Ultimate Gift, The (2006) Movie Script
Are we on?
Hello.
When? Thank you.
Yes. I'll tell him.
Sir.
He's gone.
Contact family members
the various corporate boards
and business interests.
Yes, sir.
Sir, I
I am so sorry
for your loss.
Am I speakin'
to a Theophilus Hamilton of Birmingham?
Sir? Yes, sir. This is he.
Name's Howard Stevens.
You can call me Red.
I need a lawyer for a few
business ideas I have
a few still
in the dream stage.
Though the skies may weep
the Bible assures us that
precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
I wonder who the old man
negotiated with for the rain.
Well, it's a sure bet
he's laughin'
watchin' us get soaked.
Yeah, well,
now it's his turn.
There's not a person here
whose life, in some way
has not been touched
by Howard Red Stevens.
Red often quoted
Malcolm Muggeridge
saying that, Every happening,
great or small
is a parable by which
God speaks to us
and the art of life
is to get the message.
May the message of Red Stevens
continue in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
-What are you doing? You're gonna get all wet.
-Bill.
Even though Dad moved his corporate offices
from Texas many years ago
for tax reasons
he always said he wanted
to be buried under Texas soil.
Is that him?
That's him.
Mom.
-You're late.
-For what?
Give me some of that!
Settle down over there.
Good morning.
Before we start,
I'd like to say how much Red
meant to me personally.
As you know, we started out
as business partners
and we ended up
as friends.
I am deeply grieved
by his passing.
Yes, well, that's very nice.
Now, may we proceed?
Red's will
is in his own words
still, every bit
as legal and binding
Blah, blah, blah.
And, so,
my eldest son, Bill
I leave my company,
Panhandle Oil and Gas.
Currently worth $600 million.
However, Bill, since you had
zero interest in my company while I was alive
I don't imagine that will
change much after my death.
Therefore, the board
will maintain control.
Excuse me, but my client would like
to explore all of his options.
Your client
has no more options.
One of those instructions
Mr Hamilton skipped over
is Red's desire that each of you vacate
after receiving your portion of the estate.
-As in, leave the room.
-What the She can't talk to me like that.
-Well, do something.
-You can go now, Mr Stevens.
-What All right. Fine. Fine.
-We should really go.
I have never been so humiliated.
Did you see that old man
talking' to me that way?
And you guys just sat there
and said absolutely nothin'.
That's it?
-A cow farm?
-A 10,000-acre cow farm.
Well, what's that worth anyway?
Ruth, come on.
Come here.
What exactly do we get?
A place for you
to take your mistress.
Come on, Ruth.
Let me explain.
-I want to see everything! Full disclosure.
-Come on, Jack. Let's go.
-Good day, Mr Stevens.
-You said you had a strategy!
-This is a long way from over.
-You said it was a slam dunk!
-To Sarah, widow of my late son,
Jay Howard Stevens
I am truly sorry
for the events of the past.
Please know that Jays death
represents the greatest tragedy
I have ever experienced.
I leave you control of my Myers Park estate
where you now reside
and a managed trust for expenses as long as you live.
-There we go.
Since your choice
of male companionship is vast and varied
the deed and title for the house
will remain under the control of my trustees.
-Good day, Mr Hamilton.
-Good day.
It's amazing just how far
the fruit can fall from the tree.
And still roll
a great distance.
Nice of you to show up.
You're in time for nothin'.
Let's go.
Jason.
How do you know
my name?
It's my business to know everyone
named in your grandfather's will.
Let's cut the b.s., 'cause
I know what he left me nothing.
Walk away you'll never know,
will you?
Jason?
So, what's in the box?
Your inheritance.
Have a seat.
Does the box or the seal appear to have been
tampered with in any way?
No.
Then therefore
witness this day
that I am
breaking the seal
affixed in my presence
by Red himself.
-Miss Hastings.
-Yes, sir.
-Are we on?
-Yes, we are.
Mmm. Well, then,
If you're watching this
I must be dead.
That's a strange concept.
How was my funeral?
Well attended?
I hope it rained.
Hamilton, Miss Hastings
I hope you're having
a better day than I am.
If you've just been
with my family, I doubt it.
Jason, I made a lot
Of mistakes with our family
but you're the one
I think I hurt the most.
The only way I can make it up to you
is to not give you anything.
I knew it.
What I mean by that is that
I'm not giving you anything just yet.
So sit back down there.
I've been thinking about this
for a long time.
How can I give you something and not have it
ruin you like your uncles and aunts?
Even some of their kids.
So I want to give you a gift
a series of gifts
leading up to, well
I wanna call it
the ultimate gift.
Now, you fail in anyway,
it's over.
You get nothing.
And everything you do
must be to Mr Hamilton's satisfaction.
You might wanna make friends with him
sooner than later.
This is a voice-activated
Conversay.
It allows two-way communication
between our office and you.
And you can also replay
Red's messages on it if you need to.
-Sir.
-Ah, good.
There's a flight to Houston
tomorrow at 7:00 a. m.
As in morning, 7:00am?
Yes. That 7:00 a. m.
-For what?
-You have until then to accept.
-Why do I have to go?
-You'll find out when you get there.
-This is whacked.
-You might wanna rethink that.
What could he possibly give me
that he hasn't already taken away?
Huh? Screw him.
Screw both of you.
Well.
How was your day?
I'm not sure.
What do you mean?
My grandfather may have
left me something.
-Yeah?
-I'm just trying to figure it out.
-You mean it's not cash?
-I don't know.
Don't know?
If l want to play into his little power trip,
I gotta go pick it up.
-Where?
-Texas.
-Yech.
-You know what? I'm not going.
Well, aren't you
at least curious?
What if it's gold?
He ruined my life.
My best revenge
is to just
ignore him.
Besides,
I've got a trust fund.
Worst-case scenario
I'll live off my mom.
I don't need his money.
Yeah, but one can always use
some extra walking-around money.
Not if I have
to sell my soul.
But, if you had to, at least try to get
as much out of him as you can.
My gosh. What if you actually
had to get a job sometime?
Police escort sorta.
Uh, ladies and gentlemen
from the flight deck, we have a very full flight
to Houston this morning.
Uh, excuse me, sir.
Can I- Can I see
your boarding pass again?
Thank you.
Yeah. See, this is, uh
I'm sorry. This is for coach.
Nah. That's impossible.
-No. It's, uh, 32B.
-Well, change it.
We can't Please.
We can't No.
Thanks a lot.
We can't change it.
It's a Q fare. You can't upgrade.
-So, can we
-Do you have any idea who I am?
I- I know exactly
who you are.
You're the guy in Seat 32B. Here we go.
Conversay to Jason Stevens.
Hello, Jason.
What is this, one of those things
Aunt Martha had to wear?
I see you're at the, uh,
Houston airport.
Uh, Baggage Claim.
You got a problem?
You don't look like you've worked
a day in your life.
Great.
The Amazing Kreskin.
I'm don't know what I'm supposed to be doing,
because no one's been
Hey! Hey!
I'm Gus.
I'm your ride. Get in.
I'm sorry about
your grandfather's passin'.
He and I go way back.
He was some man.
He loved to work.
The man just loved
hard work.
Right. Mind if I smoke?
Ah, it's a free country.
Can you stop
at the next convenience store?
-Convenience store?
-Please.
The last store was
about 50 miles back.
We've been on my property
for the last 30 minutes or so.
Well, seein' as how
you're Red's grandson
you'll stay in the main house
with us.
I know it ain't much.
The little lady just wanted a modest place.
Dinner's in an hour.
Breakfast at 5:00.
Uh, Gus?
-Aren't you forgetting something?
-I don't think so. Shoot.
The gift.
So this is hell.
Hey, city boy.
Breakfast is over.
Don't you have some kind
of gizmo to wake you up?
Beat it.
-Good morning.
-What is your problem!
Time to get to work.
The sun'll be up soon.
Man Speaking Spanish ]
-Let's go!
Your granddad and I
started out together
wild cattin' oil wells
down in Louisiana.
Made some money.
We each bought cattle spreads
as a hedge against
the oil runnin' out.
Of course,
he really made it.
-Nice to own your own little piece of Texas, right?
-Right.
Just from there
eight feet
from the center.
What?
Lunch will be sent
'round about 11:00.
Well, how far
am I supposed to go?
Don't worry.
You'll run out of posts
before you run out of Texas.
I wish I had a dollar
for every fence post I've ever set.
Matter of fact, I do.
Hey.
What do you think?
No! Hey!
Aw! Come on, man!
So, I'm dying to know. What did you get?
Uh, it's complicated,
but it involves land
building materials
and slave labor.
They're giving you
a shopping mall?
Not exactly.
So it must be the land, right?
They're giving that to you?
-Uh, land's got a lot to do with it, yeah.
-You don't sound too sure.
Well, whatever it is, I gotta survive
this geriatric cowboy
until he gives it to me
or when I get back or
or when I'm finished.
Finish what?
You know what?
Let me get back to you, okay?
Jason, what are you
So that's it.
Yeah.
Let's go.
I'm not done.
Work's never done
on a ranch.
All right. Whatever.
You know, you do any work
like you just did
you can do anything.
Now, aren't you
forgettin' something?
-I don't think so. Shoot.
-The gift.
I came here to pick up a gift.
Remember?
That was the gift?
I do manual labor
for a month
and you're trying to tell me
it was a favor to me.
-The gift of work.
-Wow.
-Congratulations.
-Look, Hamilton.
Just tell me what
my total inheritance is. I'm over this.
Where are you going?
Where is he going?
Can you tell him
to come back, please?
Mr Hamilton.
Mr Hamilton.
Hey.
Mr Hamilton, sir.
Please.
I think it's only fair I know the amount
of money we're dealing with here. Don't you?
I've been gone for a month.
Just tell me
What do I have to do? What is it?
Red said,
a series of gifts.
But let me add
a personal note.
I, too, think
this is a waste of time.
But it will end shortly,
because you are going to fail.
I expect you to fail
and to fail miserably.
Now, if you do want
to continue
make an appointment
with Miss Hastings.
Okay. Look. Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Mr Hamilton.
I've been acting like a moron
about this whole thing, and I'm sorry.
And now I- I see exactly
what you and Red have in store for me
and I think
it's exceedingly beneficial.
So, what's the next gift?
You'll know.
Howdy.
Wait! Wait!
That's an $8,000
paint job!
You don't begin to live
until you've lost everything.
Heck, I've lost everything
three or four times.
It's the perfect place
to start.
Now, for most
of your adult life
you have been
the life of the party
and an easy touch
for a lot of weak hangers-on.
Now let's see who
your real friends are.
I was at your funeral, and there wasn't
a single person there
who wasn't on your payroll or didn't
have something to gain from your death.
What exactly is he
asking me to do?
He wants you to come back
at the end of the month
with one true friend.
Thank you.
-And how were the lobster tails?
-It was fine, thanks.
The lady was enjoying
the Montrachet.
And sir, the Margaux.
I hope it met
your expectations.
It was terrific.
Thank you.
We don't get too many requests
for the '78.
It's a bit too pricey
for some of our patrons.
I'll just leave this
with you then.
Caitlin, where do you
see our relationship?
-What are you asking me, Jason Stevens?
-Just thinking.
How long have we
been going out?
Uh, an appropriate
amount of time.
-Long enough.
-See? My thoughts exactly.
I was thinking that maybe
it's time to take us more seriously.
Yes?
But there's something
I want to ask you first.
Jason, if you're talking about a prenup,
isn't that sort of passe?
