40
Metascore
34 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Boston GlobeJay CarrBoston GlobeJay CarrThe kind of film you've got to admire simply for the way it squares its shoulders and plunges into a message of unfashionable idealism.
- 70Dallas ObserverGregory WeinkaufDallas ObserverGregory WeinkaufHeavy-handed, saccharine message somehow goes down good.
- 63Philadelphia InquirerCarrie RickeyPhiladelphia InquirerCarrie RickeyIt's a pretty nice movie until, like a Ponzi plan, it collapses.
- 63Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertWith a cleaner story line, the basic idea could have been free to deliver. As it is, we get a better movie than we might have, because the performances are so good.
- 50Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonIt's too bad about the ending because, until then, Pay It Forward... is Hollywood feel-goodism at its best.
- 50Chicago TribuneChicago TribuneToo high-minded to stoop as low as it does, particularly in its unforgivably manipulative ending.
- 50San Francisco ExaminerWesley MorrisSan Francisco ExaminerWesley MorrisThere's the world-alteringly scary possibility that (Leder) might be trying to kill us with a star-studded "After School Special."
- 30Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovAt its core, a very manipulative piece of work.
- 30TimeRichard SchickelTimeRichard SchickelAs rigged as a casino slot machine, preying on people's hopes but paying off only for the house.
- 30SalonAndrew O'HehirSalonAndrew O'HehirNo wonder Arlene (Hunt) keeps a bottle of vodka in the chandelier. You would too with this demonic, passive-aggressive, New Age munchkin (Osment) trying to run your life.