Pay it Forward (2000)

“I think some people are too scared, or something. I guess it’s hard for people who are so used to things the way they are – even if they’re bad – to change. ‘Cause they kind of give up. And when they do, everybody kind of loses. ” – Trevor McKenney

Number of Times Seen – 2 (10 Feb 2001 in theater and 19 Oct 2014)

Brief Synopsis – A reporter whose life is mysteriously changed by a stranger’s gift decides to try and track down the person who started the selfless chain of events.

My Take on it – I remember when this movie came out in late 2000. There was much hype because of the PIF theme and because of its three main stars.

Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey and Haley Joel Osmond were all at the height of their careers when they were cast together

All 3 are great here and further prove how good they are.

The story works well and I liked the idea of telling two ends of the story at once and having each side creep towards the other end.

The problem I had with this movie is the fact that there are too many points where the moviegoer feels extremely manipulated by the events going on onscreen that it loses part of its ‘punch’.

Bottom Line -Very good story that unfortunately feels too manipulative at certain times. Top tier cast that prove how good they really are. Recommended!

Rating – Globe Worthy

_______________________________________

Check out my *updated* movie stats here

To see my reviews of Oscar Winning Performances check out this link

To see my reviews of all Oscar Best Picture Winners click here (now complete)

Here is a link to my movie index A-Z