Well, see, I'm in
I was thinking
Excuse me, sir.
The charge card company
declined the charge.
That's impossible. I don't have a credit limit.
Just run it through again.
It's always our practice
to run it through again
but they declined.
Okay.
So, I was thinking, um
well, maybe, it'd be a good time
for me to move in with you.
Uh, you move in with me?
Why? Half my wardrobe's at your penthouse.
Just for a change of scenery.
Besides, I'm remodeling my place.
A remodel? But Who's your designer?
I know everyone in town.
I should've said
I'm beginning to remodel.
I've only really started
with the demolition.
I'm sorry, sir.
Your bank is on the line.
They'd really like
to speak with you. I must insist.
Look, guys. I'm having
a little bit of a setback.
It's nothing that can't be fixed.
All right?
Sweetie, I'm switching accounts right now
and I'm
temporarily out of money.
Is there a way
you could pay for this?
Jason, you're, um
You're, uh
asking me
to pay the bill?
It's
You owe me.
What?
Yo, dude,
I'm rollin' over.
What do you mean
I can't?
I have been there for you
countless times.
You owe me. That's it.
Bottom line.
Who was the one who loaned you
I could come up with a better excuse
when I was 12 years old.
All I need is a place to sleep.
I don't get what the problem is.
You can let me spend the night.
One night. Hello?
Sorry. Your service has been disconnected.
-Can I help you? Yeah, shut up.
-No. Nothing, thanks.
Jason.
Um Uh,
what a surprise.
-Mom, you're never gonna believe this.
-I'm afraid I can't let you in.
I'm having a bit of a situation.
I need some help.
-I need to borrow some money.
-Of course you do. Everyone needs money.
Uh
Didn't your grandfather
leave you anything?
What are you talking about?
He hated me.
Jason, he did not.
He didn't come around much, but, uh,
I always thought it was because of me.
It doesn't matter.
Do you have any extra spending cash?
I would love
to help you.
-But I can't.
-You can't?
They told me specifically that you would be
comin' around for money
and that I was not
to give you anything.
But I'm your son, Mom.
That's what you're supposed to do.
If l violate
their instructions
I am out everything
everything.
So for the sake
of the greater good
I must insist
that you leave.
I'm not gonna upset
the whole applecart
just because you're facing
a few challenges.
I'm sorry. I just
cannot help you.
Thanks.
Ow!
Hey, man. You're
You're on my bench.
You're on my bench.
Beat it.
-A simple no would have sufficed.
-Fine. No.
-No, what?
-No, you cannot sit on this bench.
This is not your bench.
This is a city bench.
-Go sit on another bench.
-But it's my bench.
I've got just as much
right to it as anybody.
It's a free country, you know.
See, that's where
you're wrong.
Name one thing
in this country that's for free.
You need money for everything.
Without money, you're nothing.
Look at you.
No money. No food.
No family. No friends.
Nothing.
Besides, I'm sitting
on this bench now.
This is my bench.
Okay?
I'll flip you for it.
Fine.
I have a quarter.
Thanks.
Oh.
Well, aren't you gonna
chase him for it?
Beat it, kid.
I've been watching you.
You're not a real bum.
We saw you at a funeral.
Quite the entrance.
-What were you doing at
-My mother and I come here for lunch every day.
Except, right now,
she doesn't know where I am.
-Emily!
-Whatever.
Emily!
Oh! Emily.
-You must really be having a bad life.
-Come on. Right now.
I was just having a pleasant conversation
with this gentleman.
-Leave us alone, please.
-Dear, don't be ridiculous.
Sorry to disturb you. Come on.
That's okay. I'm not the one
who's disturbed.
Some friend you are.
Thanks a lot, poser.
You know what I've said
about talking to strangers.
-He's not a real bum.
-Hey. Whoa, whoa. Wait, wait, wait.
Okay, this is gonna sound
really, really strange
but I'm just gonna
come out and say it.
I'll make a deal with you.
I need a friend.
But only for a little while,
and, uh
in return, I don't know,
I'll take you both to Disneyworld.
Excuse me?
-I need a friend.
-Explain yourself.
-It's complicated.
-No, it's not.
It's pathetic.
-Come on. Now, just because
-Mom, I told you.
-He's not a real bum.
-Okay.
Oh, dude, come on.
She doesn't even like
Chateauneuf du Pape.
Thank you.
Miss Hastings,
bring me the Stevens file.
Looks like our boy's not even
gonna make it through round two.
But, sir
doesn't he have until
the end of today?
Well, from what I hear
he could have another month
and still get the same result.
Yes, sir.
-So, what do you think? Is this a good spot?
-Yeah, perfect.
You can see everything
under the perfect tree.
-Hey! Hey! Give that back!
-I'm sorry, ma'am. I'm just hungry.
-Sir, you need to step back.
-Don't you have a sandwich?
-You need to step back.
-Leave her alone.
Get back! Get back!
I've got 911 all dialed in.
All I have to do is press Send.
Sweetheart, get back.
-Ow! No!
-Hey! Hey! Leave 'em alone.
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!
Whoo! Yeah.
My bench.
Mwah!
-So, you have a bet with a dead guy?
-Mm-hmm.
-Cool.
-Emily. Be polite.
Wait. How can you have a bet with a
deceased person?
See, that's the part
that's complicated.
So you come up
with a friend.
What do you get if we
go along with this?
-Emily.
-No, it's okay. I don't know.
Something about an ultimate gift
or something.
But you're not sure
what that is.
Yeah, that about
sums it up.
So what do we get
if we agree to do this?
-We need money. How much are you willing to pay?
-Emily!
I'm sorry. You're gonna
have to excuse my daughter.
Sometimes she tends to be
a little outspoken.
I can't promise you anything.
Now, that's better.
But what if
we really did
become friends?
-Emily, it's not polite
-Shh.
-So you're Jason's friend?
-Yes, I am.
-True friend?
-Absolutely.
Pinky promise.
So, how long have you
known Mr Stevens?
We go way back.
We're like this.
Now, where do I sign?
And, uh
he hasn't promised you
any compensation for this friendship?
Look at him.
Does he look like
he has anything to offer?
So, uh
you expect this friendship
to continue?
I plan on knowing Jason
for the rest of my life.
Tomorrow lunch at noon,
our usual spot in the park.
Sure.
Just a minute, pal!
You owe me.
Emily. Wait.
They go back a long way, don't they?
There was a time when Mr Hamilton
was quite ill
and needed
a kidney transplant.
Your grandfather went out of his way
to help him find a donor.
You could even say, I think,
that Mr Hamilton's alive today
because of Red Stevens.
Um.
In the, um, basement
of this building
there's a small apartment
for a custodian.
It isn't being used right now.
Perhaps you'd, um, like
to take a look at it?
Thank you.
Jason, you have no concept whatsoever
of the value of money.
Money has always been available to you,
like the air you breathe.
I tell you, let's, uh, review some highlights
of your recent past.
A $25,000-per-night suite
in Paris
with a personal chef
whom you tipped heavily.
Toured the Bordeaux region
in chauffeured hot-air balloons.
That was amazing.
A week of heli-skiing
in Saint Moritz.
A small fleet
of exotic cars.
The latest in everything,
including women.
But the past is the past
and I figure you've probably had
a pretty tough month.
Well, it's about time.
Thank you very much.
And if l ever
see you two again
it'll be too soon.
Well, seeing how you've never
held one of those before
let me explain what it is.
That's a paycheck.
That's for what you earned at Gus's ranch.
Of course, the I. R. S. ravaged it first.
I hate those guys.
In your pocket
every step of the way.
You start out in business,
and then you have to make a payroll.
And just when you think
you're gonna make a
Mr Stevens, this is
the Gift of Money, please.
Yeah, all right. Sorry.
Look at me.
I'm carrying on about death and taxes
even after I'm dead.
Now, you have to take that money and?
as much as you need it yourself
spend it on someone
experiencing a real problem.
What can they teach you?
Put yourself
in their shoes.
Jason, would you like us
to cash it for you?
Please.
I think we know you
well enough
that we won't need
any I. D.
How will you know
how I spent it?
We'll know.
Hey.
I didn't
take anything.
Nothin'. Nothin'.
Oh, no.
Great.
Naturally.
A young blonde woman
and her little girl.
-Just down the hall.
-Thanks.
Paging Dr Howard. Dr Howard.
Paging Dr Kline.
Dr Kline.
Paging Dr Howard.
What are you doing here?
-You saw her.
-Yeah.
Did you talk to her?
-So, what's wrong with her?
-That depends.
-On what?
-On who you really are.
Maybe I can help you.
Emily has leukemia.
We thought she was in remission after
her bone marrow transplant
but a couple of weeks ago
her body started
to reject the transplant.
I'm sorry.
Uh, hey.
Uh, well, you gotta
need money, right?
Oh, so that's it. You won your bet
with your rich grandfather.
You're back off the streets.
Congratulations. What is it now?
Uh, I do have
to give away some money.
You're getting less mysterious
by the minute.
I bet you're gonna get to the end
of your game, collect your cash
-and just ride off into the sunset.
-I don't know. Maybe.
But, Alexia, if l can help you,
why won't you just let me?
Because no rich kid
is gonna use me or my daughter
to play a game.
She owes $1,600
in back rent. Pay it.
You're a hundred dollars short.
Your check was for 1,500.
Tell Hamilton I'm good for it.
Just pay that bill.
Your other hundred.
Well, push Play.
Our lives should be lived
not avoiding problems
but welcoming them as challenges
that will strengthen us
so that we can be
victorious in the future.
So, now that I've given you the gift of work
and friends and the value of money
let's discover
the gift of family.
Now this is a tough one
but see if it's even
remotely possible
to get something positive
out of our family.
See if they truly know
how to count their blessings.
I f my doctors
are remotely accurate
this assignment might even
fall on Thanksgiving.
How appropriate.
He's joking, right?
Dr Allen, you're wanted in O.B.
Dr Allen, please report
to Obstetrics.
-Hey, where's the girl?
-Who, Emily?
She's with God.
Oh, there's my best friend.
Listen, about the other day
So, now you know
all about me.
No more mysteries.
-Look, I'm really sorry.
-Shut up.
Don't be pathetic.
I wonder if he takes
advance orders.
For what?
For my place.
You know, up there.
What do you think
it's gonna be like?
Butterflies.
Lots of butterflies.
Did you know, God
paints every color on a butterfly
with his fingers.
I didn't know you thought about
stuff like that.
I think about dying.
There's something basically unfair
about a person dying.
I even hate the idea.
You know, I, uh
I don't know much
about God or
or Jesus.
But I can promise you that those arms
are meant for you.
What's gonna happen
to my mom?
I really don't hate her,
you know.
Did I mention
I wouldn't be upset
if you kissed her?
Do you think
your mom and I
Okay. It's official.
You are the slowest person I have ever met.
You two were made
for each other.
I knew that
back in the park.
-In the park, I looked like a bum.
-Let's not be delusional.
You were a bum.
So, what are you doing
for Thanksgiving?
-Mrs Drummond?
-Yes.
I want to send Emily's charts and blood work
off to a specialist
see whether or not she's a candidate
for another transplant.
Oh. Uh, will that give her
a better chance than chemo?
Unfortunately, chemotherapy
isn't going to be enough.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
So when I found out
I was pregnant
he was getting ready
to leave for college and, uh
didn't want anything
to get in his way.
And Emily she's
she's the best decision
I ever made.
So, apparently
someone came by
and covered my back rent.
Was it you?
Thank you.
