Review of Pay It Forward (2000) by Thomas P — 08 Jul 2013

Movie Review:

Pay It Forward.

3/5.

Brilliant concept, great cast, but sadly -mediocre / tv movie-like results.

Director Leder previously worked w Spielberg, but couldn't pull off the magic that might have been an E.T.-like family drama that overcomes the Jaws-like, menacing damage of alcoholism/anger/fear.

You get Spielberg-attempt here:

Worthy actors, epic concept, even some nice cinematic shots and generally nuanced performances, but it devolves. And the manipulative feel of the ending almost completely ruins it.

Shocking - Helen Hunt, Kevin Spacey & Haley Joel Osment pour out their earnestness into this, but it gets muddled by becoming a soap opera and almost fumbled by the director who tries to cram in too much tearjerking story. In a better storyteller's hands, this would have been an absolute, cathartic triumph and not just a cheap-feel tv movie.

Clunky plot devices, occasionally preachy dialogue, a valiant but wince-worthy romance, and some poorly timed events ruin the potential here - Lifetime Channel, be damned.

I wanted this to really shine.

Osment is amazing, Spacey even pulls out some unexpected tricks here, Hunt is absolutely solid as a recovering alcoholic mom.

It just can't overcome the flaws enough to be a triumph.

I respect what Leder was going for, but it just doesn't connect with the audience completely.

Where's Spielberg when u need him. Nice try tho...

3 good deeds out of 5.