16 May 2013

The 12 gifts which we never think of

This is a very touching story. It reveals 12 gifts in each segment. At the end of the story, there is an explanation to inform audience what each gift is. The most unexpected gifts are inside these 12 gifts. A must see!

Michelle Palmer

15 May 2013

Okay yeah, I cried!

This was an awesome movie! When I saw this kid, I wondered how theywere going to make him into a good guy. Well, I'm not going to tell youhow it happened...This movie went places I never expected. It went froma big city to a ranch in Texas to a park bench to a children's ward ina hospital to the jungles....Wow, this movie was so involved and Inever knew where it was going to take me next!!!I laughed at times, I bawled at times. This was a good, clean familymovie that you can watch anywhere anytime!!! There was so much love andso much feeling that went into this book.Though God was missing, I don't know that Jason ever discovered God...Oh, and the butterfly at the end of the movie was a wonderful, specialtouch!

28 April 2013

one gift you may want to take back

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. It's strictly for those with a fondness for manipulative tearjerkers that aim to instill inspirational life lessons into their beaten-down viewers.Jason Stevens (the un-charismatic Drew Fuller) is a spoiled, ne'er-do-well rich kid who learns the "true meaning of life" from his dead, zillionaire grandfather (the venerable James Garner) who has set up a series of values-instilling "tests" for the young man to pass before he can receive the hundred-million-dollar inheritance that has been earmarked for him in the old codger's will. In the heavily contrived screenplay, childhood leukemia, Latin American rebels and a bevy of overly-caricatured elitist snobs all get thrown into the mix - and not only is it all supposed to somehow fit together, but it's clear we're intended to get something worthwhile and meaningful out of the whole shebang as well. Actually, you'll probably find yourself wanting to throttle most of the characters in the movie, particularly the condescending, control-freak of a dead man (even from beyond the grave, he instructs Jason on how to live his life via videotapes he recorded before his death) and the two benignly smug partners he's instructed to carry on the business of soul-restoration in his absence. Even Abigail Breslin, of "Little Miss Sunshine" fame, ultimately sets the teeth on edge with her too-cutesy-by-half impersonation of a dying child. 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."The Ultimate Gift" is one of those movies that exists solely to reduce its audience to a quivering mass of throat lumps and tears while making them feel good about themselves and the world around them at the same time. 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. Forget the Kleenex and pass out the insulin-filled syringes instead.

27 April 2013

Not to happy

This review is from: The Ultimate Gift (DVD) I was very disappointed that this DVD order was canceled on the last day in which it was suppose to be delivered. I waited nearly two weeks and could have gone with another company to get this DVD.

07 April 2013

Great Movie

This review is from: The Ultimate Gift (DVD) Abigail Breslin is excellent in this movie. It's also a tear-jerker. Loved it.

06 April 2013

A HAVE TO SEE MOVIE FOR EVERYONE!!!

I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT THE FIRST TIME I SAW THIS MOVIE IT WAS BORROWED FROM THE LIBRARY. I LOVED IT SO MUCH THAT I DIDNT EVEN WAIT TO FIND IT ON THE WEB AND ORDER IT. IT MAKES YOU LAUGH AS YOU CRY AT THIS SERIOUS STORY LINE. I DONT REMEMBER THE LAST TIME I LOVED A MOVIE THIS MUCH FOR THE MESSEGE IT SENDS TO YOU!

24 March 2013

Inspirational

When this film was sent to me to view it was the first time I had ever heard of it. As I do with all films sent, I watched it and what I saw is a film of inspirational lessons. No they were not subtle yet they were worth watching. In this movie we start with a trust fund baby Jason who has spent his whole life as one big party. And upon the death of his grandfather he is given the opportunity to receive a series of gifts if he is willing to follow his late grandfathers instructions. His first choice is to accept these series of gifts or to walk away and forfeit his inheritance.We watch Jason grow from a shallow man to the man of worth he could be. The cast of characters and how they were written is necessary to see the lessons and growth in such a short period that is afforded to us by a movie. This would be a great feature for the whole family. There is no question that this is a message film and a good one; a story of friendship, trust, values, respect, charity, loyalty and respect among others. Everyone who watches this movie will walk away learning something and I think it will be unique to the viewer.Life itself is a gift that we have all been graced with. And we should each learn what each of our gifts are and then proceed to share what we are able too with others. It does remind you the true adage that money does not buy you happiness and that it is better to give than receive. I enjoyed watching this movie and look forward to reading the book.

23 March 2013

A deeply mooving movie

Our whole family found this movie to be a wonderfully moving story. I personally consider it to be one of the best movies I've seen in several years. It gives one much to think about regarding what's valuable in life.Some of the other reviews mentioned predictability. While there were a few parts that were predictable, there were far more times when my predictions didn't come to pass. Several of the build ups seemed to be clearly heading towards a Hollywood cliche event, but actually ended up surprising me.

14 March 2013

Great Movie

This review is from: The Ultimate Gift (DVD) A movie you must not miss. It has many lessons to learn in it.

14 March 2013

Great Family Film

This was a great family film. In an age of materialism, this movie has a timely message. Hard work and relationships are more important than money. Also teaches that giving is better than receiving.

05 March 2013

An Enterntaining and Uplifting Family Movie

The Ultimate Gift is based on a best-selling book by Jim Stovall and I think the book would probably be better than the movie (most books are). The story definitely has a good moral, and you can relate with Jason Stevens as he goes through his spiritual journey. The movie is clean and entertaining to watch and is one of the few family movies that you can actually feel good at the end. Overall I would recommend seeing the movie.

