Unwrap a nice surprise
with ‘The Ultimate Gift’

At the Movies
By Senitra Horbrook

The positive moral values of a Hallmark movie and the drama of a Lifetime movie make The Ultimate Gift a rarity in American cinema. Most big screens today are filled with unsavory elements, but the latest undertaking from Fox Faith proves that a squeaky-clean movie can appeal to all audiences.
The first few releases from this studio, including Love’s Abiding Joy and Thr3e, were not well-received by critics or audiences, judging by the low box-office totals. Better writing, directing and acting should help The Ultimate Gift break out of the pack.
Fans of James Garner and Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Signs) will enjoy their work in The Ultimate Gift, which opens Friday. The casting of those two actors takes the film from just another forgettable low-budget inspirational flick to something audiences will remember.
The Ultimate Gift is based on the best-selling book by author Jim Stovall and directed by Michael Sajbel. In the movie, a young man is given a series of gifts from his deceased wealthy grandfather, all designed to teach him that money doesn’t buy happiness.
Drew Fuller (from TV’s Charmed) plays professional party boy Jason Stevens. Jason has had his life served on a silver platter, never having to work a day in his life. He’s rude, ungrateful and only cares about himself. Jason blames his billionaire grandfather Red Stevens (Garner) for the death of his father, and hasn’t been on good terms with Red for years.
When Red dies, Jason and all the greedy family members attend the will-reading, expecting to receive big inheritances.
For Jason, Red has recorded a special video with instructions that he must follow to receive an ultimate gift at the end. Throughout the film, Jason receives "gifts" such as the gifts of work, learning, family and money. He meets Alexia, a single mother (Ali Hillis), and bonds with her and her young daughter Emily (Breslin), who is dying of leukemia.
Sentimental moviegoers may get a little weepy during Breslin’s great performance. She’s anything but Little Miss Sunshine in this film, and it’s nice to see range from this talented young actress.
It’s not really clear exactly what the ultimate gift is; I assumed it was the culmination of all the lessons Jason received and him applying them in his own life. Also, it’s not until a montage during the end credits that each of the 12 gifts Jason receives is clearly spelled out. Through the film, many of the gifts are sort of glazed over.
If I had to pick the movie’s weakest link, it probably would be Drew Fuller. In his first big-screen starring role, Fuller doesn’t quite take the character of Jason where it needs to go. He’s quite believable as a slacker and party boy, but in the end I didn’t really feel like Jason had completely transformed into a responsible adult. It seems Fuller only portrayed a change because that’s what the script dictated his character should do, and he didn’t seem very emotionally invested when you compare his performance to Breslin’s.
There are not really any surprises in the film. It’s obvious from the beginning where it’s headed. The Ultimate Gift has nothing but good intentions, and that’s clear throughout. Those good intentions have already been recognized, as the film was named a Truly Moving Picture by the Heartland Film Festival and a recipient of the festival’s Crystal Heart Award in 2006.
There’s nothing "preachy" about The Ultimate Gift. Spirituality is addressed, especially as the character of Emily faces her mortality. Even in the face of tragedy, there still manages to be a happy ending to the story.
In something hailed as a "truly moving picture," I would expect nothing less. Neither will moviegoers who enjoy the gifts this film has to offer. ••
Movie Grade: B