7.6 stars.
This is a sequel in one aspect alone: it's a backstory for Red, the billionaire from the first movie. Every other aspect of this film is different and exclusive from the first and should not be compared. If you've seen the first one, you might be tempted to look at this as a sequel, expecting something similar with the same feel and background, but you would be disappointed (possibly the opposite) if you take this approach. I am in the latter group. I did expect something like the first, but realized after 20 minutes I must shift my reckoning to a fresh perspective.
We are taken back to the 1940's before the war, Red is a young man with massive aspirations to be a billionaire like Carnegie. He starts from rock bottom, homelessness, working on a ranch for a pittance, skipping high school to follow his dream of being rich, doing whatever it takes. He's smart, and soon he's also smitten by a girl. They love each other dearly and as the story continues the epic adventure and life of this man unfolds. We are taken into her attempts to get him to attend high school, then their courtship, into his experiences in World War II, digging for oil after the war, hitting paydirt, getting filthy rich, winning lawsuits, becoming an oil tycoon, and leaving competitors in his wake. It all spans about 30 years. Unfortunately, he becomes one of the most greedy and ruthless men in the industry.
This is an absolutely marvelous standalone film. Unlatch yourself from 'The Ultimate Gift', because it will be the ultimate gift for yourself in order to fully understand and enjoy the originality and adventure this movie offers. If you are stuck in the tracks of the first installment, comparing, taking notes, differentiating, rating the performances, placing emphasis on the actors and not the quality of writing...you will miss the obvious: 'The Ultimate Life' contains a superior setting and background than that explored in 'The Ultimate Gift'. The former film utilized a higher budget and the production value appeared larger, but this sequel presents a much fuller story and is easier to follow. I think people got caught up in the casting choices and lack of marital focus. The romance is predominantly absent, but in its place is an inside look at a rags to riches story of a man and how he was shaped from hard-hearted to compassionate.
