Rating: 
Summary: Pay It Forward delivers
Review: With all the elements of an Oscar winning picture (ie: Two Academy Award winners, one nominee, acclaimed director and a score by Thomas Newman), PAY IT FORWARD is a must see in my books. The premise of the film is a little unreal, but you forget all that when your captured by the acting abilities of the three main stars, Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and "The Always Teary-Eyed" Haley Joel Osment. The story focuses on the life of a young boy who becomes inspired by his teacher to do favors for others. But, not little favors, these favors must change their lives. And from that, the reciever must do three favors for others, and it goes on and on and on. I'm not so sure it would catch on in our world, but it is a great idea. I've always been a big Kevin Spacey admirer, so this performance was like all his others for me, spectacular. The screenplay is well written, and there is a nice use of cinematography. I think it's a great film, but you must remember something before you walk into the theatre: This film was made to make you think. It was also made to manipulate your emotions. It's a real sob-fest of a film. Now, I don't know if it will win any Oscars, and if it does, great, but sometimes leaving a movie and wanting to do better with your life is the best recognition you can give a film anyways.
Rating: 
Summary: An emotional, beautiful movie.
Review: I've seen the movie 3 times now; It wasn't my intention, but it was worth every viewing. I was extrememly impressed by all three of the major players, Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and of course Haley Joel Osment. The end was a shock and really moved me emotionally like no other I've seen in a long while. Haley's performance could only be topped by his role in the Sixth Sense; a very talented young actor who knows how to reach into the character he plays and literally make you believe the pain, the sorrow, all the emotions his character must be feeling. His acting is like no other...he should have won the Oscar for Sixth Sense.Although I've not cared much for Helen Hunts role in the tv series Mad About You...I was pleasantly surprised by her acting in this movie. She's an excellent actress in every respect and I believe she shows up on this one better then past works. Kevin Spacey was excellent as well, although I've seen better from him....The Usual Suspects. Over all, the movie is one you can't miss. Bring some tissues. You will definitly cry, but you'll laugh and 'aw' and...you'll love the movie and just won't forget it. Waiting patiently for Amazon to release it to the shelf on DVD...
Rating: 
Summary: Well handled premise de-railed by laughable ending
Review: Isn't this a shame.... I liked this movie. At times I even LOVED this movie. It could not have been more perfectly cast. The premise is extremely simple: rather than pay generosity back to those who give it, pay it forward to three more people, sparking a Utopian chain that COULD make the world into a better place. This premise is handled suprisingly well by Mimi Leder (who is definitely out of her element here) the only way it could be effectively handled; center it around believeable, interesting characters. And, boy, what characters. Spacey once again shows us why 'less is more' with his incredibly layered performance as Eugene Simonet. Helen Hunt could not possibly be more believeable as Trevor's mother, and Osment as Trevor shows us that his performance in Sixth Sense was not just a fluke; Osment is a REAL child actor. The first one in a long time who can hold his own against such good, polished actors such as Spacey and Hunt. But... The film's ending de-rails absolutely everything good about this film. I was completely caught up with the plight of the characters, and suddenly the last 120 seconds seem like they were edited in from another film. This ending spirals the whole film down into sappiness so quickly that one feels as if they have been personally bludgened by the director with the script. This may be Leder's fault, but I have a feeling this is one of those last minute re-edits by the producers or the studio. One of those scenes where they said "Hey! What's this? The audience needs a happy ending in every film!" Either way, the people responisble for this film managed to ruin a great thing in only 120 seconds at the end. Pretty scary. If I were Spacey, Hunt, or Osment, who put a lot of work into this film, I would be extremely dissapointed with the end result, and wondering why I even spent the time in the first place. What a waste of great actors... What a shame...
Rating:
Summary: The Forgotten Reality
Review: This film is extraordinary. It makes us more conscious and aware of what happens to people who lose hope, and how someone has to be responsible to watch and protect them. This is what we do with cars, flowers etc. The acting was outstanding and highly believable. It is true that poor people may not speak the sophisticated language, but they could understand and relate to the emotional intelligence here expressed. They deserve the Academy Award for best picture, best actors: Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Mimi Leder.
