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Title:
The Ultimate
Gift.
Rating: PG.
Year: 2007.
Film Companies: FoxFaith,
The Film Foundry, and The Independent Producers Alliance, The Bigger Picture.
Cast: James Garner (The Notebook, Maverick), Brian Dennehy (First
Blood, Silverado, Cocoon, Tommy Boy), Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Signs,
Raising Helen), Drew Fuller (Charmed), Brett Rice (We Are Marshall, Glory Road, Monster,
The Waterboy, Andersonville), Bill Cobbs (Night at the Museum, That Thing You Do),
Ali Hillis (The Heartbreak Kid, Must Love Dogs), Mircea Monroe (The Contract, Cellular),
Lee Meriwether (Batman, The Undefeated, Barnabas Jones), George Lee Masters, D.
David Morin (Time Changer, Mercy Streets, The Moment After, A Vow to Cherish).
Crew: Jim Stovall (Author), Cheryl McKay (Screenplay), Michael O.
Sajbel (Director), Rick Eldridge, Jim Van Eerden, John Shepherd, Cleve Landsberg (Producers), Dave Ross (Executive Producer), Jim Van Eerden, Paul Brooks, Scott Fithian (Co-Executive
Producers), Mark McKenzie (Music),
Brian Baugh (Cinematography), Stephen Storer
(Production Designer), Scott Chestnut (Editor), Jane Anderson (Costume Designer),
Beverly Holloway (Casting).
Synopsis: A young rich man who has never had any responsibilities
is stunned when his grandfather's death leads to twelve mysterious tasks rather
than one big inheritance. Yet at the end of these tasks, there is a great gift waiting
for him - is it his grandfather's possessions?
Review: I was lucky enough to be sent a screener copy of this heart-warming
film. Drew Fuller plays a rich young man whose grandfather has just passed away
and left his significant inheritance to his selfish family members - except Drew.
Drew has long been enstranged from his grandfather and receives a series of tasks
he must perform before receiving his inheritance. These series of tasks end up being
more important for Drew than what he had hoped the gift would be and we join Drew
on a journey of learning about the important things at life.
The storyline is a bit predictable - a typical family feel-good film,
but at the same time its warmth and vigor prevent it from becoming boring and dull.
In fact, at times the film passes into sheer brilliance through the talents of child
actor Abigail Breslin (recent star of the off-beat comedy, Little Miss Sunshine).
The romance between Dennehy and Ali Hillis is entertaining and fulfilling. Occasionally
the acting feels a bit over-the-top, mainly towards the beginning - but overall
the film handles some great talent (both seasoned and new) that creates a beautiful
film that will keep you smiling throughout.
There is some sensual and slightly mature material at various points,
mainly relating to Dennehy's former playboy lifestyle.
Theatrical Release: March 2007.
DVD Release: August 2007.
Bibliography:
James Garner - Wikipedia.
Brian Dennehy - Wikipedia.
Drew Fuller - Wikipedia.
The Ultimate Gift - Wikipedia.
Brett Rice - Official Website.
Bill Cobbs - Wikipedia.
Ali Hillis - IMDb.
Mircea Monroe - IMDb.
Lee Meriwether - Wikipedia.
D. David Morin - IMDb. |
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