Search - Pay it Forward on DVD

MPAA Rating: PG-13 Content Advisory: Mild Violence, Questionable for Children, Adult Language, Substance Abuse, Sexual Situations, Children in Peril Movie Release: 2000 DVD Release: 05/15/2001 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Audio Tracks: English, French Subtitles: English, French SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 3 mins Studio: Warner Home Video Total Copies: 94 Genres: Drama, Message Movie, Childhood Drama, Inspirational Drama See Also: Pay It Forward, Pay It Forward

A young boy stumbles upon a simple way to change the world in this drama. Trevor (Haley Joel Osment) is a bright 11-year-old boy who comes from a troubled home; his mother Arlene (Helen Hunt) is an alcoholic trying to hold down two jobs to support her son, while Trevor's father Jon Bon Jovi) left his family behind some time ago. At school, Trevor's class is introduced to their new social studies teacher, Mr. Simonet (Kevin Spacey), a guarded man with severe facial scars. Simonet gives his class an unusual assignment -- think up a practical way to make the world a better place, and put it into action. Trevor comes up with the notion of Pay It Forward" -- do a needed favor for three different people without being asked, and then ask them to do the same for three others. Trevor starts by letting Jerry (James Caviezal), a junkie living on the streets, stay in his home. Next, he tries to fix Arlene up with Mr. Simonet, since both seem to be lonely and the clean and sober teacher might help Arlene stay away from alcohol. Finally, he tries to rescue one of his schoolmates, who is constantly tormented by bullies. Meanwhile, journalist Chris Chandler (Jay Mohr) finds himself stuck on the road without a car late one night when a man stops and give him the keys to a new car, asking him only to pay the favor forward to someone else; astonished, Chris wants to find out where this philosophy came from. Based on the novel by Catherine Ryan Hide, Pay It Forward also stars Angie Dickinson and Liev Schreiber. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Kevin Spacey - Eugene Simonet
Helen Hunt - Arlene McKinney
Haley Joel Osment - Trevor McKinney
Jay Mohr - Chris Chandler
James Caviezel - Jerry

A three-hankie special from Warner Bros., this film failed to click with either critics or audiences. The DVD edition may help to change that, but not by much. A solid, if unspectacular offering, Pay It Forward boasts a clear, crisp picture. The 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer is well done and nicely highlights the arid Nevada locations. The sound is Dolby Digital 5.1. But in a film as quiet and measured as this one, the only time it gets a workout is when Thomas Newman's score is played. For extras, viewers can listen to a commentary from director Mimi Leder, view an HBO First Look special, or watch the film's trailer. Additionally, there are a handful of cast and crew bios to sift through. Fans of Pay It Forward will be happy to own this version for the clear picture and the commentary. First-timers and casuals may rather rent it, then pay it forward to the next viewer. ~ Jeremy Brown, All Movie Guide