Rating:
Summary: A touching picture...
Review: For reasons unbeknownst to me, it would seem that this film has become fashionable to 'almost' like. The numerous accusations that 'Pay it Forward' is "manipulative" are mind boggling. When a film broadsides you with reality, fair or not, why do people shun it? Critics and audiences do seem to agree, however, that the performances are stunning. Spacey and Hunt do their standard stellar performances. Osment rises to the occasion and is easily the best child performer in Hollywood (if not for his amazing talent, but for the simple fact that he is not irritating - like most/all child actors in recent memory). The story seems to be being well received too - revolving more around the romance between Spacey and Hunt than the actual "pay it forward" philosophy (which takes place as an almost subplot). Their love story is truly touching and I was completely infatuated with their lives through out the course of the film. The issue that most critics and audience members are taking with the film is its surprise (well, I thought it was a surprise) downbeat ending. Is it unfair? You bet, and in more than one way - but at the same time I can't go so far as to say I believe it to be inappropriate, if only because it is in *no way* unrealistic. I will concede that a happier ending would have worked better, but I do not believe the tear-jerker angle negated the integrity of the rest of the picture. The final, deeply touching, moments of the film had this seventeen year old male in tears, which means it established an emotional bond with me - and that is more than enough for me to recommend viewing it.
Rating:
Summary: Movie Of The Year, Simply As Good As It Gets
Review: Is it possible that altruism can exist in the world today? Can anyone really perform an altruistic act for another? Would anyone anywhere even be willing to consider such a thing, let alone actually try it? And what would happen if they did? It's the stuff of which great philosophies are made, and in this case, the stuff of great cinema. In "Pay It Forward," directed by Mimi Leder and adapted from the novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde, the subject of altruism and it's possible effects is addressed through one of the most thought provoking, emotionally charged dramas of the year (or of any year, for that matter). It begins when a Las Vegas seventh grade Social Studies teacher, Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey), gives his class an assignment: Come up with an idea that could ultimately change the world. And implement it. It's a thoughtful exercise, used by an insightful teacher in an effort to get his students to think, to explore the possibilities of the mind, wherein, he tells them, anything is possible. And after many years of teaching, Simonet finally encounters a student, Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment), who actually comes up with a unique idea: Do something for someone else, something "hard." But don't ask them to pay it back; instead, have them "pay it forward." And do it for three people. Then those three do it for three others, and on and on. Simply put: What a concept. But can it work? Trevor thinks it can, and despite a number of personal obstacles he must overcome, he embarks upon his altruistic quest. This is a terrific, heart-wrenching story, written for the screen by Leslie Dixon (look for an Oscar nomination) and delivered to perfection by director Leder and a cast that is as good as it gets. Kevin Spacey turns in yet another astounding performance that may very well win him another Oscar. What an amazing actor; he brings Simonet to life with nuance and depth that most other actors can only dream of coming close to. The way he speaks and carries himself, his attention to detail; it all comes together to make Simonet a character you will not soon forget. And, as good as Spacey is, Helen Hunt (Arlene McKinney) proves his equal in a dynamic performance that could garner her another Oscar as well. Her portrayal of Trevor's alcoholic mother, a single mom with two jobs trying to keep her world together, is a soul-stirring, emotional triumph. She gives it everything and more; the vulnerability, the desperation, the pain. And the love. It's all there, and she makes you feel every bit of it with her. As Trevor, Osment does more than hold his own with Spacey and Hunt, turning in a special performance that makes Trevor a truly special, memorable character. There may just be another Oscar nomination in this for him, also. How exceptional it is to have three performances of this caliber in a single movie; what a tribute to the abilities of these three exceptional actors. The supporting cast includes Jay Mohr (Chris Chandler), James Caviezel (Jerry), Angie Dickinson (Grace), and Jon Bon Jovi (Ricky). There should be an Oscar nomination awaiting Mimi Leder, as well, because what she has done with "Pay It Forward," must not go unheralded. Certainly, she had a brilliant cast with which to work, but much of the credit for the emotional levels attained in this film must surely go to her. This film is not merely great, it is truly inspirational, with an ending that will leave your soul in tatters. I can't remember the last time the audience burst into spontaneous applause at the end of a movie, which is what happened when I saw this film. This is one gut-wrenching, emotional ride you absolutely must not miss.
