The Film

You know those annoying self-help books that claim to have the answer to happiness, wealth, love, or whatever? Have you ever wanted to watch one of those in scripted movie form? Me neither. Yet somehow the thought crossed a few filmmakers’ minds that this could make for an interesting story full of moral goodness and righteousness. The result is The Ultimate Gift, a movie that literally makes you feel like you are in a self-help seminar aimed at making you buy someone’s book.

Directed by Michael O. Sajbel, the film stars Drew Fuller as a rich guy in his 20s that is your stereotypical with little feelings for others and lacking an understanding of the world outside his bubble of wealth. His billionaire oil tycoon grandfather Red (James Gardner) kicks the bucket and everyone attends the funeral to see who gets what. Turns out everyone is left upset and penniless, except Jason who learns via videotape that if he can complete twelve tasks in twelve months he will be given “the ultimate gift.” These tasks are aimed at making Jason become a better person and getting him out of this comfort zone of selfishness. Throughout his journies he meets a dying girl (Abigail Breslin) and begins to fall for her mother. He also must confront past issues as he volunteers in an Ecuadorian village, the same country where his father was killed. The twelve-steps are sappy, but it could work to some extent if they weren’t literally shoving the messages down your throat with each new “gift” that is learned, be it the gift of family, etc. It’s so bad that the end credits even recap the various gifts that Jason learns throughout the film!

Another problem is that Jason is just not a believable character. He is a complete jerk, then goes through major life events but seems relatively unfazed by these moments. Sure he “grows” throughout the film, becoming more emotional and all that, but some of the things that happen could unhinge a man, but no, not Jason. His life of luxury must have somehow prepared him to deal with a kidnapping.

Forget about The Ultimate Gift. If you really want to check it out, just buy Jim Stovall’s book, it is basically a fictionalized version of that dreck.

The DVD

The video is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. The screener copy is grainy and features compression errors that are not likely on the final print. The colors and level of detail are fine though not mind-blowing in any respect.

The audio is offered in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound with English/Spanish subtitles. An optional audio track is offered featuring narration for the visually impaired. This is an unfortunate case of the volume balance being off, leaving you to struggle to understand the dialogue while the music and effects overpower it. It’s not the worst I’ve heard, it’s entirely manageable, but this far into the life of the DVD format people should know how to mix a simple audio track.

The Extras

An introduction is offered with Jim Stovall that cheapens the film by essentially being a selfish advertisement for his products.

“Behind the Scenes of The Ultimate Gift” is a 12-minute EPK featurette that is little more than self-love from the actors and director.

“Leave a Legacy” is a 3-minute look at philanthropy that tries to get you to donate money. Seriously, these special features have little shame.

“Live The Ultimate Gift” is a 3-minute advertisement for The Ultimate Gift Experience Kit. I swear, I’m not making this stuff up.

The “Something Changed” music video by Sara Groves is offered, as well as a video montage, Trailer, and Previews.

Final Thoughts

Unless you want to watch a film and special features aimed at making you think you need some sort of 12-step help to run your life, leave The Ultimate Gift to its rightful fate: in the .99 cent bin at Wal-Mart. – Jeff Ritchie