The Ultimate Gift

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.

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.

The Ultimate Gift is simply an amazing movie with a heart rendering message. I was truly moved and truly inspired by this story. A cynic may proclaim it to be predictable and clichéd but a movie this meaningful should not be viewed through cynical eyes. I guess it depends on the viewer's state of mind but I was in a place in my life where this movie truly touched me. Having lost a loved one recently, this movie spoke to me. The need to be reminded of the purpose of life and the need to find your true role in it was poignantly illustrated. Also, The performances are wonderful and I love the structure and presentation. I can't wait to own this one on DVD and I'll be giving copies as gifts to all my friends and family. Truly, the ULTIMATE gift indeed.

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.

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.