Rating:
Summary: Oscar City for all Three: Spacey, Hunt, and Osment
Review: Pay it Forward not only is a good concept, but a great movie. The concept is if someone does you a favor, don't pay them BACK, pay it forward, by doing another favor for someone else. Hayley Joel Osment (sixth sense) is the innovator of this term in the film. Kevin Spacey plays his teacher who inspires this and Helen Hunt is the kid's alcoholic mom in the movie. Kevin Spacey and Hayley Joel Osment deliver definite oscar contenders, and I think Helen Hunt was great as well. This movie delivers a great message along with outstanding acting by these three along with JAY MOHR (Jerry MAGURIE) and James CAVIEZEL (Frequency)--they are all wonderful and what a great film. OSCARS GALORE for this one. SEE IT!
Rating:
Summary: SPACEY PAYS IT FORWARD
Review: WHETHER YOU ARE GOING TO THE THEATRE, OR BUYING A VHS OR DVD, IT'S WORTH IT JUST TO SEE KEVIN SPACEY'S PERFORMANCE. I CAN'T IMAGINE ANYONE ELSE DOING THAT ROLE EFFECTIVELY AND BEING ABLE TO DRAW THE AUDIENCE INTO THE CHARACTER'S EMOTIONS. BUT THAT'S WHY SPACEY IS A 2 TIME ACADEMY AWARD WINNER! HELEN HUNT DOES A GOOD JOB AS THE WHITE TRASH ALCOHOLIC MOM AND HALEY JOEL OSMENT IS GREAT. TOO BAD BON JOVI STICKS OUT LIKE A SORE THUMB AMONG THE OTHER A LIST ACTORS. I WOULD HAVE CHOSEN A DIFFERENT ENDING, MAYBE IF THEY HAD SCREENED IT TO TEST AUDIENCES, THEY WOULD HAVE PULLED A "FATAL ATTRACTION" MANUEVER AND CHANGED THE ENDING. I DEFINATELY DON'T SEE AN UNPRECEDENTED WAVE OF HUMAN KINDNESS SWEEPING THE COUNTRY BECAUSE OF PAY IT FORWARD, BUT SPACEY JUST MIGHT GET ANOTHER OSCAR ON HIS SHELF. ONCE YOU SEE THE MOVIE, YOU'LL KNOW WHY.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshingly positive!
Review: In a time when movies are increasingly violent, this "little film" should make a BIG impact. Positive theme, each character has their own private baggage (so not one of them is Hollywood perfect) and no sex or violence. Tender moments abound and while the ending is heart wrenching, I still left the theater feeling as if the entire premise is possible. Some may call it schmaltz, but I say bring it on. I'd rather cry and weep openly than be scared or intimidated. This film is entertainment at its best. Kevin Spacey, as always, delivers a finely detailed portrayal of a man with so many hidden issues, aside from the obvious ones, that you wonder until the end whether he'll ever be able to break out. Helen Hunt shows incredible depth in her scenes as an alcoholic struggling to rise above. And Haley Joel Osment continues to astound - sympathetic yet strong.
Rating:
Summary: Manipulative meladrama wastes great talant
Review: Great talent all around, too bad. Every last thing that could be mentally(and sometimes physically) wrong with these people is. It's like watching a soap opera with good actors. You'll probably like it but then again I hated "Braveheart". If this wins best picture it will be one more example of the rediculous institution that is the Acadamy.
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