This is what Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment) comes up with for his assignment on his first day of Social Studies.The assignment is simple:Come up with an idea to change the world.What Trevor conceives is an idea where instead of paying back the favors that are done for us, we pay them forward...By finding three people in need of something vital -something they can't do on their own- and doing it for them, thus creating a chain of benevolence, and goodwill which hopefully will be perpetuated:By the three people we've just helped, following our example.With this in mind, he finds an indigent man (Jim Caviezel), and decides to help him out, giving him some money, and letting him sleep in his house for one night without his mother's knowledge.When this first attempt seems to crash and burn, Trevor turns his attention to his diligent but but deeply sorrowful teacher Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey), who appears to have no one in his life who loves him, and who's face is tragically disfigured.Trevor's mother Arlene (Helen Hunt), is a struggling young cocktail waitress in Las Vegas who's recovering from a long bout of alcoholism, and having trouble coping with her child's disappointment in her.With a little maneuvering from Trevor, the two of them get together, and begin a relationship which, though great in the beginning, threatens to fall apart as obstacles block it's path.Meanwhile, in what appears to be the near future (and serving as a poignant opening to the movie), an L.A journalist named Chris Chandler (Jay Mohr) is given a brand new Jaguar by a complete stranger after his own car gets destroyed.Struck by this out of the blue event, he decides to investigate the matter further, which uncovers a chain of events eventually leading to Trevor himself.Pay It Forward is a terrific, and refreshing movie which manages to have a little humor despite it's dramatic premise.Everybody is good in it, and everybody seems committed to what the story has to say.I was particularly impressed that the director was a woman, since not too many women are good at directing movies.The ending is shocking, but is really the only good way to bring the story to a close.Those who don't agree should see the movie again.Originally, Review #75Posted On: May 31, 2010

'Pay it Forward' is a solid, well-made drama with some impressive acting performances. It will satisfy a lot of people but I was a little disappointed with the direction the film took. The first half of the film sets up an interesting plot, then the second half focuses almost entirely on the developing romance between Trevor's mother and teacher and the actual story behind the film - a young boy attempting to make the world a better place - almost becomes a sub-plot.The ending also felt like an easy way out for the filmmakers and a cheap attempt at manipulating the audience's emotions. It was a totally unnecessary ending to a film that started with a lot of promise but went downhill fast towards the end. There are certainly worse films out there than 'Pay it Forward', but I was disappointed with the direction this film took. It could have, and should have been a lot better.

Someone does you a good favor. You pass it on to three other people. They pass it on. And what a wonderful world this will be like the commercial we see on TV these days. That's the theory behind "Pay It Forward,". I would like to say this is a great movie for kids, and parents but parents should be cautious while watching with their kids under 14 years old. This movie has frequent profanity, including one use of the "N" word, as well as a tween boy who calls one of his bullies "a fag." Many of the characters abuse alcohol and drugs, including heroin and marijuana. There are references to severe domestic abuse. There are some fights, one resulting in mortal injury. A character attempts suicide. Another shoots his gun, though no one is injured. A character dies tragically. I personally think this movie deserves more than 7.2 rating. This is a must seen movie for all kids, and parents to raise a better generation.

Pay it Forward (2000): Dir: Mimi Leder / Cast: Kevin Spacey, Haley Joel Osment, Helen Hunt, Jay Mohr, Jim Caviezel: Acts of good deeds that influence others are the theme of this film. Haley Joel Osment comes up with an idea for a school project that begins by taking a homeless person into his house. Kevin Spacey plays his teacher whose skin is tarnished with burn scars. Helen Hunt plays Osment's mother who works as a stripper. Fine setup with pointless elements such as the awkward written return of Hunt's abusive drunk ex-husband or her mother living on the street. The conclusion is a cheap shot tear- jerker. Well directed by Mimi Leder who previously made Deep Impact. Osment is excellent as he embarks upon the good of others without care or consequence. He even attempts to arrange a dinner date between his mother and his teacher. The result of his good deeds is a slap in the face to anyone who hates being jerked around. Spacey is very good as a professor supportive of Osment and opens up to his mother regarding his burn scars. Hunt pays the price but not before experiencing her son's payoff. Jay Mohr plays a journalist who is curious about this event after a good need came upon him during an auto accident. Jim Caviezel plays a homeless man subjected to Osment's kindness. Although standard in production, its theme regards doing unto others. Score: 7 / 10