Das ultimative Geschenk (2006)

Das ultimative Geschenk: Directed by Michael O. Sajbel. With James Garner, Bill Cobbs, Lee Meriwether, George Lee. A deceased billionaire leaves his spoiled adult grandson a series of odd tasks to perform in order to receive “the ultimate gift,” with the resentful grandson having no idea what that might be.

“I am a judge for the Indianapolis-based Heartland Film Festival. This feature film is a Crystal Heart Award Winner and is eligible to be the Grand Prize Winner in October of 2006. The Heartland Film Festival is a non-profit organization that honors Truly Moving Pictures. A Truly Moving Picture u0026quot;…explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life.u0026quot;u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is a story of a very rich dysfunctional family. Red Stevens (James Garner) is a crusty, old billionaire who dies suddenly in an air crash. But, Red has planned for his death carefully. He has videotaped an elaborate will. His spoiled and unappealing adult children receive enough to be set for life, but the status of the bulk of the estate remains a mystery. For his grandchild, Jason (Drew Fuller) , Red has special and unknown plans. Jason, by the way, is the ultimate rich-kid, lazy, shallow brat. Through Redu0026#39;s lawyer, Jason is given a number of elaborate, time-consuming tasks and challenges that Red calls u0026quot;gifts.u0026quot; There are many of these u0026quot;gifts.u0026quot;u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe viewer has the distinct impression that these will either make Jason or break Jason. While doing these tasks in order to get an anticipated pot-of-gold, Jason is mentored and guided and even loved by a Texas rancher (Brian Dennehy), a wise lawyer, a single mother (Alii Hillis), her young daughter (Abigail Breslin) who has leukemia, and an Ecuadorian guide. Jason canu0026#39;t make it without these true, unselfish friends.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe story plays out as a mystery. How many tasks are there? Will Jason tire of the time-consuming and dangerous tasks and quit? Why does Red choose Jason and not the many other numerous children and grandchildren? Is there a pot-of-gold at the end of these tasks? Why is everything shrouded in secrecy? It is profound and interesting storytelling. You want to know the answers to these questions.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs the film progresses, Jason begins to turn for the better, but you never know whether he will finally make it to become a fine human being; specifically, displaying traits like respect for others, sacrifice, heroism, humility, compassion, and fidelity. Or, will he go back to his playboy lifestyle? The acting in this film makes the storytelling believable.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe acting is outstanding and it is a toss-up whether the young people dominate your attention or the old people dominate your attention.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eFYI – There is a Truly Moving Pictures web site where there is a listing of past Crystal Heart Award winners as well as other Truly Moving Picture Award winners that are now either at the theater or available on video.”