Paycheck (2003)

  Plot Summary

Michael Jennings is a computer expert who helps corporations steal competitors' ideas by researching their technology.  After each project the memory of his work is erased from his mind so that new technology and developments can be kept secret.  There are parts of Michael's life that he has no recollection of but hefty Pay Checks make it worthwhile!

Rethrick (Aaron Eckhart), a friend of Michaels, contacts him and offers him a contract which will make him a wealthy man for the rest of his life.  To complete the job Michael must work for 3 years, after which his memory will be erased.  He agrees to do the work and after the 3 years Michael cannot remember anything of the secret project that he was working on.  Worse of all someone is trying to kill him and he didn't even get his money!  Michael must piece together some clues to find out what is happening before it's too late...

Review

This action thriller comes from the writer of Minority Report and, in some respects, has a similar feel. Both movies have some clever science fiction ideas.  In this movie it is the concept that someone can work on a secret project for a number of months or years and then their memories of the project can be erased.  Michael Jennings loses periods of his life for which he is paid big bucks! 

Besides this clever concept the movie is little more than a chase thriller and in that respect it isn't particularly original.  However, director John Woo (Mission Impossible 2 and Face/Off)  keeps the story and the action moving.  Michael Jennings has to find out what happened on the three year project.  He has a number of clues to help and the intrigue is maintained as the pieces gradually come together and the story unfolds.

There are a few holes in the plot and a plenty of "unlikely" bits, but this is entertainment with a dash of sci-fi so that has to be expected.

Ben Affleck (Changing Lanes, Daredevil, Pearl Harbor) plays Michael Jennings and Uma Thurman (Kill Bill Vol. 1) plays his girlfriend, Dr. Rachel Porter.  There's no material here for Oscar performances but they both play their parts well.

Bottom Line: Forgettable, but nonetheless entertaining thriller.  If you enjoyed The Sum Of All Fears, Minority Report or Out Of Time you might enjoy this one.

Lasting Thought: (And yes, I know this is a contradiction if the movie is "forgettable"!). All memories are important, even bad ones and should never be traded. 

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2004

Genre: Action Thriller

Certificate: 15's

Director: John Woo

~ Main Cast ~

Ben Affleck

Uma Thurman

Aaron Eckhart

Paul Giamatti

Colm Feore

John Morton

Michael C. Hall

RATING

WORTH A WATCH