Benefits and Possible Problems: This is a charming and engaging movie that celebrates the glory of helping others. In addition, it can fuel interest in a mini-course in ethics. It turns out that when the examples of paying it forward shown in the film are analyzed using standard concepts of ethics education, it quickly becomes clear that they are self-serving, unwise, or simply immoral.

The strengths of the film include: (1) Each of the three main characters wages a valiant battle against the vicissitudes of their lives. Trevor tries to solve the problems of his alcoholic mother and create the family he always wanted. Arlene, the mother, hits bottom and stops drinking. Mr. Simonet, the teacher, is a deeply injured individual who learns through love to open himself to others. Each role is an illuminating study in real character types. (2) The main characters all practice forgiveness in their personal relationships. (3) Trevor's response to his teacher's challenge is creative and genuine. It recognizes that we should go out of our way to help others and that when someone does something for us, we should return the favor to someone else, and more so. It also acknowledges that people can make a difference in the lives of others.

Pay it forwardism is a concept with severe limitations. Its focus on helping individual people can cause one to lose sight of the fact that there may be many others with far greater needs. Emphasis on the satisfaction of doing the good deed can lead a person into danger, when calling for help or working through established and experienced agencies would be safer or more effective. An emphasis on three good deeds may distract from the truth that ethics is something we live every day in all aspects of our lives. An ethical life isn't built on just three actions. . . .