User Score
9.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20

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  1. JimL.
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    An amazing film that goes straight to the heart!
  2. DarylL.
    Aug 9, 2009
    9
    This was a fantastic movie. Well acted and directed, and edited. This will not appeal to the "progressive" types I suppose, but the long proven values represented here were woven together to make a great little story.
  3. Leesa
    Dec 23, 2007
    10
    A soul awakening refresher that also gently pushes one to a new level of responsibility in life.
  4. Mike
    Mar 12, 2007
    9
    If you, like me, have discovered that 'feel good' movies tend to make you feel good, then you have to see this movie. Not a dry eye in the house. I also noticed that NOBODY stirred during the credits as the 'gifts' were reprised. I left the theater feeling uplifted and was quick to start telling friends to go see this largely unadvertised movie. Enjoy!
  5. MelaniN.
    Mar 9, 2007
    10
    A must see. Oscar stuff. Garner and Breslin will definately be nominated! But the entire cast was great!
  6. DH
    Sep 11, 2007
    10
    A movie very much worth watching.
  7. Judie
    Mar 14, 2007
    10
    Excellent movie with good moral values, something not seen too often in films anymore.
  8. StephenW.
    Sep 24, 2007
    10
    Awesome movie. It seems that critics enjoy trashy films more than this well made inspirational movie. Great message and well acted.
  9. JerryR.
    Sep 9, 2007
    10
    A good example of why critics are called critics, as most of them would have given only 1 star to "It's a Wonderful Life", and moviegoers are called moviegoers. A most uplifting drama with a star-studded cast. Highly recommended.
  10. JulianaP
    Oct 23, 2008
    9
    It's a very nice film.And pretty much well acted film. I liked it.
  11. JamesC.
    Mar 13, 2007
    10
    Cynics will cry foul, the rest of us will see the need for a "nudge" toward something good like this movie---for a change.
  12. Sep 14, 2010
    10
    I am captivated by this movie. Its moral and archetypal themes are timeless, the plot is well-paced, and the acting is superb, especially Drew Fuller. The rich family is an absurd caricature, but still really funny.
  13. Feb 20, 2011
    9
    This was a movie that I thought would be crappy, but turned out to be one of the greatest movies i've ever seen, it's got a touching story, my only complaint is that it's got bad acting, even with that you will enjoy the story, one I would highly recommend seeing.
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    50
    Directed with accomplished impersonality by Michael O. Sajbel ( One Night With the King), The Ultimate Gift means well, but in the end it's "The Pursuit of Happyness" made from the ivory tower looking down instead of from the street looking up.
  2. Reviewed by: Louis R. Carlozo
    50
    The plot, though of the made-for-TV ilk, makes for good discussion fodder if you're trying to impress life's lessons on children or others you love. That said, be prepared to be hit over the head by the message, edifying as it is.
  3. 70
    There's nothing wrong with the moral of The Ultimate Gift's story; in fact there's everything right about it. But director Michael O. Sajbel too often succumbs to movie-of-the-week sentimentality and starchy pacing. Still, Breslin's captivating performance reminds you why she was recently nominated for an Oscar.