Pay It Forward (2000)

Undescribable Perfection

The Age of Commercialism

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.

"Pay It Forward" is a well-directed film, with a great cast and a reflective and very impactful script. The great discussions highlighted here speak about the ways of life and how great is our fear of having more or of fixing the bad. How can you have an erroneous opinion by thinking only of your own ideals without waiting for the circumstances in which these ideals lead you to end up changing or even changing your own personality? I know, and I understand, that many viewers do not hesitate to say that the ending was a bit exaggerated just to thrill, but in fact the final ONLY serves to increase the art of the film even more.

'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.

Quite possibly the worst ending of a movie I have ever seen in my life. I can't believe I spent almost two hours on this dribble just to feel sick to my stomach at the end. It is beyond belief why the filmmakers bothered to make this movie, they have not added anything to the world besides horror.I hope the filmmakers never get to make another movie again. This is a terrible move and one in which you will end up crying, rather than inspired. It is simply awful in every way imaginable.Unless you like seeing children murder other children, I would not bother with this piece of trash.

There are countless words that can be used to describe the 2000 American drama, Pay It Forward. I will say, this film is definitely a drama for a reason. The main storyline is one that is engaging and will tug on your emotions around every turn. However, while watching, it is far too easy to become lost in the midst of the plot. Based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, the film, although perplexing at times, comes to life thanks to well played roles by a very gifted cast."Pay It Forward" is the name of an idea originated by a young 11-year-old, Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment). It is Trevor's first day of seventh grade and his intimidating social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet (Kevin Spacey), gives his class an abnormal and seemingly impossible yearlong assignment: Think of an idea to change our world, and put it into action. Trevor lives in Los Vegas with his mother, Arlene (Helen Hunt). His mother is a is a relapsing alcoholic trying to hold down two jobs to support her son. His once abusive father (Jon Bon Jovi) is mostly absent from their life with the exception of a few unannounced visits. Although Trevor's world around him appears nothing but negative, he is the only student that takes Mr. Simonet's assignment to heart. The idea he outlines out on the classroom blackboard is simple, yet substantial. He will do a good deed for three people, each of whom will do a good deed for three others, and so on. The only rule is this good deed must be something the recipient cannot do themselves. Throughout the film we follow Trevor as he completes his kind acts. He helps out a homeless man (James Caviezel) to get back on his feet, attempts to fix his mother up with Mr. Simonet hoping she will get sober, and tries to rescue one of his peers who is frequently pestered by bullies.If you are looking for a heart-wrenching drama you have found the right movie. Unfortunately, there are moments when the drama is difficult to follow. The narration of Trevor's life is intertwined with scenes that take place months into the future. These side stories follow individuals that are pulled into the "pay it forward" movement. Each of the story lines are connected, but the way director Mimi Leder pieced them together almost becomes distracting. On the screen it looks unpolished the way the film cuts between scenes. Sure, the story may wander away at times, but the acting by an award winning cast allows the film come to life and walk back to focus with fantastic character development.Despite the young age of Haley Joel Osment, his facial expressions and body language skills are equivalent to a much more experienced actor. In the scenes he acts alongside his on screen mother, he develops so much emotion that it actually looks like he made Helen Hunt cry. He is truly outstanding, simply because he can dive into a scene and make it seem like reality. The talent continues to expand beyond Osment. Academy Award winners Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt create a dynamic on screen that enhances even the dullest of scenes. Emotion is shown not only from their mannerisms, but also the special tone in their voices. It is clear that Spacey and Hunt have some experience. Overall, Pay it Forward is a moving story that will make you smile, laugh and cry. The talented trio of actors shine a light of hope for humanity by telling numerous extraordinary messages. "Can one person really change the world?" After watching, I hope your answer to this question is far less surprising than the final scene of this film.