"Pay it Forward" is a game conceived by 11-year-old Trevor McKinney (Haley Joel Osment), and playing it is what this "family movie" starring a student, a teacher, an alcoholic cocktail waitress and a drug addict is all about.
It all starts in McKinney's social studies class when teacher Eugene Simonet (Kevin Spacey) challenges his class to come up with an idea that will change the world: "Think of an idea to change our world – and put it into Action!"
McKinney, who loves a challenge, steps right up. In his game, every time somebody does a favor for you, you "pay it forward" to three other people, doing life-changing good deeds for three people, who will then pass it on.
For example, McKinney gives shelter to Jerry (Jim Caviezel) a homeless drug addict, but it backfires when Jerry uses the money for drugs. He also is trying to get his teacher together with his mother, Arlene, ( Helen Hunt), the cocktail waitress, who is trying to make ends meet by working two jobs. Then there's McKinney's no good father (Jon Bon Jovi) who, further frustrating McKinney's plans, suddenly returns home.
However, the 11-year-old perseveres. He helps bring Simonet out of his teacherly shell, revealing a complicated personality in need of an airing, as only Spacey could do justice to. And looks like there's hope on the horizon for his mom, too. You may remember Osment from his sensitive and haunting portrayal of a troubled youngster in "Sixth Sense."
The movie has avoided the cliches that might flatten or demean the story line, according to most reviews. Seeing Spacey and Osment together should be worth the ticket price alone.
It is directed by Mimi Leder and Oliver Stapelton and rated PG-13 for mature elements, substance abuse/recovery, sexual situations, language and brief violence. ( These raters must really enjoy their work.)
It starts Thursday at Sunny Isle Theaters.