The Ultimate Gift

In my old age I have become a dedicated watcher of movies offered here on Prime Video. I am not one to write a detailed analysis--positive or negative-- of those that I watch. I'll leave that to others. To that point I will say that this is movie was very satisfying. It has left me feeling good and has inspired me to help others in need.

A must see. Worth every bit of your time to watch.Wonderful movie!!It’s entertaining with a positive attitude.Excellent !! .

One of the better Hollywood movies I've seen in some time. We need more inspiration movies like this of self development that lifts up society, rather than tear it down, or degrade it. Really good, watch it.

Great movie. Highly recommend it. It will make cry.

The Ultimate Gift is a 2006 film directed by Michael Sajbel and based on a novel of the same name by Jim Stovall. The plot involves a rich young man named Jason Stevens who undergoes an obstacle course set up by his dead grandfather, Ray Stevens. If he jumps through all the hoops properly, he will get his share of the inheritance. The Stevens are a spoiled, sophisticated family known for their extravagant and fashionable livestyles. Like Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind, they don't know how good they've got it. Most of them (particulary Jason's two uncles) are rude, pathetic, arrogant, annoying and discontent. Some of their familes have serious marital and moral problems but it's always difficult to feel sorry for sinners when they live in lavish mansions.Mr. Ray Stevens has just so arranged that all Jason's luxuries are taken away so he will learn the value of work. While Jason is on the streets, he meets a single mother named Alexia who is struggling to pay the doctor's bills for her sickly daughter Emily. For the first time, Jason feels sorry for someone besides himself and endeavours to help them.Drew Fuller (Jason) does an excellent job showing the gradual transformation from a rude, self-centered punk to a mature, thoughtful and well-mannered gentleman. Brian Dennehy is also eye-catching in a small supporting role as a cowboy. The rest of the cast, on the other hand, just seem to be doing their jobs. The only actor I can think of who stands out like a sore thumb is Abigail Breslin (Emily), who seems to say her lines in an awkward, machine-line tone. James Garner doesn't have much to do, since his role is a cameo. He is just such a big iconic name so Hollywood figured having him in this movie would draw the masses to the theaters.The dialogue is occasionally a bit clunky (Would Jason's uncle really threaten his lawyer on him simply for not telling him about his inheritance?) and some of the sequence of events could have been better explained (Why did the policeman take Jason away from the resturaunt when he was watching his former girlfriend warm up to another man?) but I give the movie five stars simply because I feel like it has a potentially great story to work with.For all of it's faults (mainly average, unexceptional performances and occasionally trite lines) The Ultimate Gift is one of the better of the "Hallmark" values films, due to it's great messages of self-sacrifice, courage and friendship.Five Stars.

If you are looking for a great youth group sleep over movie, a family night movie, or a couple movie for a rainy afternoon or night in front of the fire place, THIS IS FOR YOU!The acting and script are first rate. There is humor, excitement, drama and enchantment that will tap into all your emotions and tug your heart strings.Jason Stevens receives a series of gifts that challenge, motivate and finally change him. "I am so proud of the man you have become." (says the attorney.) Brian Dennehy has a memorable performance in the beginning as the quiet Texan who says a lot with very few words. You will meet his greedy family and finally the young woman who wins his heart. "My wish? My wish is the perfect day and I am just finishing it"This move will hold your attention, has great life morals that James Gardner explains so well "That thing you're holding is called a PAYCHECK. As much as you need it for yourself, give it to someone who really needs it." or "Do you really know what it is to learn?...even if pain is your teacher."I Highly recommend this for your collection...and as gifts to your grown children, Youth director...anyone on your list.

Great story. Really makes you think about what's important in life.

I did not expect to fall in love with this movie or cry my eyes out at the end. This is a movie anyone can watch with anyone of any age and is a great family film.Drew Fuller (Jason) does a fantastic job as a young rich man just coasting through life on his family's money. His grandfather (James Garner) however, sees potential in Jason and decides leave him an unusual legacy - twelve tasks that form The Ultimate Gift.These tasks are really virtues that Jason in the beginning, tries to skirt or just get through to get his inheritance. But as he progresses through each task/virtue, he sees a world beyond his penthouse and begins to connect with people and events that shake him to his core.What is really endearing about this film is that there are elders and a young girl (fighting for her life) reaching out to help Jason find his way in life. Some of the help comes in advice, but most of it comes from Jason using his intuition to help others.This film is very emotional and remniscent of the Touched by an Angel series. Only the angels in this story are every day people trying to find their way in life.I highly recommend this film for family viewing and for church group viewing. It is a remarkable movie, beautifully done.