“The Ultimate Gift” (Fox Faith Films)
Tear-jerking Story of One Man’s Redemption
The story of one man’s journey from being a wastrel to being a human being of worth makes up the core of the new movie “The Ultimate Gift.” The film is a definite tearjerker as it puts obstacle after obstacle in the path of a man who could have it all if he only tries. Drew Fuller, James Garner, Brian Dennehy and Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin star in this story of love and forgiveness.
Red Stevens (Garner) headed up a dynasty. He had accumulated wealth and power during his life and now his sons and daughter are swarming about like vultures to hear his last will and testament. They don’t get what they wanted. In fact they are basically dismissed. Only his grandson Jason (Fuller) gets any attention from him and it comes in a strange bequest.
Through a videotaped statement Red tells Jason he must pass a series of tests. If he accomplishes all of them he will get “the ultimate gift.” If he fails he will get nothing. Jason’s life up to this point has been spent accomplishing nothing. He is living in the fast lane and doesn’t intend to change, until this bequest stirs everything up.
Along the path of this new journey Jason meets Alexia (Ali Hillis), a single mother with a daughter named Emily (Breslin). Emily befriends Jason first and then Alexia follows. Together they point out parts of life that have been unknown to him. He learns to truly care for others and this is an awakening of sorts for him.
The script, which is based on a popular book by James Stovall, makes its points through dramatic circumstances and appealing characters. It gets a tad preachy at times but makes an effort not to fall into this trap.
Fuller is very good as Jason. He gives him an edge that is badly needed in a film like this. His evolution from playboy to responsible man is believable and impressive. Also good is Hillis as his love interest. She brings warmth and appealing softness to her role.
Breslin is perfectly cast as the irrepressible Emily. She is world wise and sarcastic, but still enough of a little girl to carry her doll with her everywhere she goes. There is a lot going on in this movie but Breslin’s Emily is the core of it all.
The film is rated PG for mild violence.
Over and over you hear people talking about wanting to see movies that are suitable for the entire family. Well “The Ultimate Gift” certainly fills that bill. Still when I viewed it recently there were only two other people in the theater watching it with me.
“The Ultimate Gift” has a solid story, strong characters and good performances. It is worth seeing. Hopefully people will seek it out and support it.
I scored “The Ultimate Gift” a sensitive 7 out of 10.