04 March 2013

A modern-day "Pay it forward" fable ...

Despite the fact that it is a transparent morality tale and fairly hokey, I found myself liking this movie despite those features. This is a touching modern day fable that reminds us that the best and most priceless gifts -- THE ultimate gifts -- that we can give others is not money, but rather time, fulfillment through work, love, friendship, learning and the spirit to tackle new challenges. Add those together and the money may follow but - even if it doesn't - those other qualities are what constitutes a legacy from generation to generation. The movie evokes a Hallmark Movie of the Week Special, and I don't mean that as a criticism. There is little overtly Christian in the film. There are a few oblique references to heaven and a few scenes of the characters sitting in a hospital chapel; nothing that is in your face, though. This film projects genuine "family values" and stops just a whisker short of being too didactic. Worth seeing!

27 February 2013

MEMORABLE

This review is from: The Ultimate Gift (DVD) This movie had some surprises and sadness. Brings out a lot of emotions.This man learned a lot about life and love. WELL DONE...EXCELLENT.. CHARACTER BUILDING...LIFE CHANGING. I BOUGHT THE MOVIE.

27 February 2013

Ultimate experience

We rented this movie and like it enough to purchase it. Great growth of the main character. Bitter sweet with a great ending

theaslanda

21 February 2013

Masterpiece!!!

I have waited and waited a movie which is as good as Natalie Portman'sBlack Swan, and now I have found it! I know that Black Swan came afterThe Ultimate Gift, but it was almost impossible to find a movie tocompete Black Swan, there's endless struggle through these both movies,in Black Swan Natalie has those hallucinations where she thinks she'sinvincible and she owns the world and stage, and everybody else isinsignificant, in The Ultimate Gift a rich guy finally understands thedifference in money and love, endless amount of cash is waiting acollector if you can find a way to love first time in your life.Abigail Breslin's acting in this movie is magical, I thought that heracting in My Sister's Keeper was as its best, but I was wrong, youcannot even describe the spirit what Abigail has in this movie, Oscarnominee Abigail should have won a Oscar in this movie, her acting is asgood as Natalie Portman's in Black Swan. I'm waiting impatiently whenAbigail Breslin's flower starts to flower and she makes a movie whichstays in history and deep in our hearts, no matter of young age she'salready conquered the world!!If you want to see a masterpiece then this is your movie!!

awnorm

20 February 2013

Great family movie. Please recommend to friends.

My wife and I saw the movie last night. We felt a full range ofemotions during the movie and even shed a few tears. The movie did notpreach but it gave some great examples of how to live your life. Toobad only 3 other people were in the theater for a 7pm show in AnnArbor. I did not give it a 10 because there were a few choppy parts that couldof transitioned better. I didn't understand the part right before theultimate gift. The older main characters were wonderful. I agree withanother post that Drew Fuller could have done a better job.Take your family. This would be a good movie for youth groups to see.You won't be sorry. There was nothing objectionable that I remember.

11 February 2013

Clumsy, amateurish writing

I had high hopes for this movie based on other reviews & a plot with potential. (A remake, of sorts, of an old Rock Hudson movie, Magnificent Obsession.) Saddly this writer/director combination isn't ready for prime time--it all looks like a rough first draft.[Plot points to be revealed in the following discussion.]The opening scene shows a mother & daughter at the rainy graveside of billionaire James Garner. Why are they there? Apparently because his name is on the wing of the hospital where the daughter is being treated for leukemia. Oh yes? Would any mother take her critically ill daughter to a funeral of a stranger? And even if she wanted to, viewings may be open to the public but surely a billionaire's graveside ceremony is reserved for family members and invited guests.Do waiters gush "Oh sir, most of our patrons find this wine too expensive!" ?? Only in creaking scripts like this.In short, the writer had no idea how to illustrate & move along his story so it's full of lame scenes. How is it that someone who has a trust fund can overnight become homeless? By what mechanism was his bank account emptied out? Are we really to believe that shallow jet-setters have no one who will put them oup for the night if they are abruptly ejected from their condo?The list of life-doesn't-work-that-way scenes clunk's along with slow moving, artless direction. And why does the little girl wear ghoulish purple lipstick?Apparently those who praised this movie are willing to accept any tripe as long as there's no sex or violence. (Boobs & shootouts are offensive while a plot with the gratuitous death of a child is "inspiring.") Not for me.Give this one a miss.

theonejrs

11 February 2013

Potentially a Great Movie

My reason for a 7 is easy. Whoever edited the video didn't have a cluewhat he was doing! I did better editing when I was 15, and that waswith film, by hand! Seriously, this could easily be one of those"Classic" movies, all it needs is proper editing. The scene changes areso Klutzy, they are annoying! Stupid mistakes too! Like, Mr Hamiltonholding the envelope, and the scene changes and Jason has it in hishand! Stupid stuff like that! There are a number of scenes in the moviejust like that or worse. I have no idea who reviewed the movie withinthe company, but they must have been asleep! No professional would haveaccepted scene cuts like that. It ruins a really Great movie! The shameof it is, that no-one seems to care, and that's sad! Potentially a 10+ movie,John

05 February 2013

Must See

This review is from: The Ultimate Gift (DVD) This story is an excellent portrayal of what the human spirit can d - and for others.

04 February 2013

What a Gift This Video Is

Wow! This is a video that should be in everyone's video collection. It is a very inspirational, feel good movie and one everyone should see.