This was the movie we watched during our retreat. At first, I did not feel like watching it because I was already overcome by my sleepiness. I ended up watching it. I was awakened in the first part of the film.

I have heard that this film had the tendency to be compared to Pay It Forward. I say, in a way, it is like Pay It Forward, but I have a stronger opinion that says otherwise. I think that despite its similarities with Pay It Forward, it is a far better movie. Magnifico, I felt, was more relatable of course, since it is set in our country and we see the same Filipino traditions being upheld. Also, I like Magnifico better because I felt that his actions had no condition whatsoever. Unlike in Pay It Forward, Trevor’s good deeds happened because he had a school assignment to finish. Although his assignment was great – paying a favor forward instead of back really is a great idea – and he did have the emotions and personal background from where his actions stemmed, I wonder if he still would have helped others without the mentality that he had to do it for his school assignment.

Though I have little questions about the films, I can say that I like them both. Not equally, though, since I really do find Magnifico better than Pay It Forward.