ROSCOE’S Weak-End Review

Roscoe’s Pick

We highly recommend the new film The Ultimate Gift. It’s the debut of a new line of films from Fox Faith Movies—i.e., movies that don’t have anything to do with homosexual cowboys, cannibalistic killers or global warming. Needless to say, they also don’t have anything to do with the likes of Michael Moore or Sean Penn.

What this movie does have to do with is character. The hero, Jason Stevens, has to pass a series of challenges—including hard physical labor—in order to meet the inheritance requirements from his billionaire grandfather, very ably played by James Garner, who doesn't want him to live the rest of his life as a rich spoiled brat. Bill Cobbs is also excellent as Grandpa Stevens’ law partner. And then there’s the real gem—little Emily Rose, played by child actress/prodigy Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine).

We won’t spoil it by giving away any more of the plot, but it’s a tearjerker with a great story, some excellent acting, strong character development and a much-needed message. In the Sunday afternoon showing we attended, we were the only four people in the theater. So, we worried about the gate, but reports are that it grossed $1.2 million on this opening weekend. So, Fox should be encouraged to keep on trucking with this line. And for our part, we need to support flicks like this.

Predictably, the reviews are fairly sneering—but that’s the mainstream mediocracy for you. They’ll try to make you feel stupid because you like a good moral message. That should be enough right there for you to want to see this movie for yourself. Or if you need more convincing, view the trailers.