I have a question for you,
and I hope I'm not being out of line here.
I was wondering if you'd like
to join me for Thanksgiving.
Oh. Um, thanks.
That's nice of you to ask,
but I can't.
Um, obviously, Emily needs me here, so
But thanks.
Well, it's too bad,
because youre missing out
on a splendid example
of a way-too-wealthy American
dysfunctional thing.
-It's Yeah.
-Oh.
You know, I have the strangest feeling
I might have enjoyed it.
What are you
thinking about?
Nothin'.
You're thinking
about Jason.
Yeah. He's weird, isn't he?
He's a good weird.
You know, he, uh, invited me
over to Thanksgiving
with his family.
-Oh, really?
-Yeah. Of course, I told him, Whatever, loser.
-I think you should go.
-Absolutely not.
I wouldn't dream of missing
Thanksgiving with you.
So why'd you decide to come?
-My daughter banished me.
-Oh.
So I have you by decree.
Mmm, knowing Emily
by design.
Mission accomplished.
Two completely
opposite people
who wouldn't have had
a chance without me
destined to make
each other miserable.
You okay, Jason?
Oh. Don't tell me
you've never been on a bus before.
Wow.
Brace yourself.
Jason, seriously.
-I'm willing to bet that they are perfectly normal people.
-Oh, yeah? How much?
This is nice.
Thank you.
You know, I had my firm
do an informal audit
just the financials
of the publicly held side.
And there's still
several hundred million floatin' around.
Well, you knew him better than I.
Most of those companies
were privately held.
Maybe we should check into
some of his favorite charities.
-They do have to report large contributions.
-That's a great idea.
Daddy always was a sucker
for a begging hand.
Hmm. Unfortunately,
you're right.
And what sort of business
does your family come from, Alexia?
Um, health care.
Oh, how wonderful.
Well, we have a wing
in the hospital downtown.
A couple of wings, I think.
Or is it
a couple of hospitals?
I always forget.
My daughter is receiving great care
thanks to your father.
Great sector-health care.
Little flat in the third quarter,
but poised to rocket.
Okay. I'd like to propose a toast.
Yes. To each other.
For suffering through a year
of great adjustment.
Uh, excuse me.
Does anyone else seem to notice
it smells a little like
cowhide in here?
And how are those
sin stocks of yours doing, Jack?
What's wrong with a little
investment in alcohol, tobacco and firearms?
-Over the stench of oil?
-And what's wrong with oil, Thank you very much?
My money's just as
green in Manhattan as anywhere else.
So, who does get
the rest of the estate?
Sarah?
Well, I don't know
anything about that.
Well, you were
the last one in there.
-No, I wasn't.
-Well, that's just ridiculous, darling.
When we left, you were
the only one there.
Well, Jason was also there.
-Ah. Jason.
-Do enlighten us, Jason.
You certainly could not
have been the one
that received the bulk
of Red's estate.
-Or are you? -Is that why you insisted
we get together for Thanksgiving
so you could reveal
your newly enhanced trust fund to us?
It's Thanksgiving. I was hoping
maybe we could all go around the table
and each say something
that we're most thankful for.
-Are you on crack, Jason?
-Again?
Well, here's a thanks.
We don't have to put up with Dad's endless
litany of cliched quotes this season.
Or hand-spun,
cornpone wisdom.
Hear! Hear!
Who is that?
I think he works
down at the video store.
Well, Jason will tell you
all you need to know about this man
this dearly departed.
I mean, he more
than anyone here
has a bone to pick
with the late, great Red Stevens.
Jason, I can only imagine
what you've just been through.
-I could never get them to be thankful for anything
either.
-What have you got?
-Hey!
-What in the world is that?
-All right, give it back.
-Pass it to me. Come on.
-Give it back!
- and if you do succeed
-Here Take it!
-you'll be one step closer to all I have for you.
What's all I have for you?
It's between him and me.
It's none of your business.
It has everything to do with us.
It's our money!
So he's making you work
for your inheritance?
Not anymore, 'cause I don't
think I could ever win at this one.
Alexia, let's go.
-Jason. Wait. Wait!
-Don't!
Just tell them
what they want to hear.
I don't have
to tell them anything.
Jason, you're gonna hear
from my attorney Monday morning.
-Yeah. Ditto.
-Shut up, Jack.
You're all pathetic.
Wait.
Jason, slow down.
I put up with that for years.
I was a part of that.
What happened
to your dad?
He's dead. What else
do you want to know?
How'd he die?
The only person who really knows
just took it to his grave.
Jason, there's something
I always want you to remember, okay?
When I met you,
you were a homeless person.
And you made friends
with my daughter.
We shared
peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches.
All this without me knowing
anything about your background.
Yeah, well, the problem is,
that's me back there.
Yeah, but you can walk away from all that.
You already have.
I appreciate what you're saying,
but money changes things.
It gets you stuff. It's a- It's a way
to live life worry free.
-Money takes away the worry.
-Yeah, I saw what money can do.
And your worries
or whatever
you want to call them
they're not
life or death, Jason.
Okay, I'm sorry, but my getting
my inheritance is a matter of life or death.
And I know when I say that,
I sound like I'm being a Stevens
and being a Stevens
is all about money.
But it's not.
It's more.
So, I'll pay you back
as soon as possible.
What?
Uh, the money I owe you
the 1,600.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Marietta Ruby.
From the time I met her
in the seventh grade
that was my sweetheart.
She didn't
make it easy though.
Took me all the way till the eighth grade
to catch up with her.
She's beautiful.
Yeah.
She passed away
shortly after we were married.
I'm really sorry.
The greatest gift
she gave me
was the will to move on
to overcome.
You know, I may have
met someone myself.
Then cherish her.
And become
the man she deserves.
Have a seat.
Now, as I said
I had a feeling
you were gonna stop by.
That university you attended
What was it rated? Number three?
Number-three party school
in the country.
Do- Do you truly
knowhow to learn?
Jason, any process
worth going through
will get tougher
before it gets easier.
That's what makes
learning a gift
even if pain
is your teacher.
No. There's no way.
Anywhere but there.
I know what he's trying to do,
and it's not gonna work.
He can take his millions
to his grave. I don't care.
What he's trying to do is for your benefit,
not your destruction.
You know, Hamilton,
you sound just like him.
But guess what.
You're not him.
I don't know, son.
I do have one of his kidneys.
He's been out there for hours.
Yep. He's got some big decisions to make.
Do you think he'll
come in or go home?
He doesn't have a home.
You're right! She hates you!
-I know.
-Then why are you here?
I have to leave the country
for a while.
I'm reluctant to go because
of what I'm leaving behind.
What are you leaving behind?
Then you have to go.
Now get out of here.
You screwed up big time,
you know!
I had to eat a rubber hospital
turkey for Thanksgiving!
You better be back
by Christmas!
Even down here, you put your name on everything.
Welcome! Oh, welcome!
Jason Stevens.
Oh! Oh!
So good to meet you.
-I'm Bella.
-Hi.
May I be the first to show you
inside the library your grandfather built?
-Yeah, sure.
-Oh, good, good.
Where are all the books?
Oh.
You joke.
W- With the people.
Is it not like that in the great libraries
de Los Estados Unidos?
Villagers wait for books.
You bring them new books.
They are waiting for you
to pick up old books.
Exchange. Library. Si?
So basically,
I'm in a third world country
at a backwards library
with no books.
And the books that are here,
I can't even read.
Great.
Mmm.
This I found
when I was cleaning his desk
once I heard
of Red's passing.
I thought maybe you
would like to keep.
When you sent this to him
he proudly showed it
to all of us.
Then the tragedy.
It broke his heart.
Dear Grandpa
How's Ecuador?
I miss you and Dad so much.
You know, my birthday's
coming up, and I was thinking
instead of giving me gifts
this year
could you take me
on one of your trips?
I promise I won't
cause any trouble.
I just want to see you
and Dad again soon.
Write back, please.
Love, Jason.
Hola.
Un momento, por favor.
You look
just like your father.
I was here
the night he died.
It happened up on that mountain,
didn't it?
-Take me there.
-You cannot go.
It is now the province
of the drug lords.
You don't understand.
I'll pay you.
Well, someday.
I understand perfectly.
But, senor, I only have one life.
You're just bargaining now,
aren't you?
Senor Stevens,
you do not want to pay the price it would take.
No one
who goes there returns.
Our guest of honor,
Mr Jason Stevens!
Oh.
Gracias.
I'm afraid to ask.
Oh, you will love it.
It's so rare we catch one.
-The chief is going to talk.
-Oh.
He says we are here
to celebrate you
and those who keep
the Jay Stevens Library alive.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
No. No. No, no, no.
He must be mistaken.
My grandfather was very generous.
Everything's named after him.
No, it is the Jay Stevens
Memorial Library.
To my father.
-Salud.
-Salud.
Have some more.
-Salud.
-Salud.
Salud!
Salud.
You cannot hope
to find it without me.
How'd you know I'd go?
You are a Stevens,
are you not?
I thought you said
you couldn't take me.
My purpose in coming to you
was a promise I made to Senor Red
that you could
learn the truth.
He had one desire
and one desire alone
to ask your forgiveness.
He said one day you would come.
Only then you could
learn the truth.
Stop! Stop the jeep.
He had learned of a village
in the next valley
that had a plague and needed
medical supplies.
But he never understood
why Red forbid him to go.
There was no plague.
There was no village.
What?
Red wanted to introduce
your father to the oil business.
But your father
was restless and bored.
-No. No.
-He snuck away. He ran away
-and took a plane he had no business taking.
-No.
This is what Red wanted
to protect you from. Till now.
There can be no blame
for what happened here.
The penalty for
your father's impulsiveness
unfortunately, was a life
his.
Americano?
Ow.
It was the best of times,
it was the worst of times
it was the age of wisdom
it was the age
of foolishness.
Can't you find him?
We think that
he went searching for the crash site
which is in
lawless territory.
-I'm sorry. Crash site?
-Where his father died.
Well, I mean, is
is he in any danger?
I'm so sorry.
Neither love, nor hate thy life;
but what thou livest,
live well
however long or short
may the heavens permit.
Tell me about my father.
In many ways, he was
very similar to you
restless, rebellious,
angry.
I think Red
saw something in him
that he didn't see
in his other sons
a fire.
The same fire
he sees in you.
I still don't forgive you.
Amigo? Amigo,
are you here?
No, no, no! No! No, no!
Please, no! I can- I can pay you!
I have money! Please!
-Oh, God! God! Does anyone
understand what I'm saying?
Mueren. Mueren.
Muerte.
Death.
Hey. Hey.
Hey. Shh.
Can you walk?
Save yourself.
Not on your life.
Come on.
Come on.
Hey. Oh. Mmm.
What are you
doing here?
I was scared to death.
Where's Emily?
Um, she's resting.
She'll see you tomorrow.
You guys have
a good Christmas?
We didn't have one.
How could we?
You know what? We're gonna have
a fantastic one next year.
I promise.
We won't have a next year.
The events of that day
playin my mind over and over and over again.
I'm so sorry.
If your father hadn't died
while working for me
Please give me
a chance to explain.
Ever since that day, my life
has been filled with grief.
It is apparent that you
will never forgive me.
I do not blame you for this.
It's also something
that I cannot do for myself.
I loved your father
so much.
A parent should never have
a child precede them in death.
It is the most painful
experience imaginable.
Uh
that's enough for today,
gentlemen.
Welcome back, stranger.
Hey.
Ta-da.
Here
Wow.
