I reviewed The Ultimate Gift in my column six years ago, and guess what? You’re getting it again. Not because I’m lazy, but because The Ultimate Gift is just that good. I’ll admit right up front that this movie is just a dab “preachy,” but if you’ll trust me, you’ll be inordinately pleased. The Ultimate Gift is a movie you’ll probably buy after you spent the four bucks to rent it. Now how silly is that? The reason I say that is that I know of at least four people who have, just like I did. Why? Because the message is just so good that you will think: now who could I loan this to?
Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) is a spoiled young man who’s never had a job, lives off his trust fund, and has a shallow but pretty girlfriend. When Jason’s rich businessman grandfather, Howard “Red” Stevens (James Garner), dies Jason doesn’t really care, as he feels the man ruined his life. Nevertheless, Jason’s interest is piqued when Red’s business associate and friend, Mr. Hamilton (Bill Cobbs), along with his associate, Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether), inform him that he’s set to inherit “the ultimate gift,” if he can pass a number of tests previously arranged by Red.
He reluctantly agrees to the challenge presented by his grandfather through a series of taped statements. His initial bad attitude makes you want to dislike him, but somehow you just can’t—even from the beginning. Here begins the episodic journey during which Jason learns about poverty, compassion, friends, death and yes, spirituality. Jason is ultimately instilled with a character that makes him give back more than he gets.
This twelve-step crash course on life takes Jason down a path that will change him forever and answer the ultimate question: “What is the relationship between wealth and happiness?” At this point you may be thinking that you’ve already seen Pursuit of Happyness, but this is a very different movie.
Along the way, Jason encounters work-ethic Gus (Brian Dennehy), a little girl Emily (Abigail Breslin) whose sharp wit and tongue manifest wisdom that leads to the bonding of Jason and Emily’s mother Alexia (Ali Hillis), and a host of other characters in the various parts of the world where Jason’s journey takes him. The end result is an examination of life that is told with enough humor and realistic dialog that it works. Jim Stovall wrote the best selling novel that features an all-star cast, including Golden Globe winner and six time Emmy nominee, Brian Dennehy, Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee James Garner, and Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin. The film is the winner of the Heartland film Festival’s Crystal Heart Award.
The storyline is not just the story of some rich, arrogant, indulged, spoiled man. It speaks to the very essence of the human spirit—what it takes to be a truly unique, caring individual whose inner soul really understands the gifts we are all given. If you pass by this DVD because you fear it is just another sappy lecture, you will miss the pleasure of entering the realm of tender communication delivered with style and sincerity. And we all need that, especially now.
Thanksgiving is coming. The Ultimate Gift would be the perfect ending to a wonderful day spent with family. I welcome your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.
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