Pay It Forward (DVD, 2001)

MUST SEE FILM~LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION~tear jerker, but well worth viewing!Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, along with the child star of the movie Sith Sense ("I See Dead People") portray a truly wonderful story. Kevin Spacey plays a teacher who gives his annual assignemnt to his students. A project to come up with an idea to change the world. Of course, no student had ever pulled the assignment off, that is until given to a student named Trevor. (Played by Haley Joel Osment) Trevor is the son of Helen Hunt, who is a single mother struggling with demons of her own. Trevor plays match-maker for his lonely mom, and actually plays a very good cupid. He also be-friends a wayward stranger, struggling with bad habits. Based on a best-selling novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde with three prior Oscar winners--Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment--PAY IT FORWARD tells a heartwarming story about an 11-year-old boy who comes up with an utopian idea as a project for school. History teacher Eugene Simenot (Spacey) offers the same ongoing extra-credit assignment he has proffered every year: Come up with an idea that will change the world. However, he expects nothing more from his students than halfhearted efforts that fall far shy of their mark. Simenot is therefore unprepared for precocious, irrepressible Trevor McKinney (played with wide-eyed wonder by Osment), who conjures up a stunning scheme. Trevor suggests the concept that every person who benefits from someone else's good deed should "pay it forward," instead of paying it back, and in turn offer favors to three other people. The first of Trevor's experiment is his overworked, imperfect mom (Helen Hunt) for whom he tries to find a boyfriend.

This film has plenty of twists, and is truly a tear-jerker.

Rate this film "Two Thumbs Up" 5 Stars *****

What a pleasant surprise this movie was! I avoided seeing it for awhile because of so-so reviews I'd read and also because a friend told me the book was "sentimental and corny". But the movie was very believable and I can't help thinking that the only people who could fail to be moved by it would have to be hard-core cynics. Haley Joel Osmont proves his acting chops yet again (after his acclaimed his role in Sixth Sense), playing a middle-school student named Trevor who has a troubled home life, an alcoholic mother and an erratic, wayward father. When his new teacher, played by the superb Kevin Spacey, gives an imaginative class assignment, daring the students to "change the world" Trevor takes his homework to a new extreme, changing not only his life but that of his teacher. While parts of this movie do challenge the viewer's ability to suspend belief and seem somewhat unreal, it is a rare treat to see such a trio of talented actors come together for such a worthy idea. Don't be surprised to find yourself reaching for the tissues while watching this movie. I was surprisingly moved and heartened by watching it. This movie is worth seeing again and again.

SOLID film! RECOMMENDED for EVERY DVD collection!!

This movie is absolutely the best. I love this movie so much I share it with every one. Now I try to Pay it forward! This is a must see movie.

It is a moving story of a young boy who has a mom recovering from alcohol abuse, a father that was abusive. A grandmother that is homeless & starts the pay it forward by helping a robber.

The boys teacher gives the class an assignment to come up with an idea to change the world. He comes up with an idea that we should all help 3 people, they help 3 people & so on.

The cast is unbelievable... Helen Hunt ... Angie Dickenson... the boy from ( "I see dead people"). The story is unforgettable. The actors did a marvelous job.

This is an excellant movie to share with children... especially grade school & teens. The message it sends is clear. Watch it first & decide if it is appropriate for your age child. I got permission from my day care parents to let them all watch it. Then we had a big discussion about it. I had elementary kids before & after school. We live in a rural community. Some things escape our small community... like guns & knives in school, but bullying, death, abuse, single parenting & coping with it, homelessness doesn't.

The whole concept of PAY IT FORWARD is definately a way of life to consider. I have lent this movie out many times. I can't say enough good about it. It really is a must have for your collection of movies.

I absolutely love this movie! Amazing acting by everyone, especially Helen Hunt (fantastic), Kevin Spacey (love him!) and little Haley Joel Osmond (not so little anymore.) The story is wonderful with lots of lessons to be learned. Makes you think about how precious each of our lives are no matter who we are, rich - poor or in between. It teaches forgiveness, giving from the heart, not being afraid, love, understanding and second chances. This will definitely make you cry, not only because of the surprising and tragic ending but what beautiful things happen throughout and problems that get solved, all started by just an 11 year old boy who based his social studies project on paying it forward to change the world. Very interesting and keeps you glued to your seat! Be sure to have a box or two of kleenex handy, you will not forget this one. Highly recommended!!

I love this movie because it settles in with a single Mom, her only Son trying to survive in Sin City Las Vegas Nevada. Kevin Spacey who has many faces of acting really provided imagination, compassion from the heart, kindness and mostly decency. Can one idea change the world? After viewing this true story of one Junior High School Boy played by Haley Joel Osment, I became a believer!

Helen Hunt was wonderful in this movie. She poured her heart out on key! A unforgettable performance as a Single Mom struggling with alcoholism, lonliness, and the trials of raising an only child.

Kittykat5851