An airport gift shop gift.
How thoughtful.
Does it come
with needles?
Uh
Yeah, you can kiss me,
even though you're a guy.
I missed you too.
Whatever.
Let's cut to the chase.
You really blew it
with us this Christmas.
I was unavoidably detained.
Okay, yeah.
I want Christmas.
I want to ride a horse.
Oh, I got, like, a week or two
left with this other thing
but, um, let me make a call
and we'll see
Jason.
Now.
Okay.
-That works for me.
-Excuse me, sir. It's Jason on line two.
Oh, uh,
will you all excuse me?
I have to take this call.
Go ahead, Jason.
Mr Hamilton, look.
One way or another, this is over.
Either I was in South America
way too long
or I missed the deadline
or whatever
but what I'm about to do
is way more important.
And I know you have no reason
whatsoever to trust me
but I need to borrow
my grandfather's jet.
And I need it now.
I want to take Alexia and Emily to Gus's ranch
for a late Christmas.
Jason, do you know what you're doing?
Look, I have no control
Uh, what, um, Mr Hamilton
was saying was that, uh
he'll be sending along
Red's next gift on your Conversay.
You have your bags
packed within the hour
and, uh, he will
have the jet fueled
-and ready to go.
-Thank you.
This means so much to me.
And, Hamilton
I promise I'm gonna take back all those
nasty thoughts about you being the Grinch.
Thanks again. Merry Christmas.
Hey, Gus!
What is this?
Snow in Texas?
Had it trucked in.
Ho, ho, ho!
All right, Hector, hit it!
-Merry Christmas.
-Gus, this is Emily.
-Hi, Emily. Welcome.
-Alexia.
-Hi.
-Alexia, how ya doin'?
-And there he is.
-Hey.
I'll get your bags.
I see why you chose this place.
I wish I could take the credit.
Emily said her wish was to go
horseback riding with you.
What?
Emily
What? What's wrong?
She's
She's terrified of horses.
I'm the one who loves horses.
Oh, Jason, it's so beautiful.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Well, this is what I was tellin' you about.
-Pretty, huh?
-It's beautiful.
Hey, come here.
I wanna show you something.
Gonna be okay, sweetie?
Alexia
-there's something I need to do.
-What?
For Emily.
And now for me.
And Gus.
How about that?
When I achieved my dreams,
it was like going home
to a place
I'd never been before.
You don't know that feeling,
do you?
The first few gifts
I've given you have been practical.
Show up, do this, do that.
And then the gifts started
needing you to provide input.
They needed intuition.
Still, your average person
is too weighted down.
Jason, you need to be free,
free to dream.
You need to come up
with a dream, then act on it.
Jason, this is the time
for you to dream.
You thinkin' about butterflies?
No, Jason, I'm looking at the stars.
You know,
I set this whole thing up
because I thought you wanted
to go horseback riding
not your mom.
Get real. Horses are
smelly and sweaty.
So, sweetie,
what's your dream?
If you could dream
of anything anything
what would your dream be?
My dream?
My dream was
a perfect day.
And I'm just
finishing it.
My dream was to be
with people I love
who love each other,
that love me.
What about you, Jason?
What's your dream?
I don't know.
For as long as I can remember,
all I wanted to do was have fun.
Now I don't have a clue.
It's okay.
Guys are clueless.
Hey, you have to know this.
Even if you don't
have a dream of your own
you gave me mine.
-That counts for something.
-Mmm.
Of course.
Look at her.
Isn't she beautiful?
I mean, except for
her choice in lipstick.
But you have to admit
even if you got nothing
else out of the deal but her
you'd still be a huge winner.
Don't blow it. Knowing you,
you're likely to do it.
Merry Christmas, Jason.
Merry Christmas.
Up until now,
I have only existed.
I've, um
I've drifted through life
day to day
thinking that
that was enough.
And honestly, I don't know
if I have my own dream.
But I do know I can help
others fulfill theirs. I know it.
Jason, will you excuse us
for a few minutes?
Hamilton & Partners.
We've deliberated and evaluated
whether or not your answer
conforms with the expressed
desires of Red Stevens
and we find
that your answer does.
Therefore, we are releasing
an amount allocated for you at this time.
That is, uh
$100 million to do with
whatever you please.
All of us here at the firm
want to congratulate you, Jason
for sticking it out
putting up with some
very harsh conditions
and prevailing.
Congratulations, Jason.
So that's it?
Yes, I- I think so.
No, don't get me wrong.
It's not the amount.
It's, uh
It's just
I don't know.
I was
expecting a different
feeling or
something.
I think that's
because now you
are a diffferent person.
And, uh
And, no
we won't cash
that check for you.
Okay, so he is the best
architect in town. That's great.
Tell him I want a meeting with him
first thing Monday morning.
-
-And how much is that?
I want to tour that property
as soon as possible.
Oh, that's amazing. We'll have a meeting
at the bank in, let's say, what, a month?
-That would depend on how
many vehicles you were talking.
-I'm sorry. Can you hold on?
-Certainly.
-Yeah?
Mr Stevens, a- a young lady to see you.
-Great. Send her up.
-Okay.
-I'm sorry.
-Will it be a large number of
Yeah, there are gonna be
plenty of cars.
-Okay, we'll have to look into it and let you know.
-Okay, Thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh, I like the remodel.
Where have you been?
In and out of prison.
Mmm.
Good to hear.
No visible tattoos.
-I missed you.
-Hmm.
-What's this?
-Oh, it's nothing.
That's a nice round number.
Somehow I don't think you'll be having
any more credit card problems, will you?
You know, um,
you still owe me a dinner.
How could I ever forget?
I missed you.
I think I still
remember my way around.
Why don't you meet me
in a few minutes?
How quaint.
Hmm.
Jason?
Where'd you go?
Shall I keep the limo running,
Mr Stevens?
Maybe not.
Ah, Mr Hamilton, Miss Hastings,
I'm so happy you came.
Jason, what's going on?
Have a seat.
Please. I insist.
Thank you all for joining me today.
May I direct your attention to
It's called Emily's Home.
It's for a dozen or more families
experiencing extraordinary health challenges.
Now, over here
will be the homes.
They're part of the same complex,
yet individual dwellings.
Families are gonna be able to live together
while they face their problems.
Now, obviously, there's
gonna be plenty of parking.
Over here is gonna be a state-of-the-art
employment center
catering to parents, single or married,
who need to earn some sort of income
while their child
undergoes treatment.
Now, at this
state-of-the-art hospital
Excuse me.
What's missing?
Oh, yeah.
A church
a worship center.
How much is this
gonna cost?
If you look at the prospectus
in front of you, page 5.
The total initial outlay
will be $350 million.
Your part will be to underwrite the financing
and a loan guarantee of 250 million.
I'm gonna be putting up the first
Mr Stevens, this is all well and fine. We did
business with your grandfather for many years.
Excuse me. I'm sorry for interrupting,
but I didn't phrase this as a question.
You are gonna do this. You made this much
off my grandfather in a typical year.
And, gentlemen, this project has
the full resources of the Hamilton
law firm backing it. -Yes? Oh, I
Pro bono, as I'm sure
you will be too.
Wrap up the details for me,
will you, Hamilton?
-My pleasure.
-Thank you all. I appreciate it.
Hey! Whoa!
Come on, come on,
come on, come on!
She wanted me to be there.
It was so important to her.
She wanted me to be there.
Jason, Alexia,
as mayor of Charlotte
it is my extreme honor
and privilege to preside over
the ground breaking
for Emily's Home.
But it is also a sad day
in that the namesake and the inspiration
for this incredible project
is not here with us today.
But her spirit
will always be with us all.
Jason, Alexia.
Thank you very much.
Thanks.
I am so proud of the man
you've become.
Thanks in great part to you.
Meet me at my office as soon
as possible, will you?
-I have one more matter I need to discuss.
-Of course.
We understand you went
outside the boundaries of our instructions
with one of those gifts.
What?
Don't what me.
You know what I'm talking about.
-Miss Hastings, will you, uh, dismiss everyone, please?
-Oh. Yes, sir.
Over the course of several days
this investigator personally witnessed
and recorded the subject
as he committed various misdemeanor
infractions for which he was never cited.
Nevertheless, illegal
activities did occur.
Panhandling,
bordering on assault
stealing private property,
resale of stolen items
street vending
without a permit
jaywalking.
It is the opinion of this investigator
that the subject is a reprobate
and not capable of completing
the 12 gifts laid out in Red Stevens's will.
That's enough, Miss Hastings.
My pleasure, Mr Hamilton.
Jason, if you made it this far,
he had one final message.
-Jason.
-Yeah?
You gave away the $100 million?
All of it?
-Yeah, so what?
-Well, if you're standing here now
it means that not only have you succeeded
in receiving all of my gifts
but have done so beyond
the boundaries that I have set.
I guess that means
that I have succeeded as well.
What I could not
accomplish in life
I have done in death.
As long as you are
still alive, I will be too.
I love you, Son.
I love you too.
Good-bye, Jason.
As executor of the estate
of Red Stevens
I hereby execute
and otherwise assign
complete and controlling
interest to Jason Stevens
the balance of Red's estate
including all holdings,
investment portfolio
and offshore interests
totaling in excess
of two billion dollars.
Depending on OPEC prices
and foreign currency fluctuations, of course.
I need a lawyer for a few business ideas I have
a few still
in the dream stage.
When would you like to meet?
Meet? Hell, you're hired.
Sir, are you sure you wouldn't like to meet first?
You were at the top
of your law class, were you not?
-Yes, sir.
-Then you're my lawyer.
Now let's get on with it.
We got a world to conquer.
Do you think I'm old,
Miss Hastings?
Mm-mmm.
Well, I think it's about time I retire
from this law firm.
Whatever will you do,
Mr Hamilton?
Go to work
with Jason Stevens.
-Change the world.
-Mmm.
Hi.
Thank you.
So I want
to give you a gift
a series of gifts
leading up to, well
I wanna call it
the ultimate gift.
Now, you fail in anyway,
it's over. You get nothing.
You know, you do any work
like you just did
you can do anything.
Now, aren't you
forgettin' something?
-I don't think so. Shoot.
-The gift.
The gift of work.
-Wow.
-Congratulations.
The charge card company
declined the charge.
That's impossible. I don't have a credit limit.
Just run it through again.
It's always our practice to run it through again,
but they declined.
I need a friend.
You expect this friendship
to continue?
I plan on knowing Jason
for the rest of my life.
Do- Do you truly
know how to learn?
Villagers wait for books.
You bring them new books.
They are waiting for you
to pick up old books.
Exchange. Library.
Si?
Well, you don't begin to live
until you've lost everything.
Wait! Wait!
That's an $8,000 paint job!
Heck, I've lost everything
three or four times.
It's the perfect
place to start.
And Emily she's
-she's the best decision I ever made.
-
What's gonna
happen to my mom?
I really don't hate her,
you know.
-Salud.
-Salud.
Salud!
Salud.
Jason, you need to be free,
free to dream.
You need to come up
with a dream, then act on it.
And honestly, I don't know
if I have my own dream.
But I do know I can help others
fulfill theirs.
Uh, I do have to
give away some money.
You're getting
less mysterious by the minute.
She owes $1,600
in back rent.
Pay it.
You're a hundred
dollars short.
So, apparently
someone came by
and covered my back rent.
Was it you?
Thank you.
What would
your dream be?
My dream?
My dream was
a perfect day.
And I'm just
finishing it.
-I love you, Son.
-I love you too.
Good-bye, Jason.
