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Paycheck
2003
Adapted from a mind-bending sci-fi thriller by Philip K. Dick, the slick and riveting PAYCHECK is directed by John Woo (THE KILLER, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II)--the king of artful gunfighting flicks--who shows off his agility here with flat-out, white-knuckle cinematic entertainment. Michael Jennings (Ben Affleck) is a high-paid .. Read more
| Starring | Ben Affleck, Aaron Eckhart, Uma Thurman, Joe Morton |
|---|---|
| Director | John Woo |
| Genres | Thriller |
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Paycheck
Adapted from a mind-bending sci-fi thriller by Philip K. Dick, the slick and riveting PAYCHECK is directed by John Woo (THE KILLER, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE II)--the king of artful gunfighting flicks--who shows off his agility here with flat-out, white-knuckle cinematic entertainment. Michael Jennings (Ben Affleck) is a high-paid engineer who works on hush-hush computer inventions and technology for shady companies. Later, his memory is wiped clean, so he has no recollection of his work. His so-called friend Rethrick (Aaron Eckhardt, the master of smarmy mean-spiritedness, as in IN THE COMPANY OF MEN) offers him enough money to retire by working on a project at Rethrick's company, Allcom. When Jennings emerges three years later, sans memory, he tries to collect his paycheck. At the bank, he's handed a manila envelope filled with cryptic items he doesn't recognise, and told he voluntarily forfeited his entire paycheck. He also has a stunning girlfriend named Dr. Rachel Porter (Uma Thurman) who is likewise ensnared in the conspiracy. Jennings must somehow piece together the clues he left for himself, and find out why everyone is out to kill him.
As usual, Dick's story is the basis for a killer script that travels from point A to Z with gripping immediacy. The clues left for Jennings are amusing writerly devices, intricately pieced together. Woo clearly enjoyed choreographing the wild gunfighting and chase sequences (slo-mo bullets aplenty), sending Affleck and Thurman on the run with a BMW motorcycle.
| Starring | Ben Affleck, Aaron Eckhart, Uma Thurman, Joe Morton, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, Michael C. Hall |
|---|---|
| Director | John Woo |
| Studio | UNIVERSAL PICTURES UK VIDEO RENTAL |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 54 mins Blu-ray: 1 hr 59 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Thriller |
| Language | DVD: English Blu-ray: English |
| Subtitles | Blu-ray: Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Finnish, Italian, French, German, Danish, English, Swedish |
| Released | DVD: 17 May 2004 Blu-ray: 20 Jul 2009 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (5)
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On paper, at least, this futuristic sci-fi thriller oozes potential. The film boasts Uma Thurman (red hot after Kill Bill), a script based on a Philip K Dick short story and action maestro John Woo as director. Unfortunately, it's a case of a nice idea poorly executed, as electronics genius Ben Affleck undertakes the last in a series of lucrative, top-secret corporate projects that require a memory-wipe on completion. Emerging with no recollection of the three years that have passed, including a relationship with biologist Thurman, he's baffled to discover he's forfeited his pay in favour of an envelope of apparently worthless items. Woo's vision of the future is an uninspiring, under-stylised twist on the present, while the scanty use of his trademark set pieces, combined with Affleck and Thurman's unconvincing performances, make this pedestrian plodder a lazy disappointment. It feels more made-for-video than big budget and though the picture narrowly escapes being a complete failure, you expect so much better from everyone involved.
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In Paycheck, the amount offered to ace reverse-engineer Michael Jennings (Affleck) to effect one of his speciality... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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37 out of 39 people found this review helpful
Dont knock it until you've tried it!
I'm not one for listening to reviews too much, however I thought it was only fair to balance some of the not so positive comments made on this film.
This is a thriller, not a classic, but one that offers a unique storyline which carries through to the end. The only reason I wouldnt give it the full 5 stars is just because some of the action scenes are set up in a way that are at times perdictable. This is the only downside and not a very big reason not to watch it, so get it out and enjoy it for what it is, a well thought out action packed movie that makes you think. If you liked Minority Report, you will like this. -
Most recent members' review
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3 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Woo-ful rather than Woo-nderful
Closer to Total Recall than Blade Runner as a Philip K Dick interpretation. Woo clearly has little interest in the metaphysical elements of the narrative, which is a pity. Stick with the currently playing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind if you want to see Dick on screen. Diverting, but ultimately pretty bad!
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