Metacritic reviews

The two youngsters are not polished performers, but that's actually part of the subtle charm.

The story is enhanced by solid performances all around by Bonnie Hunt, Aidan Quinn and Kevin Pollack.

Even when his technique is amateurish, Jones' belief in the material is refreshing. Pollak's gentle humor is well balanced by the blunt wit of Bonnie Hunt as the O'Malley matriarch.

It would be a mildly lovely thing to be able to say the movie isn't bad. But it is.

It plays like a big-budget, after-school special with a generous cast, who at times lift the material from its well-meaning clunkiness.

Beyond fulfilling the dreams of a seemingly nice fellow, the whole venture is a victory of hype over substance, loudly accomplishing nothing.

Cringingly earnest, totally unremarkable fable.

Just slides off the screen and disappears.

Say a little prayer and save your money.

Made with no discernible craft and monstrously sanctimonious in dealing with childhood loss, it might as well be called "Pray It Forward."