Pay It Forward
A troubled schoolboy turns a social studies assignment into a chain of kindness that tests his family, his teacher, and the possibility of changing the world.
Overview
A young boy's simple idea sparks a movement of kindness that transforms lives.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- earnest
- sentimental
- hopeful
- reflective evening
- classroom discussion
What critics said
Critics acknowledged strong performances from Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey, and Helen Hunt but generally found the emotionally manipulative script and ending undercut its inspirational premise.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Trevor's assignment develops into a chain of favors passed from person to person beyond his immediate circle.
Mr. Simonet's social studies assignment gives Trevor a concrete framework for attempting to change the world.
Eugene's physical and emotional scars, Arlene's alcoholism, and Trevor's family fears drive the central relationships.
The film turns Trevor's pay-it-forward philosophy into an inspirational appeal for compassionate action.
Films like Pay It Forward, and why
Dead Poets Society
earnest social drama centered on an idealistic young person whose actions affect a wider community
Freedom Writers
emotionally direct inspirational drama about education, mentorship, troubled families, and personal transformation
The Green Mile
sentimental ensemble drama using individual acts of compassion to connect strangers and encourage communal hope
Movie Details
- Director
- Mimi Leder
- Release Date
- 2000-10-20
- Runtime
- 122 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (2100)
Cast
- Kevin Spacey
- Helen Hunt
- Angie Dickinson
- Haley Joel Osment
- Jay Mohr
- Jim Caviezel
- Jon Bon Jovi
- David Ramsey
- Gary Werntz
- Colleen Flynn
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Howdy Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Pay It Forward about?
- A troubled schoolboy turns a social studies assignment into a chain of kindness that tests his family, his teacher, and the possibility of changing the world.
- What is Pay It Forward like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Pay It Forward as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Pay It Forward violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Pay It Forward as mild.
- What did critics think of Pay It Forward?
- Critics acknowledged strong performances from Haley Joel Osment, Kevin Spacey, and Helen Hunt but generally found the emotionally manipulative script and ending undercut its inspirational premise.
- Which films are like Pay It Forward?
- Films with a similar feel include Dead Poets Society, Freedom Writers, and The Green Mile.
- How long is Pay It Forward?
- Pay It Forward runs 122 minutes.
- Where can I watch Pay It Forward?
- In United States, Pay It Forward streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.
