The Ultimate Gift (2007)

There are thousands upon thousands of movies being produced and distributed, yet there is a dearth of worthwhile, quality works. Here is an exceptional film. I happened to be browsing my local video store while my laundry was going trough its wash cycle. The DVD cover caught my eye. I was intrigued by the title. PG rated, the movie could not be too bad. There was some recognition of the title, but I wasn’t completely sure what it was about. I do not usually rent movies when they first come out in DVD. However, I made an exception and rented it for a day.

James Garner plays the part of a billionaire grandfather (who's name is Red) who dies and leaves a will and video files with instructions to his grandson giving him an opportunity to receive the ultimate gift. Red's grandson is a wayward, spoiled and decadent individual. This young man at first is very reluctant and wary of what the grandfather is up to. The young man was estranged from his grandfather, who the grandson credits for the death of his father. Red wants to set things right with his grandson, even though it would have to be after Red dies.

“…The (twelve) trials (challenges) are spelled out in the book (on which the movie is based) as twelve gifts, while in the movie, you don't get a full understanding that there twelve until just before the credits are rolled. The book is a great story, the movie's storyline is even better.” --- a IMDB.com reviewer

An Amazon.com review calls the movie a “journey of self-discovery.” As the movie unfolds Jason, the grandson, is given a series of challenges each leading to a particular lesson the grandfather wishes the grandson learn. The challenges or gifts include:

· work
· money
· friends
· learning
· problems
· family
· laughter
· dreams
· giving
· gratitude
· a (24 hour) day
· love

Interwoven throughout the adventures of discovering of each of these gifts is another story. It is the story of a terminal girl and her mother, who the grandson Jason encounters early on in one of his adventures.

Without giving away more of the movie then I should, the ultimate gift is not Jesus Christ. Really, Jesus is God’s ultimate gift to man. It is through Jesus, and only through Him, that we can have true purpose, meaning and life. You could say that this movie is a John the Baptist experience. John the Baptist was the precursor or forerunner of Jesus, who Himself exclusively offers a true-life-transforming and life-saving experience to man.

I highly recommend this movie to everyone who enjoys an inspiring and uplifting film to either rent or purchase this movie. It is a family movie. It was produced by Fox Faith Films.

RATING

gregjaye gives this movie a ***** out of a possible *****