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The Ultimate Gift By David DiCerto Catholic News Service NEW YORK (CNS) -- In perhaps his most eloquent passage, St. Paul declares that love is the true measure of one's life, a view affirmed in "The Ultimate Gift" (Fox Faith), a heartfelt adaptation of motivational speaker Jim Stovall's slender novel. The modern-day parable centers on Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller), a self-absorbed, angry young man living off a trust fund and poised to come into even more money with the recent passing of his tycoon grandfather, Howard "Red" Stevens (James Garner), a self-made billionaire. At the reading of the will, the remaining relatives -- all greedy vipers -- leave in grumbling fits of fury, with Jason learning he will inherit the bulk of Red's fortune. In a videotaped message, Red tells his grandson that the bequest is his way of making amends for some undisclosed sin. But there's a catch: So that Jason won't become like his avaricious kin, he must accomplish a series of tasks -- in Red's word, "gifts" -- intended to teach him significant life lessons, culminating in "the ultimate gift." Assignments include setting fence posts in Texas and being forced to live on the streets. The learning curve is accelerated by a chance encounter with a plucky, terminally ill girl, Emily (Abigail Breslin, "Little Miss Sunshine" herself), and her single mom, Alexia (Ali Hillis), whose gift of friendship provides the catalyst for his eventual transformation. Though it has a made-for-TV movie feel to it, director Michael O. Sajbel's involving film avoids excessive sentimentality as it imparts positive messages about gratitude, forgiveness, family and altruism that overcome its uneven script and some average performances. Fine supporting turns are provided by Brian Dennehy as Gus, a rancher who helps in Jason's "education," and Bill Cobbs as Ted Hamilton, Red's loyal lawyer. Apart from two exchanges in a hospital chapel, there aren't any overtly religious scenes, but the story's worthy themes (e.g., in giving we receive) should resonate strongly with all Christian viewers, as should its revelation of love as the ultimate gift from God. The film is one of the better titles to be released under the admirable Fox Faith banner, delivering reasonably well on its promise to provide "quality, inspirational and spiritual entertainment." The film contains mature thematic elements, some brief violence and a few instances of crude language. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. - - - DiCerto is a former staff member of the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. More reviews are available online at www.usccb.org/movies. END Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed. CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250 |
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