Hello.
When? Thank you.
Yes. I'll tell him.
Sir.
He's gone.
Contact family members
the various corporate boards
and business interests.
Yes, sir.
Sir, I
I am so sorry
for your loss.
Am I speakin'
to a Theophilus Hamilton of Birmingham?
Sir? Yes, sir. This is he.
Name's Howard Stevens.
You can call me Red.
I need a lawyer for a few
business ideas I have
a few still
in the dream stage.
Though the skies may weep
the Bible assures us that
precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints.
I wonder who the old man
negotiated with for the rain.
Well, it's a sure bet
he's laughin'
watchin' us get soaked.
Yeah, well,
now it's his turn.
There's not a person here
whose life, in some way
has not been touched
by Howard Red Stevens.
Red often quoted
Malcolm Muggeridge
saying that, Every happening,
great or small
is a parable by which
God speaks to us
and the art of life
is to get the message.
May the message of Red Stevens
continue in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
-What are you doing? You're gonna get all wet.
-Bill.
Even though Dad moved his corporate offices
from Texas many years ago
for tax reasons
he always said he wanted
to be buried under Texas soil.
Is that him?
That's him.
Mom.
-You're late.
-For what?
Give me some of that!
Settle down over there.
Good morning.
Before we start,
I'd like to say how much Red
meant to me personally.
As you know, we started out
as business partners
and we ended up
as friends.
I am deeply grieved
by his passing.
Yes, well, that's very nice.
Now, may we proceed?
Red's will
is in his own words
still, every bit
as legal and binding
Blah, blah, blah.
And, so,
my eldest son, Bill
I leave my company,
Panhandle Oil and Gas.
Currently worth $600 million.
However, Bill, since you had
zero interest in my company while I was alive
I don't imagine that will
change much after my death.
Therefore, the board
will maintain control.
Excuse me, but my client would like
to explore all of his options.
Your client
has no more options.
One of those instructions
Mr Hamilton skipped over
is Red's desire that each of you vacate
after receiving your portion of the estate.
-As in, leave the room.
-What the She can't talk to me like that.
-Well, do something.
-You can go now, Mr Stevens.
-What All right. Fine. Fine.
-We should really go.
I have never been so humiliated.
Did you see that old man
talking' to me that way?
And you guys just sat there
and said absolutely nothin'.
That's it?
-A cow farm?
-A 10,000-acre cow farm.
Well, what's that worth anyway?
Ruth, come on.
Come here.
What exactly do we get?
A place for you
to take your mistress.
Come on, Ruth.
Let me explain.
-I want to see everything! Full disclosure.
-Come on, Jack. Let's go.
-Good day, Mr Stevens.
-You said you had a strategy!
-This is a long way from over.
-You said it was a slam dunk!
-To Sarah, widow of my late son,
Jay Howard Stevens
I am truly sorry
for the events of the past.
Please know that Jays death
represents the greatest tragedy
I have ever experienced.
I leave you control of my Myers Park estate
where you now reside
and a managed trust for expenses as long as you live.
-There we go.
Since your choice
of male companionship is vast and varied
the deed and title for the house
will remain under the control of my trustees.
-Good day, Mr Hamilton.
-Good day.
It's amazing just how far
the fruit can fall from the tree.
And still roll
a great distance.
Nice of you to show up.
You're in time for nothin'.
Let's go.
Jason.
How do you know
my name?
It's my business to know everyone
named in your grandfather's will.
Let's cut the b.s., 'cause
I know what he left me nothing.
Walk away you'll never know,
will you?
Jason?
So, what's in the box?
Your inheritance.
Have a seat.
Does the box or the seal appear to have been
tampered with in any way?
No.
Then therefore
witness this day
that I am
breaking the seal
affixed in my presence
by Red himself.
-Miss Hastings.
-Yes, sir.
-Are we on?
-Yes, we are.
Mmm. Well, then,
If you're watching this
I must be dead.
That's a strange concept.
How was my funeral?
Well attended?
I hope it rained.
Hamilton, Miss Hastings
I hope you're having
a better day than I am.
If you've just been
with my family, I doubt it.
Jason, I made a lot
Of mistakes with our family
but you're the one
I think I hurt the most.
The only way I can make it up to you
is to not give you anything.
I knew it.
What I mean by that is that
I'm not giving you anything just yet.
So sit back down there.
I've been thinking about this
for a long time.
How can I give you something and not have it
ruin you like your uncles and aunts?
Even some of their kids.
So I want to give you a gift
a series of gifts
leading up to, well
I wanna call it
the ultimate gift.
Now, you fail in anyway,
it's over.
You get nothing.
And everything you do
must be to Mr Hamilton's satisfaction.
You might wanna make friends with him
sooner than later.
This is a voice-activated
Conversay.
It allows two-way communication
between our office and you.
And you can also replay
Red's messages on it if you need to.
-Sir.
-Ah, good.
There's a flight to Houston
tomorrow at 7:00 a. m.
As in morning, 7:00am?
Yes. That 7:00 a. m.
-For what?
-You have until then to accept.
-Why do I have to go?
-You'll find out when you get there.
-This is whacked.
-You might wanna rethink that.
What could he possibly give me
that he hasn't already taken away?
Huh? Screw him.
Screw both of you.
Well.
How was your day?
I'm not sure.
What do you mean?
My grandfather may have
left me something.
-Yeah?
-I'm just trying to figure it out.
-You mean it's not cash?
-I don't know.
Don't know?
If l want to play into his little power trip,
I gotta go pick it up.
-Where?
-Texas.
-Yech.
-You know what? I'm not going.
Well, aren't you
at least curious?
What if it's gold?
He ruined my life.
My best revenge
is to just
ignore him.
Besides,
I've got a trust fund.
Worst-case scenario
I'll live off my mom.
I don't need his money.
Yeah, but one can always use
some extra walking-around money.
Not if I have
to sell my soul.
But, if you had to, at least try to get
as much out of him as you can.
My gosh. What if you actually
had to get a job sometime?
Police escort sorta.
Uh, ladies and gentlemen
from the flight deck, we have a very full flight
to Houston this morning.
Uh, excuse me, sir.
Can I- Can I see
your boarding pass again?
Thank you.
Yeah. See, this is, uh
I'm sorry. This is for coach.
Nah. That's impossible.
-No. It's, uh, 32B.
-Well, change it.
We can't Please.
We can't No.
Thanks a lot.
We can't change it.
It's a Q fare. You can't upgrade.
-So, can we
-Do you have any idea who I am?
I- I know exactly
who you are.
You're the guy in Seat 32B. Here we go.
Conversay to Jason Stevens.
Hello, Jason.
What is this, one of those things
Aunt Martha had to wear?
I see you're at the, uh,
Houston airport.
Uh, Baggage Claim.
You got a problem?
You don't look like you've worked
a day in your life.
Great.
The Amazing Kreskin.
I'm don't know what I'm supposed to be doing,
because no one's been
Hey! Hey!
I'm Gus.
I'm your ride. Get in.
I'm sorry about
your grandfather's passin'.
He and I go way back.
He was some man.
He loved to work.
The man just loved
hard work.
Right. Mind if I smoke?
Ah, it's a free country.
Can you stop
at the next convenience store?
-Convenience store?
-Please.
The last store was
about 50 miles back.
We've been on my property
for the last 30 minutes or so.
Well, seein' as how
you're Red's grandson
you'll stay in the main house
with us.
I know it ain't much.
The little lady just wanted a modest place.
Dinner's in an hour.
Breakfast at 5:00.
Uh, Gus?
-Aren't you forgetting something?
-I don't think so. Shoot.
The gift.
So this is hell.
Hey, city boy.
Breakfast is over.
Don't you have some kind
of gizmo to wake you up?
Beat it.
-Good morning.
-What is your problem!
Time to get to work.
The sun'll be up soon.
Man Speaking Spanish ]
-Let's go!
Your granddad and I
started out together
wild cattin' oil wells
down in Louisiana.
Made some money.
We each bought cattle spreads
as a hedge against
the oil runnin' out.
Of course,
he really made it.
-Nice to own your own little piece of Texas, right?
-Right.
Just from there
eight feet
from the center.
What?
Lunch will be sent
'round about 11:00.
Well, how far
am I supposed to go?
Don't worry.
You'll run out of posts
before you run out of Texas.
I wish I had a dollar
for every fence post I've ever set.
Matter of fact, I do.
Hey.
What do you think?
No! Hey!
Aw! Come on, man!
So, I'm dying to know. What did you get?
Uh, it's complicated,
but it involves land
building materials
and slave labor.
They're giving you
a shopping mall?
Not exactly.
So it must be the land, right?
They're giving that to you?
-Uh, land's got a lot to do with it, yeah.
-You don't sound too sure.
Well, whatever it is, I gotta survive
this geriatric cowboy
until he gives it to me
or when I get back or
or when I'm finished.
Finish what?
You know what?
Let me get back to you, okay?
Jason, what are you
So that's it.
Yeah.
Let's go.
I'm not done.
Work's never done
on a ranch.
All right. Whatever.
You know, you do any work
like you just did
you can do anything.
Now, aren't you
forgettin' something?
-I don't think so. Shoot.
-The gift.
I came here to pick up a gift.
Remember?
That was the gift?
I do manual labor
for a month
and you're trying to tell me
it was a favor to me.
-The gift of work.
-Wow.
-Congratulations.
-Look, Hamilton.
Just tell me what
my total inheritance is. I'm over this.
Where are you going?
Where is he going?
Can you tell him
to come back, please?
Mr Hamilton.
Mr Hamilton.
Hey.
Mr Hamilton, sir.
Please.
I think it's only fair I know the amount
of money we're dealing with here. Don't you?
I've been gone for a month.
Just tell me
What do I have to do? What is it?
Red said,
a series of gifts.
But let me add
a personal note.
I, too, think
this is a waste of time.
But it will end shortly,
because you are going to fail.
I expect you to fail
and to fail miserably.
Now, if you do want
to continue
make an appointment
with Miss Hastings.
Okay. Look. Whoa, whoa, whoa.
Mr Hamilton.
I've been acting like a moron
about this whole thing, and I'm sorry.
And now I- I see exactly
what you and Red have in store for me
and I think
it's exceedingly beneficial.
So, what's the next gift?
You'll know.
Howdy.
Wait! Wait!
That's an $8,000
paint job!
You don't begin to live
until you've lost everything.
Heck, I've lost everything
three or four times.
It's the perfect place
to start.
Now, for most
of your adult life
you have been
the life of the party
and an easy touch
for a lot of weak hangers-on.
Now let's see who
your real friends are.
I was at your funeral, and there wasn't
a single person there
who wasn't on your payroll or didn't
have something to gain from your death.
What exactly is he
asking me to do?
He wants you to come back
at the end of the month
with one true friend.
Thank you.
-And how were the lobster tails?
-It was fine, thanks.
The lady was enjoying
the Montrachet.
And sir, the Margaux.
I hope it met
your expectations.
It was terrific.
Thank you.
We don't get too many requests
for the '78.
It's a bit too pricey
for some of our patrons.
I'll just leave this
with you then.
Caitlin, where do you
see our relationship?
-What are you asking me, Jason Stevens?
-Just thinking.
How long have we
been going out?
Uh, an appropriate
amount of time.
-Long enough.
-See? My thoughts exactly.
I was thinking that maybe
it's time to take us more seriously.
Yes?
But there's something
I want to ask you first.
Jason, if you're talking about a prenup,
isn't that sort of passe?
