Christian films get a bad rap as being too bland. There isn't a medical center or even a notable charity sponsored by the firm, but they sure liked to believe that they were nice people. Red Stevens (the grandfather) has an amazing idea to change his grandson Jason's personality for good for the exchange of "the ultimate gift". 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