MovieChat Forums > The Ultimate Gift (2007) Discussion > So much fear and hatred...

So much fear and hatred...

posted 18 years ago by kaisermom2000
8 replies | jump to latest

I saw The Ultimate Gift today, and came to the boards to share with like minded viewers what an enjoyable experience I had. But instead I see tons of Angry, Fearful, and Biased messages written by people who have not even seen the movie (because if they had they would not be writing the idiotic statements I see)

The movie is not simply about Christianity. The subject of religion is barely touched upon. What the story is, is a lesson about the fact that the 'ultimate gift' ends up being the gift of what we give to others. That's it, plain and simple. The ultimate gift is that of our charity and philanthropy to others.

One does not have to be a Christian to enjoy this gift, in fact based on my studies of religion, every religion worldwide encourages us to share with others who are in need - be it with material items or our time. And I have met Athiests who also understand that there is personal enrichment in sharing with others.

I feel sorry for the narrow minded people who will never get the message of this film. And hope that they find fulfillment in films like 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Norbit'

NOTE- I myself am not a "Christian", but I am a person of faith.

[–] peacemk101 18 years ago

I keep hoping to come here and find notes of people actually talking about the film. I made a failed attempt at starting one such message/topic. It's just bizarre to me. It's a lovely film yet all anyone wants to do on here is debate Christianity OR shout about the movie's message. What's wrong with telling a story that shares good morals?

Thanks for your post.

[–] JimLoneWolf 18 years ago

What's wrong with telling a story that shares good morals?
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Nothing! I can think of two films I saw recently that did exactly that...The Pursuit of Happyness and Rocky Balboa. They are both great movies that I strongly recommend. Also, although Little Miss Sunshine is an edgier film, it DOES promote family unity and in that way I found it very affirming and ultimately positive (be warned though, it does have some potentially offensive elements, which the other two films I mentioned do not have).

The problem with this film as far as critics are concerned (and I just watched it get absolutely savaged, though not in a malicious or hateful manner, on Ebert & Roeper), is that it was very predictable and spoon-feeds the audience. That most likely won't bother the "target demographic" for this movie (ie people who hate pretty much any "non-wholesome" movie...who will probably love it), but it DOES bother people who go to the movies to be surprised and challenged. The words "like a Lifetime movie" and "there were no surprises" came into play in the review...and I'm sure that has more to do with negative opinions than the religious/moral content.

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[–] mindy_1971 18 years ago

This is why I said in my post for people to not listen to the reviews for this movie. I have made it a point to never listen to movie reviews anymore. I have been to movies that got terrible reviews and ended up enjoying it, and I have been to movies that got rave reviews and left after 10 minutes because I found it deplorable. Everyone has their own opinions and reviewers should not be the "be all end all" as far as deciding whether people should go see it or not. Thumbs down or thumbs up matters nothing to me. I read what the story's about and then decide based upon that. That's what I did with "Ultimate Gift". The story line seemed interesting and I told my husband about it. We're both glad we went and I could not care LESS about Ebert and Roper, or any other reviewer. I know the acting wasn't all that great, but so what? So they don't get the ever-beloved Oscar nod. Movies like this almost never do. Maybe if there had been filthy language, gratuitous violence, sex or a nude scene or two, it would be doing better.

Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" was originally classified as a B-rated movie. Yet it became one of the most recognized movies in film history. (Part of that may be due to the nude scene and the occasional drop of the f-bomb.)

The vast majority of people aren't interested in seeing clean, wholesome movies. They refer to them as Lifetime or Hallmark movies. That's fine. Go see "I Think I Love My Wife", "Smokin' Aces", "Caffeine", Black Snake Moan" or "Cocaine Angel" and have a ball.

[–] JimLoneWolf 18 years ago

I could say alot of stuff to refute your argument, but instead I'll direct you to this earlier post:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468489/board/thread/67096805?d=67690103#67690103

Obviously, I strongly disagree with your dismissal of critics. Hopefully, you will read my post and understand why.

Thank you.

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[–] mindy_1971 18 years ago

Jim, I understand why you strongly disagree with me. It seems to me that movies are a main part of your life (judging solely on your MySpace page). Do you write screenplays, or am I mistaken? Have you had a movie produced? If so, has it had any negative reviews from critics?

The reason I don't listen to movie critics is because I want to make up my own mind about a movie and not let someone else influence me. Personally, I feel that, if you read movie reviews or listen to someone critique a film, it will ultimately influence your feelings about the movie. That's my own opinion. Maybe that doesn't happen to everyone, but if you take a look at most of the comments on this board, you'll find that people are commenting on it without even seeing it, because they're basing their opinions on others' reviews. That is another reason I pay no attention to reviews. Sometimes you end up reading a review of a review of a review.

I read the vast list of your favorite movies. Based on that list, I would guess that you probably didn't see "Ultimate Gift". It doesn't seem like a movie you would go see. If I'm wrong, please forgive me. If it's true, you should see the movie before you post on its message board.

[–] jeremy_brett_fan 18 years ago

I don't think dismissing critics is a bad idea. They spend a ridiculous amount of time watching and thinking about movies, so they obviously take them too seriously. We all know that "The Ultimate Gift" was predictable, but it was also entertaining and touching. My favorite movies are more artist, classic movies that rely on dialogue and plot rather than cinematography or effects, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a cute movie like this. ^-^ I really liked it.

[–] duckdodger242003 18 years ago

instead I see tons of Angry, Fearful, and Biased messages written by people who have not even seen the movie (because if they had they would not be writing the idiotic statements I see)

Ignore the truly ignorant. This is, without question, a wonderful movie.

[–] DUKEJBM 11 years ago

Without a doubt, this is still an amazing and moving film.