The Ultimate Life
(2013 - September 6)
(2013 - September 6)
1 hr. 45 min.
Rated: PG Brief violence and Mild language i.e. 'hell'. Common Sense Media says best for tweens and up.
Grade: C++
Director: Michael Landon Jr.
Writers: Brian Bird (screenplay), Cheryl McKay (screen story by), Lisa G. Shillingburg (screenplay), Jim Stovall (novel)
The sequel (and prequel) to the award-winning The Ultimate Gift. Between the pressure of running a foundation started by his late grandfather, being sued by his greedy extended family, and seeing his beloved Alexia leave on an extended mission trip to Haiti, Jason Stevens' world is unraveling. But when Jason discovers the lifelong journal his grandfather began as a Depression-era lad, Red Stevens' writings transport Jason to a front-row seat on an incredible rags-to-riches ride. With everything he loves hanging in the balance, Jason hopes he can discover "The Ultimate Life."
This is a film that everyone can safely see. I liked it very much. Is it great moviemaking? Well, no, not really but it's not bad either. The Ultimate Life a morality tale and in my opinion well done and effective and is certainly worth seeing.
The Ultimate Life has been hammered by the mainstream critics. Why? Simply because of what it is, it's message and who made it...a couple of examples; "... thinly veiled message of social conservatism and religious affirmations as the pathway to an ideal life..."; "Thin, bland, safe-for-seniors gruel"; "A terminally dull piece of faith-based family-values filmmaking designed to appeal strictly to the converted."; "The message of "The Ultimate Life" could be summed up on a greeting card.".
Hollywood and the mainstream critics have shown that they hate traditional family values, morals, conservative philosophy and/or messages and they belittle anyone who espouses them or dares to attempt to enter their 'turf' by producing a film that counters their moral-free world. Moviemaking isn't genuine moviemaking unless it contains dysfunctional family relationships, violence, profanity, nudity, sexuality, vulgar sexual references, a pro homosexual message or an overall reminder that science is the true religion and that we as humans have evolved past the need for faith in a god and anyone who believes otherwise is a fool or ignorant or stupid, racist or all of the above...those are the elements to include in your film if you want critical acclaim or to win awards at a film festival or at the Oscars.
The Ultimate Life has its drawbacks, make no mistake, it doesn't have the best writing, or directing, or acting but what it does have is heart and integrity, it is ultimately moving and enjoyable. I have given the film a special C++ grade, it technically falls just a bit short of a B- but I give it kudos for being family friendly, clean and free of nudity, pre-marital relations and profanity, a rarity these days. I won't be worried about taking my 97 year old mother to see this film, there is nothing to offend her.
Cast
Logan Bartholomew Austin James Drew Waters
Jason Stevens Teenage Red Stevens Red Stevens
Alexia Jacob Early
Teenage Hannah Roberts Hannah Roberts
Young Gus Caldwell Ted Hamilton Mrs. Hastings
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