Well, see, I'm in
I was thinking
Excuse me, sir.
The charge card company
declined the charge.
That's impossible. I don't have a credit limit.
Just run it through again.
It's always our practice
to run it through again
but they declined.
Okay.
So, I was thinking, um
well, maybe, it'd be a good time
for me to move in with you.
Uh, you move in with me?
Why? Half my wardrobe's at your penthouse.
Just for a change of scenery.
Besides, I'm remodeling my place.
A remodel? But Who's your designer?
I know everyone in town.
I should've said
I'm beginning to remodel.
I've only really started
with the demolition.
I'm sorry, sir.
Your bank is on the line.
They'd really like
to speak with you. I must insist.
Look, guys. I'm having
a little bit of a setback.
It's nothing that can't be fixed.
All right?
Sweetie, I'm switching accounts right now
and I'm
temporarily out of money.
Is there a way
you could pay for this?
Jason, you're, um
You're, uh
asking me
to pay the bill?
It's
You owe me.
What?
Yo, dude,
I'm rollin' over.
What do you mean
I can't?
I have been there for you
countless times.
You owe me. That's it.
Bottom line.
Who was the one who loaned you
I could come up with a better excuse
when I was 12 years old.
All I need is a place to sleep.
I don't get what the problem is.
You can let me spend the night.
One night. Hello?
Sorry. Your service has been disconnected.
-Can I help you? Yeah, shut up.
-No. Nothing, thanks.
Jason.
Um Uh,
what a surprise.
-Mom, you're never gonna believe this.
-I'm afraid I can't let you in.
I'm having a bit of a situation.
I need some help.
-I need to borrow some money.
-Of course you do. Everyone needs money.
Uh
Didn't your grandfather
leave you anything?
What are you talking about?
He hated me.
Jason, he did not.
He didn't come around much, but, uh,
I always thought it was because of me.
It doesn't matter.
Do you have any extra spending cash?
I would love
to help you.
-But I can't.
-You can't?
They told me specifically that you would be
comin' around for money
and that I was not
to give you anything.
But I'm your son, Mom.
That's what you're supposed to do.
If l violate
their instructions
I am out everything
everything.
So for the sake
of the greater good
I must insist
that you leave.
I'm not gonna upset
the whole applecart
just because you're facing
a few challenges.
I'm sorry. I just
cannot help you.
Thanks.
Ow!
Hey, man. You're
You're on my bench.
You're on my bench.
Beat it.
-A simple no would have sufficed.
-Fine. No.
-No, what?
-No, you cannot sit on this bench.
This is not your bench.
This is a city bench.
-Go sit on another bench.
-But it's my bench.
I've got just as much
right to it as anybody.
It's a free country, you know.
See, that's where
you're wrong.
Name one thing
in this country that's for free.
You need money for everything.
Without money, you're nothing.
Look at you.
No money. No food.
No family. No friends.
Nothing.
Besides, I'm sitting
on this bench now.
This is my bench.
Okay?
I'll flip you for it.
Fine.
I have a quarter.
Thanks.
Oh.
Well, aren't you gonna
chase him for it?
Beat it, kid.
I've been watching you.
You're not a real bum.
We saw you at a funeral.
Quite the entrance.
-What were you doing at
-My mother and I come here for lunch every day.
Except, right now,
she doesn't know where I am.
-Emily!
-Whatever.
Emily!
Oh! Emily.
-You must really be having a bad life.
-Come on. Right now.
I was just having a pleasant conversation
with this gentleman.
-Leave us alone, please.
-Dear, don't be ridiculous.
Sorry to disturb you. Come on.
That's okay. I'm not the one
who's disturbed.
Some friend you are.
Thanks a lot, poser.
You know what I've said
about talking to strangers.
-He's not a real bum.
-Hey. Whoa, whoa. Wait, wait, wait.
Okay, this is gonna sound
really, really strange
but I'm just gonna
come out and say it.
I'll make a deal with you.
I need a friend.
But only for a little while,
and, uh
in return, I don't know,
I'll take you both to Disneyworld.
Excuse me?
-I need a friend.
-Explain yourself.
-It's complicated.
-No, it's not.
It's pathetic.
-Come on. Now, just because
-Mom, I told you.
-He's not a real bum.
-Okay.
Oh, dude, come on.
She doesn't even like
Chateauneuf du Pape.
Thank you.
Miss Hastings,
bring me the Stevens file.
Looks like our boy's not even
gonna make it through round two.
But, sir
doesn't he have until
the end of today?
Well, from what I hear
he could have another month
and still get the same result.
Yes, sir.
-So, what do you think? Is this a good spot?
-Yeah, perfect.
You can see everything
under the perfect tree.
-Hey! Hey! Give that back!
-I'm sorry, ma'am. I'm just hungry.
-Sir, you need to step back.
-Don't you have a sandwich?
-You need to step back.
-Leave her alone.
Get back! Get back!
I've got 911 all dialed in.
All I have to do is press Send.
Sweetheart, get back.
-Ow! No!
-Hey! Hey! Leave 'em alone.
Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!
Whoo! Yeah.
My bench.
Mwah!
-So, you have a bet with a dead guy?
-Mm-hmm.
-Cool.
-Emily. Be polite.
Wait. How can you have a bet with a
deceased person?
See, that's the part
that's complicated.
So you come up
with a friend.
What do you get if we
go along with this?
-Emily.
-No, it's okay. I don't know.
Something about an ultimate gift
or something.
But you're not sure
what that is.
Yeah, that about
sums it up.
So what do we get
if we agree to do this?
-We need money. How much are you willing to pay?
-Emily!
I'm sorry. You're gonna
have to excuse my daughter.
Sometimes she tends to be
a little outspoken.
I can't promise you anything.
Now, that's better.
But what if
we really did
become friends?
-Emily, it's not polite
-Shh.
-So you're Jason's friend?
-Yes, I am.
-True friend?
-Absolutely.
Pinky promise.
So, how long have you
known Mr Stevens?
We go way back.
We're like this.
Now, where do I sign?
And, uh
he hasn't promised you
any compensation for this friendship?
Look at him.
Does he look like
he has anything to offer?
So, uh
you expect this friendship
to continue?
I plan on knowing Jason
for the rest of my life.
Tomorrow lunch at noon,
our usual spot in the park.
Sure.
Just a minute, pal!
You owe me.
Emily. Wait.
They go back a long way, don't they?
There was a time when Mr Hamilton
was quite ill
and needed
a kidney transplant.
Your grandfather went out of his way
to help him find a donor.
You could even say, I think,
that Mr Hamilton's alive today
because of Red Stevens.
Um.
In the, um, basement
of this building
there's a small apartment
for a custodian.
It isn't being used right now.
Perhaps you'd, um, like
to take a look at it?
Thank you.
Jason, you have no concept whatsoever
of the value of money.
Money has always been available to you,
like the air you breathe.
I tell you, let's, uh, review some highlights
of your recent past.
A $25,000-per-night suite
in Paris
with a personal chef
whom you tipped heavily.
Toured the Bordeaux region
in chauffeured hot-air balloons.
That was amazing.
A week of heli-skiing
in Saint Moritz.
A small fleet
of exotic cars.
The latest in everything,
including women.
But the past is the past
and I figure you've probably had
a pretty tough month.
Well, it's about time.
Thank you very much.
And if l ever
see you two again
it'll be too soon.
Well, seeing how you've never
held one of those before
let me explain what it is.
That's a paycheck.
That's for what you earned at Gus's ranch.
Of course, the I. R. S. ravaged it first.
I hate those guys.
In your pocket
every step of the way.
You start out in business,
and then you have to make a payroll.
And just when you think
you're gonna make a
Mr Stevens, this is
the Gift of Money, please.
Yeah, all right. Sorry.
Look at me.
I'm carrying on about death and taxes
even after I'm dead.
Now, you have to take that money and?
as much as you need it yourself
spend it on someone
experiencing a real problem.
What can they teach you?
Put yourself
in their shoes.
Jason, would you like us
to cash it for you?
Please.
I think we know you
well enough
that we won't need
any I. D.
How will you know
how I spent it?
We'll know.
Hey.
I didn't
take anything.
Nothin'. Nothin'.
Oh, no.
Great.
Naturally.
A young blonde woman
and her little girl.
-Just down the hall.
-Thanks.
Paging Dr Howard. Dr Howard.
Paging Dr Kline.
Dr Kline.
Paging Dr Howard.
What are you doing here?
-You saw her.
-Yeah.
Did you talk to her?
-So, what's wrong with her?
-That depends.
-On what?
-On who you really are.
Maybe I can help you.
Emily has leukemia.
We thought she was in remission after
her bone marrow transplant
but a couple of weeks ago
her body started
to reject the transplant.
I'm sorry.
Uh, hey.
Uh, well, you gotta
need money, right?
Oh, so that's it. You won your bet
with your rich grandfather.
You're back off the streets.
Congratulations. What is it now?
Uh, I do have
to give away some money.
You're getting less mysterious
by the minute.
I bet you're gonna get to the end
of your game, collect your cash
-and just ride off into the sunset.
-I don't know. Maybe.
But, Alexia, if l can help you,
why won't you just let me?
Because no rich kid
is gonna use me or my daughter
to play a game.
She owes $1,600
in back rent. Pay it.
You're a hundred dollars short.
Your check was for 1,500.
Tell Hamilton I'm good for it.
Just pay that bill.
Your other hundred.
Well, push Play.
Our lives should be lived
not avoiding problems
but welcoming them as challenges
that will strengthen us
so that we can be
victorious in the future.
So, now that I've given you the gift of work
and friends and the value of money
let's discover
the gift of family.
Now this is a tough one
but see if it's even
remotely possible
to get something positive
out of our family.
See if they truly know
how to count their blessings.
I f my doctors
are remotely accurate
this assignment might even
fall on Thanksgiving.
How appropriate.
He's joking, right?
Dr Allen, you're wanted in O.B.
Dr Allen, please report
to Obstetrics.
-Hey, where's the girl?
-Who, Emily?
She's with God.
Oh, there's my best friend.
Listen, about the other day
So, now you know
all about me.
No more mysteries.
-Look, I'm really sorry.
-Shut up.
Don't be pathetic.
I wonder if he takes
advance orders.
For what?
For my place.
You know, up there.
What do you think
it's gonna be like?
Butterflies.
Lots of butterflies.
Did you know, God
paints every color on a butterfly
with his fingers.
I didn't know you thought about
stuff like that.
I think about dying.
There's something basically unfair
about a person dying.
I even hate the idea.
You know, I, uh
I don't know much
about God or
or Jesus.
But I can promise you that those arms
are meant for you.
What's gonna happen
to my mom?
I really don't hate her,
you know.
Did I mention
I wouldn't be upset
if you kissed her?
Do you think
your mom and I
Okay. It's official.
You are the slowest person I have ever met.
You two were made
for each other.
I knew that
back in the park.
-In the park, I looked like a bum.
-Let's not be delusional.
You were a bum.
So, what are you doing
for Thanksgiving?
-Mrs Drummond?
-Yes.
I want to send Emily's charts and blood work
off to a specialist
see whether or not she's a candidate
for another transplant.
Oh. Uh, will that give her
a better chance than chemo?
Unfortunately, chemotherapy
isn't going to be enough.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
So when I found out
I was pregnant
he was getting ready
to leave for college and, uh
didn't want anything
to get in his way.
And Emily she's
she's the best decision
I ever made.
So, apparently
someone came by
and covered my back rent.
Was it you?
Thank you.
