Movies

The Ultimate Gift is simply an amazing movie with a heart rendering message. I was truly moved and truly inspired by this story. A cynic may proclaim it to be predictable and clichéd but a movie this meaningful should not be viewed through cynical eyes. I guess it depends on the viewer's state of mind but I was in a place in my life where this movie truly touched me. Having lost a loved one recently, this movie spoke to me. The need to be reminded of the purpose of life and the need to find your true role in it was poignantly illustrated. Also, The performances are wonderful and I love the structure and presentation. I can't wait to own this one on DVD and I'll be giving copies as gifts to all my friends and family. Truly, the ULTIMATE gift indeed.

I liked this movie not only for what it said, but how it said it. It was inspiring--not in its religiosity but in its morality. The Christian slant of the movie was evident, but it did not proselytize or become judgmental. In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. I am a Unitarian-Universalist (we believe that there are many paths that lead to good and moral actions), so I appreciated the MORAL outlook of the film and its emphasis on good works.That is a fine line to draw and this movie does it magnificently.Are there plot holes? Inconstistancies? Who cares? The movie made me feel good. And sometimes that's enough.

An excellent film dealing with James Garner, as a billionaire who has died, controlling his money from the grave.Having unworthy children with the exception of a son, who died in a plane crash, Garner decides to put that son's son, also selfish, through a series of tests to show him what life is really all about.This is definitely a film of hope and ultimate redemption. It deals with how a self-centered spoiled brat begins to learn the meaning of life and pass the various tests or obstacles that his grandfather has placed before him so that he can truly be a person of distinction.Abigail Breslin gives a wonderfully understated performance as a child who meets our young hero in the park with his mother. Dying of leukemia, she bravely teaches all of us about what life is really about.