People often ask critics how they screen movies.
Most we see at preview screenings held in theaters. A few, like “The Ultimate Gift,” come to us on DVD.
So we watch them on a television screen. It is not optimal viewing. But in the case of this kindhearted parable from the folks at Fox Faith (a 20th Century Fox boutique), watching it on TV feels just about right.
“The Ultimate Gift” is less a theatrical feature than a Sunday night made-for-TV movie brought to you by Hallmark. That sounds crueler than it is: The movie, directed by Michael O. Sajbel, has plenty of charm, thanks to the winning AARP heft of James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Lee Meriwether and Bill Cobbs.
When Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) arrives at his grandfather’s funeral in a hornet-colored muscle car, his attire and attitude are more suited to “The Fast and the Furious.”
Jason’s furious all right. Of all the Stevens’ progeny, the 20- something appears to carry the biggest chip on his shoulder. His callow aunt and uncles merely have blue chips and property rights on their minds.
Garner plays Red Stevens, the billionaire Texan who tries to mend at least one familial fence from the afterlife. In a series of videotaped challenges, he sets Jason on the path to the gift of the movie’s title.
The 12 tests deal with work, money, friends, learning, problems, gratitude, laughter among others. The list of lessons proceeds to the final gift.
In Jim Stovall’s best-seller, adapted for the screen by Cheryl McKay, Red took front and center. The movie has shifted its weight to Jason.
Red’s dear friend, business partner and executor Ted Hamilton (Cobbs) dutifully, doubtfully looks on as the prodigal grandson fights what may become his radical transformation. At Hamilton’s side is longtime assistant Miss Hastings (Meriwether).
Abigail Breslin, the effusive heart of the dysfunctional Hoover family in “Little Miss Sunshine,” appears as a fanciful 9-year-old Emily.
Sajbel’s film reminds us how tricky it is to land a fresh, true performance from a kid. Emily is too astute by half. Yes, the movie offers an answer as to why the youngster ranges across the wide array of human emotions. But giving us a reason – she’s ill – isn’t the same as making us believe. Overwriting her as a wise-child catalyst isn’t necessary for us to know she wants Jason and mother Alexia to fall for each other.
In 1954, Douglas Sirk remade “Magnificent Obsession.” In his wonderfully spiritual melodrama, characters take a lesson from a man who performed acts of kindness without claiming the bragging rights. Rock Hudson starred as an impossibly entitled rich guy, transformed by attraction, love and then an even greater love.
“The Ultimate Gift” has similar lessons to impart to Jason – and us. But like a number of recently produced inspirational movies, “The Ultimate Gift” can’t quite resist giving its hero the whole kit and kaboodle. Which poses the question: Now wait, what was that gift again?
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“The Ultimate Gift”
PG for thematic elements, some violence and language|1 hour, 54 minutes|INSPIRATIONAL DRAMA| Directed by Michael O. Sajbel; written by Cheryl McKay based on Jim Stovall’s best-selling novel; photography by Brian Baugh; starring James Garner, Drew Fuller, Bill Cobbs, Lee Meriwether, Abigail Breslin, Ali Hillis and Brian Dennehy |Opens today at area theaters.
