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IMDb > Pay It Forward (2000)
Pay It Forward
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Pay It Forward (2000) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 34 | slideshow) Videos (see all 2)
Pay It Forward (2000) -- hv post
Pay It Forward (2000) -- The wait for a new kidney can take years. One donor began a chain of donations to people desperately in need. Harry Smith talks to 8 donors and recipients who are linked by paying it forward.

Overview

User Rating:
6.8/10   32,347 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 18% in popularity this week. See rank & trends on IMDbPro.
Director:
Mimi Leder
Writers (WGA):
Catherine Ryan Hyde (book)
Leslie Dixon (screenplay)
Contact:
View company contact information for Pay It Forward on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
20 October 2000 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama | Romance more
Tagline:
Like some other kids, 12-year-old Trevor McKinney believed in the goodness of human nature. Like many other kids, he was determined to change the world for the better. Unlike most other kids, he succeeded. more
Plot:
A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
1 win & 3 nominations more
User Comments:
Despite the shortcomings - well played and at times inspiring more

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Kevin Spacey ... Eugene Simonet

Helen Hunt ... Arlene McKinney

Haley Joel Osment ... Trevor McKinney

Jay Mohr ... Chris Chandler

James Caviezel ... Jerry

Jon Bon Jovi ... Ricky McKinney

Angie Dickinson ... Grace

David Ramsey ... Sidney Parker

Gary Werntz ... Mr. Thorsen
Colleen Flynn ... Woman on Bridge
Marc Donato ... Adam
Kathleen Wilhoite ... Bonnie
Liza Snyder ... Michelle
Jeanetta Arnette ... Nurse (as Jeannetta Arnette)
Hannah Werntz ... Thorsen's Daughter
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements including substance abuse/recovery, some sexual situations, language and brief violence
Runtime:
123 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The Jaguar owner is played by director Mimi Leder's husband, Gary Werntz. His character's asthmatic daughter is their real-life daughter, Hannah Werntz. more
Goofs:
Continuity: When Trevor is drawing his "Pay it forward" diagram on the black board, the diagram has clearly already been drawn once and erased. more
Quotes:
Arley: Sit down, I want to talk to you.
Trevor McKenney: You want to lie to me.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Danuta (2007) more
Soundtrack:
Last Resort more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
50 out of 61 people found the following comment useful:-
Despite the shortcomings - well played and at times inspiring, 3 May 2004

I remember leaving the cinema, feeling very much let down by the end of "Pay it Forward". Watching it recently on television I find myself far more forgiving since it's a movie with a sincere and important message, expressed with conviction. The quasi-religious ending probably will appeal to many, but from an artistic viewpoint, it seems unnecessary and not entirely suited to the tone of the film up to that point.

Kevin Spacey is effective as the suppressed, sensitive teacher, while Helen Hunt is terrific, despite the role being far too close for comfort with her "As Good As It Gets" character. But it's Hailey Joel Osment's wonderful portrayal that gives "Pay It Forward" much of its power. He simply is perfect for the part. (Good to see Angie Dickenson, braving it in the role of a homeless alcoholic).

At its best, this is a film which may just do the impossible: inspiring one to good deeds, without expectation of reward or remuneration. That alone is a substantial achievement.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Pay It Forward (2000)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
a better ending rutica
what do you think would have happened to the guy who stabbed Trevor Jameyg15
now if you got stabbed in the stomach Sensfan1915
Sounds like American Beauty. Thorpe89
Did anyone ever have 7th grade teacher like that? MBasler89
Erin Brockovich soundtrack succotash
more

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