I have a question for you,
and I hope I'm not being out of line here.
I was wondering if you'd like
to join me for Thanksgiving.
Oh. Um, thanks.
That's nice of you to ask,
but I can't.
Um, obviously, Emily needs me here, so
But thanks.
Well, it's too bad,
because youre missing out
on a splendid example
of a way-too-wealthy American
dysfunctional thing.
-It's Yeah.
-Oh.
You know, I have the strangest feeling
I might have enjoyed it.
What are you
thinking about?
Nothin'.
You're thinking
about Jason.
Yeah. He's weird, isn't he?
He's a good weird.
You know, he, uh, invited me
over to Thanksgiving
with his family.
-Oh, really?
-Yeah. Of course, I told him, Whatever, loser.
-I think you should go.
-Absolutely not.
I wouldn't dream of missing
Thanksgiving with you.
So why'd you decide to come?
-My daughter banished me.
-Oh.
So I have you by decree.
Mmm, knowing Emily
by design.
Mission accomplished.
Two completely
opposite people
who wouldn't have had
a chance without me
destined to make
each other miserable.
You okay, Jason?
Oh. Don't tell me
you've never been on a bus before.
Wow.
Brace yourself.
Jason, seriously.
-I'm willing to bet that they are perfectly normal people.
-Oh, yeah? How much?
This is nice.
Thank you.
You know, I had my firm
do an informal audit
just the financials
of the publicly held side.
And there's still
several hundred million floatin' around.
Well, you knew him better than I.
Most of those companies
were privately held.
Maybe we should check into
some of his favorite charities.
-They do have to report large contributions.
-That's a great idea.
Daddy always was a sucker
for a begging hand.
Hmm. Unfortunately,
you're right.
And what sort of business
does your family come from, Alexia?
Um, health care.
Oh, how wonderful.
Well, we have a wing
in the hospital downtown.
A couple of wings, I think.
Or is it
a couple of hospitals?
I always forget.
My daughter is receiving great care
thanks to your father.
Great sector-health care.
Little flat in the third quarter,
but poised to rocket.
Okay. I'd like to propose a toast.
Yes. To each other.
For suffering through a year
of great adjustment.
Uh, excuse me.
Does anyone else seem to notice
it smells a little like
cowhide in here?
And how are those
sin stocks of yours doing, Jack?
What's wrong with a little
investment in alcohol, tobacco and firearms?
-Over the stench of oil?
-And what's wrong with oil, Thank you very much?
My money's just as
green in Manhattan as anywhere else.
So, who does get
the rest of the estate?
Sarah?
Well, I don't know
anything about that.
Well, you were
the last one in there.
-No, I wasn't.
-Well, that's just ridiculous, darling.
When we left, you were
the only one there.
Well, Jason was also there.
-Ah. Jason.
-Do enlighten us, Jason.
You certainly could not
have been the one
that received the bulk
of Red's estate.
-Or are you? -Is that why you insisted
we get together for Thanksgiving
so you could reveal
your newly enhanced trust fund to us?
It's Thanksgiving. I was hoping
maybe we could all go around the table
and each say something
that we're most thankful for.
-Are you on crack, Jason?
-Again?
Well, here's a thanks.
We don't have to put up with Dad's endless
litany of cliched quotes this season.
Or hand-spun,
cornpone wisdom.
Hear! Hear!
Who is that?
I think he works
down at the video store.
Well, Jason will tell you
all you need to know about this man
this dearly departed.
I mean, he more
than anyone here
has a bone to pick
with the late, great Red Stevens.
Jason, I can only imagine
what you've just been through.
-I could never get them to be thankful for anything
either.
-What have you got?
-Hey!
-What in the world is that?
-All right, give it back.
-Pass it to me. Come on.
-Give it back!
- and if you do succeed
-Here Take it!
-you'll be one step closer to all I have for you.
What's all I have for you?
It's between him and me.
It's none of your business.
It has everything to do with us.
It's our money!
So he's making you work
for your inheritance?
Not anymore, 'cause I don't
think I could ever win at this one.
Alexia, let's go.
-Jason. Wait. Wait!
-Don't!
Just tell them
what they want to hear.
I don't have
to tell them anything.
Jason, you're gonna hear
from my attorney Monday morning.
-Yeah. Ditto.
-Shut up, Jack.
You're all pathetic.
Wait.
Jason, slow down.
I put up with that for years.
I was a part of that.
What happened
to your dad?
He's dead. What else
do you want to know?
How'd he die?
The only person who really knows
just took it to his grave.
Jason, there's something
I always want you to remember, okay?
When I met you,
you were a homeless person.
And you made friends
with my daughter.
We shared
peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches.
All this without me knowing
anything about your background.
Yeah, well, the problem is,
that's me back there.
Yeah, but you can walk away from all that.
You already have.
I appreciate what you're saying,
but money changes things.
It gets you stuff. It's a- It's a way
to live life worry free.
-Money takes away the worry.
-Yeah, I saw what money can do.
And your worries
or whatever
you want to call them
they're not
life or death, Jason.
Okay, I'm sorry, but my getting
my inheritance is a matter of life or death.
And I know when I say that,
I sound like I'm being a Stevens
and being a Stevens
is all about money.
But it's not.
It's more.
So, I'll pay you back
as soon as possible.
What?
Uh, the money I owe you
the 1,600.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Marietta Ruby.
From the time I met her
in the seventh grade
that was my sweetheart.
She didn't
make it easy though.
Took me all the way till the eighth grade
to catch up with her.
She's beautiful.
Yeah.
She passed away
shortly after we were married.
I'm really sorry.
The greatest gift
she gave me
was the will to move on
to overcome.
You know, I may have
met someone myself.
Then cherish her.
And become
the man she deserves.
Have a seat.
Now, as I said
I had a feeling
you were gonna stop by.
That university you attended
What was it rated? Number three?
Number-three party school
in the country.
Do- Do you truly
knowhow to learn?
Jason, any process
worth going through
will get tougher
before it gets easier.
That's what makes
learning a gift
even if pain
is your teacher.
No. There's no way.
Anywhere but there.
I know what he's trying to do,
and it's not gonna work.
He can take his millions
to his grave. I don't care.
What he's trying to do is for your benefit,
not your destruction.
You know, Hamilton,
you sound just like him.
But guess what.
You're not him.
I don't know, son.
I do have one of his kidneys.
He's been out there for hours.
Yep. He's got some big decisions to make.
Do you think he'll
come in or go home?
He doesn't have a home.
You're right! She hates you!
-I know.
-Then why are you here?
I have to leave the country
for a while.
I'm reluctant to go because
of what I'm leaving behind.
What are you leaving behind?
Then you have to go.
Now get out of here.
You screwed up big time,
you know!
I had to eat a rubber hospital
turkey for Thanksgiving!
You better be back
by Christmas!
Even down here, you put your name on everything.
Welcome! Oh, welcome!
Jason Stevens.
Oh! Oh!
So good to meet you.
-I'm Bella.
-Hi.
May I be the first to show you
inside the library your grandfather built?
-Yeah, sure.
-Oh, good, good.
Where are all the books?
Oh.
You joke.
W- With the people.
Is it not like that in the great libraries
de Los Estados Unidos?
Villagers wait for books.
You bring them new books.
They are waiting for you
to pick up old books.
Exchange. Library. Si?
So basically,
I'm in a third world country
at a backwards library
with no books.
And the books that are here,
I can't even read.
Great.
Mmm.
This I found
when I was cleaning his desk
once I heard
of Red's passing.
I thought maybe you
would like to keep.
When you sent this to him
he proudly showed it
to all of us.
Then the tragedy.
It broke his heart.
Dear Grandpa
How's Ecuador?
I miss you and Dad so much.
You know, my birthday's
coming up, and I was thinking
instead of giving me gifts
this year
could you take me
on one of your trips?
I promise I won't
cause any trouble.
I just want to see you
and Dad again soon.
Write back, please.
Love, Jason.
Hola.
Un momento, por favor.
You look
just like your father.
I was here
the night he died.
It happened up on that mountain,
didn't it?
-Take me there.
-You cannot go.
It is now the province
of the drug lords.
You don't understand.
I'll pay you.
Well, someday.
I understand perfectly.
But, senor, I only have one life.
You're just bargaining now,
aren't you?
Senor Stevens,
you do not want to pay the price it would take.
No one
who goes there returns.
Our guest of honor,
Mr Jason Stevens!
Oh.
Gracias.
I'm afraid to ask.
Oh, you will love it.
It's so rare we catch one.
-The chief is going to talk.
-Oh.
He says we are here
to celebrate you
and those who keep
the Jay Stevens Library alive.
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
No. No. No, no, no.
He must be mistaken.
My grandfather was very generous.
Everything's named after him.
No, it is the Jay Stevens
Memorial Library.
To my father.
-Salud.
-Salud.
Have some more.
-Salud.
-Salud.
Salud!
Salud.
You cannot hope
to find it without me.
How'd you know I'd go?
You are a Stevens,
are you not?
I thought you said
you couldn't take me.
My purpose in coming to you
was a promise I made to Senor Red
that you could
learn the truth.
He had one desire
and one desire alone
to ask your forgiveness.
He said one day you would come.
Only then you could
learn the truth.
Stop! Stop the jeep.
He had learned of a village
in the next valley
that had a plague and needed
medical supplies.
But he never understood
why Red forbid him to go.
There was no plague.
There was no village.
What?
Red wanted to introduce
your father to the oil business.
But your father
was restless and bored.
-No. No.
-He snuck away. He ran away
-and took a plane he had no business taking.
-No.
This is what Red wanted
to protect you from. Till now.
There can be no blame
for what happened here.
The penalty for
your father's impulsiveness
unfortunately, was a life
his.
Americano?
Ow.
It was the best of times,
it was the worst of times
it was the age of wisdom
it was the age
of foolishness.
Can't you find him?
We think that
he went searching for the crash site
which is in
lawless territory.
-I'm sorry. Crash site?
-Where his father died.
Well, I mean, is
is he in any danger?
I'm so sorry.
Neither love, nor hate thy life;
but what thou livest,
live well
however long or short
may the heavens permit.
Tell me about my father.
In many ways, he was
very similar to you
restless, rebellious,
angry.
I think Red
saw something in him
that he didn't see
in his other sons
a fire.
The same fire
he sees in you.
I still don't forgive you.
Amigo? Amigo,
are you here?
No, no, no! No! No, no!
Please, no! I can- I can pay you!
I have money! Please!
-Oh, God! God! Does anyone
understand what I'm saying?
Mueren. Mueren.
Muerte.
Death.
Hey. Hey.
Hey. Shh.
Can you walk?
Save yourself.
Not on your life.
Come on.
Come on.
Hey. Oh. Mmm.
What are you
doing here?
I was scared to death.
Where's Emily?
Um, she's resting.
She'll see you tomorrow.
You guys have
a good Christmas?
We didn't have one.
How could we?
You know what? We're gonna have
a fantastic one next year.
I promise.
We won't have a next year.
The events of that day
playin my mind over and over and over again.
I'm so sorry.
If your father hadn't died
while working for me
Please give me
a chance to explain.
Ever since that day, my life
has been filled with grief.
It is apparent that you
will never forgive me.
I do not blame you for this.
It's also something
that I cannot do for myself.
I loved your father
so much.
A parent should never have
a child precede them in death.
It is the most painful
experience imaginable.
Uh
that's enough for today,
gentlemen.
Welcome back, stranger.
Hey.
Ta-da.
Here
Wow.
