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Pay It Forward (2000)

PG_13  123 min  -  Drama | Romance   -  20 October 2000 (USA)
6.9
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Ratings: 6.9/10 from 49,058 users   Metascore: 40/100 
Reviews: 639 user | 155 critic | 34 from Metacritic.com

A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance.

Director:

Mimi Leder

Writers:

Catherine Ryan Hyde (book), Leslie Dixon (screenplay)
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1 win & 3 nominations See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Spacey ...
Helen Hunt ...
Haley Joel Osment ...
Jay Mohr ...
Jim Caviezel ...
Jon Bon Jovi ...
Ricky McKinney
Angie Dickinson ...
Grace
David Ramsey ...
Gary Werntz ...
Colleen Flynn Colleen Flynn ...
Woman on Bridge
Marc Donato ...
Adam
Kathleen Wilhoite ...
Bonnie
Liza Snyder ...
Michelle
Jeannetta Arnette ...
Nurse
Hannah Werntz ...
Thorsen's Daughter
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Storyline

Young Trevor McKinney, troubled by his mother's alcoholism and fears of his abusive but absent father, is caught up by an intriguing assignment from his new social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet. The assignment: think of something to change the world and put it into action. Trevor conjures the notion of paying a favor not back, but forward--repaying good deeds not with payback, but with new good deeds done to three new people. Trevor's efforts to make good on his idea bring a revolution not only in the lives of himself, his mother and his physically and emotionally scarred teacher, but in those of an ever-widening circle of people completely unknown to him. Written by Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Teacher | Boy | Good Deed | Alcoholism | Mother Son Relationship  | See more »

Taglines:

Sometimes The Simplest Idea Can Make The Biggest Difference. See more »

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements including substance abuse/recovery, some sexual situations, language and brief violence See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Cadena de favores See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$9,631,359 (USA) (22 October 2000) (2130 Screens)

Gross:

$33,508,922 (USA) (4 February 2001)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

DTS  | Dolby Digital  | SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

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. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: When the homeless guy is speaking to Arlene in the garage you can see that his teeth are good. During the shot when a woman wants to jump from the bridge, this guy goes to her and starts smiling, it's totally seen that his teeth are bad and dirty. See more »

Quotes

Jerry: [tearfully] Do me a favor... save my life.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in "Modern Family: Dance Dance Revelation (#2.10)" (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

"New"
By Gwen Stefani and Tom Dumont (as Thomas Dumont)
Performed by No Doubt See more »