Paycheck [DVD] [2004] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

This first half hour is strong and well handled, in particular the scenes that involve the engineer being placed in jeopardy and extricating himself with seemingly useless items are very well done. However, after the strong start the film loses its way. Once the conspiracy is revealed it simply heads for the conclusion at breakneck speed via a series of action set-pieces. In my opinion, the best Philip K. Dick adaptations (e.g. Blade Runner) explore the themes of book but Paycheck simply falls back on a set of well-handled but ultimately formulaic action sequences. Quite enjoyable in a rather mindless way but much of it is unbelievable (a ninja engineer and a kung-fu botanist?!?) and a number of inconsistencies to creep in which detract from the film.

Another problem is that rhe casting never quite works: Ben Affleck is OK but playing an amnesiac leads to inevitable and unfavourable comparisons with Matt Damon in the Bourne films. Uma Thurman, who plays the botanist love interest, can be excellent but this is not one of her better performances, she seems oddly disinterested and often appears to be just going through the motions. The supporting cast are all competent but none are outstanding.

I enjoyed the movie, but after the first half an hour I had to switch my brain off. The real disappointment is that it could have been so much better.

Michael Jennings (Ben Affleck) is specialized in reverse engineering and his job consists in working non-stop for several weeks in each project he faces. Upon completion, he gets his money and his memory of that time interval is erased. The longest Michael has worked on a project is two months, but now his boss entices him to work on a three-year project. The bait is an eight-figure remuneration. Of course Michael has doubts, but the offer is too tempting for him to pass. By the time he finishes the project, he gets his one big paycheck in exchange for three years of his life: close to one hundred million dollars.

Michael gets a huge surprise though, when he finds out from his attorney that he has forfeited the portfolio and that the only possessions to recover are a set of items in an envelope at the attorney's office. Michael sent these items to himself, and they all look worthless; the list includes a can of hair spray, a pair of glasses, a book of matches, a bullet, a lighter, a watch and several other little an seemingly unimportant personal effects. When the FBI comes after him, Michael realizes that there is something wrong and that the items he sent to himself are meant to help him solve the mystery and keep him alive.

Even though I am not a big fan of Ben Affleck, I think he does a good job in this movie and that he fits his role very well. I am a fan of Uma Thurman though, who in the film plays the part of Dr. Porter, a lady that captivated Michael since he met her and who also works for Michael's boss. As usual, Thurman's performance is convincing and shows the passion she puts in her work. This is a good movie for spending a couple of hours entertained, but it is not one I would enjoy seeing repeatedly.