An airport gift shop gift.
How thoughtful.
Does it come
with needles?
Uh
Yeah, you can kiss me,
even though you're a guy.
I missed you too.
Whatever.
Let's cut to the chase.
You really blew it
with us this Christmas.
I was unavoidably detained.
Okay, yeah.
I want Christmas.
I want to ride a horse.
Oh, I got, like, a week or two
left with this other thing
but, um, let me make a call
and we'll see
Jason.
Now.
Okay.
-That works for me.
-Excuse me, sir. It's Jason on line two.
Oh, uh,
will you all excuse me?
I have to take this call.
Go ahead, Jason.
Mr Hamilton, look.
One way or another, this is over.
Either I was in South America
way too long
or I missed the deadline
or whatever
but what I'm about to do
is way more important.
And I know you have no reason
whatsoever to trust me
but I need to borrow
my grandfather's jet.
And I need it now.
I want to take Alexia and Emily to Gus's ranch
for a late Christmas.
Jason, do you know what you're doing?
Look, I have no control
Uh, what, um, Mr Hamilton
was saying was that, uh
he'll be sending along
Red's next gift on your Conversay.
You have your bags
packed within the hour
and, uh, he will
have the jet fueled
-and ready to go.
-Thank you.
This means so much to me.
And, Hamilton
I promise I'm gonna take back all those
nasty thoughts about you being the Grinch.
Thanks again. Merry Christmas.
Hey, Gus!
What is this?
Snow in Texas?
Had it trucked in.
Ho, ho, ho!
All right, Hector, hit it!
-Merry Christmas.
-Gus, this is Emily.
-Hi, Emily. Welcome.
-Alexia.
-Hi.
-Alexia, how ya doin'?
-And there he is.
-Hey.
I'll get your bags.
I see why you chose this place.
I wish I could take the credit.
Emily said her wish was to go
horseback riding with you.
What?
Emily
What? What's wrong?
She's
She's terrified of horses.
I'm the one who loves horses.
Oh, Jason, it's so beautiful.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Well, this is what I was tellin' you about.
-Pretty, huh?
-It's beautiful.
Hey, come here.
I wanna show you something.
Gonna be okay, sweetie?
Alexia
-there's something I need to do.
-What?
For Emily.
And now for me.
And Gus.
How about that?
When I achieved my dreams,
it was like going home
to a place
I'd never been before.
You don't know that feeling,
do you?
The first few gifts
I've given you have been practical.
Show up, do this, do that.
And then the gifts started
needing you to provide input.
They needed intuition.
Still, your average person
is too weighted down.
Jason, you need to be free,
free to dream.
You need to come up
with a dream, then act on it.
Jason, this is the time
for you to dream.
You thinkin' about butterflies?
No, Jason, I'm looking at the stars.
You know,
I set this whole thing up
because I thought you wanted
to go horseback riding
not your mom.
Get real. Horses are
smelly and sweaty.
So, sweetie,
what's your dream?
If you could dream
of anything anything
what would your dream be?
My dream?
My dream was
a perfect day.
And I'm just
finishing it.
My dream was to be
with people I love
who love each other,
that love me.
What about you, Jason?
What's your dream?
I don't know.
For as long as I can remember,
all I wanted to do was have fun.
Now I don't have a clue.
It's okay.
Guys are clueless.
Hey, you have to know this.
Even if you don't
have a dream of your own
you gave me mine.
-That counts for something.
-Mmm.
Of course.
Look at her.
Isn't she beautiful?
I mean, except for
her choice in lipstick.
But you have to admit
even if you got nothing
else out of the deal but her
you'd still be a huge winner.
Don't blow it. Knowing you,
you're likely to do it.
Merry Christmas, Jason.
Merry Christmas.
Up until now,
I have only existed.
I've, um
I've drifted through life
day to day
thinking that
that was enough.
And honestly, I don't know
if I have my own dream.
But I do know I can help
others fulfill theirs. I know it.
Jason, will you excuse us
for a few minutes?
Hamilton & Partners.
We've deliberated and evaluated
whether or not your answer
conforms with the expressed
desires of Red Stevens
and we find
that your answer does.
Therefore, we are releasing
an amount allocated for you at this time.
That is, uh
$100 million to do with
whatever you please.
All of us here at the firm
want to congratulate you, Jason
for sticking it out
putting up with some
very harsh conditions
and prevailing.
Congratulations, Jason.
So that's it?
Yes, I- I think so.
No, don't get me wrong.
It's not the amount.
It's, uh
It's just
I don't know.
I was
expecting a different
feeling or
something.
I think that's
because now you
are a diffferent person.
And, uh
And, no
we won't cash
that check for you.
Okay, so he is the best
architect in town. That's great.
Tell him I want a meeting with him
first thing Monday morning.
-
-And how much is that?
I want to tour that property
as soon as possible.
Oh, that's amazing. We'll have a meeting
at the bank in, let's say, what, a month?
-That would depend on how
many vehicles you were talking.
-I'm sorry. Can you hold on?
-Certainly.
-Yeah?
Mr Stevens, a- a young lady to see you.
-Great. Send her up.
-Okay.
-I'm sorry.
-Will it be a large number of
Yeah, there are gonna be
plenty of cars.
-Okay, we'll have to look into it and let you know.
-Okay, Thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh, I like the remodel.
Where have you been?
In and out of prison.
Mmm.
Good to hear.
No visible tattoos.
-I missed you.
-Hmm.
-What's this?
-Oh, it's nothing.
That's a nice round number.
Somehow I don't think you'll be having
any more credit card problems, will you?
You know, um,
you still owe me a dinner.
How could I ever forget?
I missed you.
I think I still
remember my way around.
Why don't you meet me
in a few minutes?
How quaint.
Hmm.
Jason?
Where'd you go?
Shall I keep the limo running,
Mr Stevens?
Maybe not.
Ah, Mr Hamilton, Miss Hastings,
I'm so happy you came.
Jason, what's going on?
Have a seat.
Please. I insist.
Thank you all for joining me today.
May I direct your attention to
It's called Emily's Home.
It's for a dozen or more families
experiencing extraordinary health challenges.
Now, over here
will be the homes.
They're part of the same complex,
yet individual dwellings.
Families are gonna be able to live together
while they face their problems.
Now, obviously, there's
gonna be plenty of parking.
Over here is gonna be a state-of-the-art
employment center
catering to parents, single or married,
who need to earn some sort of income
while their child
undergoes treatment.
Now, at this
state-of-the-art hospital
Excuse me.
What's missing?
Oh, yeah.
A church
a worship center.
How much is this
gonna cost?
If you look at the prospectus
in front of you, page 5.
The total initial outlay
will be $350 million.
Your part will be to underwrite the financing
and a loan guarantee of 250 million.
I'm gonna be putting up the first
Mr Stevens, this is all well and fine. We did
business with your grandfather for many years.
Excuse me. I'm sorry for interrupting,
but I didn't phrase this as a question.
You are gonna do this. You made this much
off my grandfather in a typical year.
And, gentlemen, this project has
the full resources of the Hamilton
law firm backing it. -Yes? Oh, I
Pro bono, as I'm sure
you will be too.
Wrap up the details for me,
will you, Hamilton?
-My pleasure.
-Thank you all. I appreciate it.
Hey! Whoa!
Come on, come on,
come on, come on!
She wanted me to be there.
It was so important to her.
She wanted me to be there.
Jason, Alexia,
as mayor of Charlotte
it is my extreme honor
and privilege to preside over
the ground breaking
for Emily's Home.
But it is also a sad day
in that the namesake and the inspiration
for this incredible project
is not here with us today.
But her spirit
will always be with us all.
Jason, Alexia.
Thank you very much.
Thanks.
I am so proud of the man
you've become.
Thanks in great part to you.
Meet me at my office as soon
as possible, will you?
-I have one more matter I need to discuss.
-Of course.
We understand you went
outside the boundaries of our instructions
with one of those gifts.
What?
Don't what me.
You know what I'm talking about.
-Miss Hastings, will you, uh, dismiss everyone, please?
-Oh. Yes, sir.
Over the course of several days
this investigator personally witnessed
and recorded the subject
as he committed various misdemeanor
infractions for which he was never cited.
Nevertheless, illegal
activities did occur.
Panhandling,
bordering on assault
stealing private property,
resale of stolen items
street vending
without a permit
jaywalking.
It is the opinion of this investigator
that the subject is a reprobate
and not capable of completing
the 12 gifts laid out in Red Stevens's will.
That's enough, Miss Hastings.
My pleasure, Mr Hamilton.
Jason, if you made it this far,
he had one final message.
-Jason.
-Yeah?
You gave away the $100 million?
All of it?
-Yeah, so what?
-Well, if you're standing here now
it means that not only have you succeeded
in receiving all of my gifts
but have done so beyond
the boundaries that I have set.
I guess that means
that I have succeeded as well.
What I could not
accomplish in life
I have done in death.
As long as you are
still alive, I will be too.
I love you, Son.
I love you too.
Good-bye, Jason.
As executor of the estate
of Red Stevens
I hereby execute
and otherwise assign
complete and controlling
interest to Jason Stevens
the balance of Red's estate
including all holdings,
investment portfolio
and offshore interests
totaling in excess
of two billion dollars.
Depending on OPEC prices
and foreign currency fluctuations, of course.
I need a lawyer for a few business ideas I have
a few still
in the dream stage.
When would you like to meet?
Meet? Hell, you're hired.
Sir, are you sure you wouldn't like to meet first?
You were at the top
of your law class, were you not?
-Yes, sir.
-Then you're my lawyer.
Now let's get on with it.
We got a world to conquer.
Do you think I'm old,
Miss Hastings?
Mm-mmm.
Well, I think it's about time I retire
from this law firm.
Whatever will you do,
Mr Hamilton?
Go to work
with Jason Stevens.
-Change the world.
-Mmm.
Hi.
Thank you.
So I want
to give you a gift
a series of gifts
leading up to, well
I wanna call it
the ultimate gift.
Now, you fail in anyway,
it's over. You get nothing.
You know, you do any work
like you just did
you can do anything.
Now, aren't you
forgettin' something?
-I don't think so. Shoot.
-The gift.
The gift of work.
-Wow.
-Congratulations.
The charge card company
declined the charge.
That's impossible. I don't have a credit limit.
Just run it through again.
It's always our practice to run it through again,
but they declined.
I need a friend.
You expect this friendship
to continue?
I plan on knowing Jason
for the rest of my life.
Do- Do you truly
know how to learn?
Villagers wait for books.
You bring them new books.
They are waiting for you
to pick up old books.
Exchange. Library.
Si?
Well, you don't begin to live
until you've lost everything.
Wait! Wait!
That's an $8,000 paint job!
Heck, I've lost everything
three or four times.
It's the perfect
place to start.
And Emily she's
-she's the best decision I ever made.
-
What's gonna
happen to my mom?
I really don't hate her,
you know.
-Salud.
-Salud.
Salud!
Salud.
Jason, you need to be free,
free to dream.
You need to come up
with a dream, then act on it.
And honestly, I don't know
if I have my own dream.
But I do know I can help others
fulfill theirs.
Uh, I do have to
give away some money.
You're getting
less mysterious by the minute.
She owes $1,600
in back rent.
Pay it.
You're a hundred
dollars short.
So, apparently
someone came by
and covered my back rent.
Was it you?
Thank you.
What would
your dream be?
My dream?
My dream was
a perfect day.
And I'm just
finishing it.
-I love you, Son.
-I love you too.
Good-bye, Jason.