19
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 38McClatchy-Tribune News ServiceRoger MooreMcClatchy-Tribune News ServiceRoger MooreThe performers are more competent than compelling, a common failing of faith-based films. Blame the edge-free, freshly-scrubbed characters that they play. Sadly, even as a safe-for-seniors saga ready-made for The Hallmark Channel, this is pretty thin gruel.
- 30The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThis second feature based on a best-selling book by Jim Stovall is mainly repetitive in its themes and suffers from a melodramatic plotline and hamfisted execution.
- 30The New York TimesDaniel M. GoldThe New York TimesDaniel M. GoldThe Ultimate Life is hampered by a predictable story, stereotypical characters and wooden acting.
- 25Slant MagazineDrew HuntSlant MagazineDrew HuntIts thinly veiled message of social conservatism and religious affirmations as the pathway to an ideal life is delivered with all the predigested sentimentality of a Hallmark card.
- 25Washington PostMichael O'SullivanWashington PostMichael O'SullivanThe message of The Ultimate Life could be summed up on a greeting card. Or rather, 12 greeting cards.
- 20Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAgain. Via Red’s experiences as a young man and wildcatter, Jason learns that money cannot buy happiness. What the viewers learn is that money can’t buy a good movie either.
- 10VarietyGeoff BerkshireVarietyGeoff BerkshireAt least the narrative sloppiness and ineptly delivered themes in the script by Brian Bird and Lisa G. Shillingburg (freely adapted from the novel by Jim Stovall) feel of a piece with the entire production.