The Ultimate Gift 2006

Jason thought his inheritance was going to be the gift of money and lots of it. Was he ever in for a big surprise. Based on the bestselling book The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall the story sends trust fund baby Jason Stevens on an improbable journey of discovery having to answer the ultimate question What is the relationship between wealth and happiness Jason had a very simple relationship with his impossibly wealthy Grandfather Howard Red Stevens. He hated him. No hearttoheart talks no warm fuzzies just cold hard cash. So of course he figured that when Red died the whole reading of the will thing would be another simple cash transaction that his Grandfathers money would allow him to continue living in the lifestyle to which he had become accustomed. But what Red left him was anything but simple. Red instead devised a plan for Jason to experience a crash course on life. Twelve tasks which Red calls gifts each challenging Jason in an improbable way the ...

Review

I am a judge for the Indianapolisbased Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. The Heartland Film Festival is a nonprofit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture "…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life."This is a story of a very rich dysfunctional family. Red Stevens (James Garner) is a crusty old billionaire who dies suddenly in an air crash. But Red has planned for his death carefully. He has videotaped an elaborate will. His spoiled and unappealing adult children receive enough to be set for life but the status of the bulk of the estate remains a mystery. For his grandchild Jason (Drew Fuller) Red has special and unknown plans. Jason by the way is the ultimate richkid lazy shallow brat. Through Red's lawyer Jason is given a number of elaborate timeconsuming tasks and challenges that Red calls "gifts." There are many of these "gifts."The viewer has the distinct impression that these will either make Jason or break Jason. While doing these tasks in order to get an anticipated potofgold Jason is mentored and guided and even loved by a Texas rancher (Brian Dennehy) a wise lawyer a single mother (Alii Hillis) her young daughter (Abigail Breslin) who has leukemia and an Ecuadorian guide. Jason can't make it without these true unselfish friends.The story plays out as a mystery. How many tasks are there Will Jason tire of the timeconsuming and dangerous tasks and quit Why does Red choose Jason and not the many other numerous children and grandchildren Is there a potofgold at the end of these tasks Why is everything shrouded in secrecy It is profound and interesting storytelling. You want to know the answers to these questions.As the film progresses Jason begins to turn for the better but you never know whether he will finally make it to become a fine human being specifically displaying traits like respect for others sacrifice heroism humility compassion and fidelity. Or will he go back to his playboy lifestyle The acting in this film makes the storytelling believable.The acting is outstanding and it is a tossup whether the young people dominate your attention or the old people dominate your attention.FYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart Award winners as well as other Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.