Pay It Forward is a dramatic film about a movement to change the world. It has it has technical flaws, but the result is an emotionally charged film about a boy with an idea to make the world a better place for everyone. The cast plays off each other well enough to give the overall appearance a cohesive effort. This concept, combined with an inspiring tale of this boy's efforts and a synergistic cast, gives you a box-office hit.
First, a bit about the philosophy that started with an assignment by the 7th grade Social Studies teacher Mr. Simonet, played by Kevin Spacey. At the beginning of each year, he assigns his student extra credit work: think of something to change the world and put it into action. He of course does not really expect his students to go out and do just that. He only anticipates a few students cleaning up graffiti or collecting trash. Mr. Simonet was not prepared for a little eleven-year-old boy named Trevor with a heart of gold. Trevor takes his assignment seriously. He actually tries to change the world. His idea is to encourage people to be kind to others. He does something kind for three people. Rather than paying that favor back, they must pay it forward to three other people. There are a few rules to paying it forward. First, "it has to be something that really helps people." Second, "it must be something that they cannot do by themselves." Paying it forward returns the favor. Rather than paying the favor back to the person whom helped you, the requirement states that you pay it forward to three others. It is a simple concept, but as the tagline goes on to say, "Sometimes the simplest idea can make the biggest difference."
As for the technical aspects to the film, the beginning introduction by Spacey is just fantastic. You are given child-like explanation, as the scene requires, but one that gives a strong dramatic base for the film to sit upon. Furthering the dramatic quality, the layering of the different ideas and concepts creates an almost cohesive sequence of events. I say almost because the film starts out with a flashback. The transition between the flashbacks and the real time is unclear and serves to make the story a bit on the confusing side.
Haley Joel Osment, as Trevor, is very entertaining. He portrays the curiosity and ingenuity quite effectively. I just love how you can literally see the wheels in his head churning. When he gets that look of deep thought, you just know something incredible is about to happen. His role establishes his title as prodigy in his field.
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