PAYCHECK (2003)

Even casual purveyors of science fiction cinema will probably have heard of legendary author Philip K. Dick whose furious scribbling has brought about the foundation of some now classic futuristic film fair. 'Blade Runner', 'Minority Report' and 'Total Recall' have all been produced round Dick’s literary workings and now, with the help of another bunch of heavy weight cast and a legendary action director, we have 'Paycheck' a film which again focuses on one of Dick’s favourite short story subject matters, the human memory (or rather the lack of it).

The story follows Michael Jennings (Affleck), a top technician who specialises in the process of reverse-engineering and, after completing sensitive contracts, agrees to have his memory erased to protect the corporations who pay him for his skills. But after his biggest job to date, he discovers that not only has he refused the agreed $92 million paycheck, but he's also sent himself an envelope full of seemingly random items that he doesn't recognise. As he slowly tries to unpick his memory in search of answers, he begins to realise that his last project was something far more sinister as shadowy figures threaten his existence.
Directed by once legendary Chinese action director John Woo who’s hit and miss work over recent years has tarnished a career which has seen original and uncompromising cinematic triumphs in his home country. Woo’s Hollywood assimilation is now complete thanks to a string of shallow Hollywood popcorn throw-away’s which unfortunately also includes our review title. I’m not saying that the film lacks any flare, its just that most of it has been seen before making it void of any real ‘WOW’ factor and ultimately it's just one long chase to either reveal or hide the truth.

The character of Michael Jennings is portrayed to a fault by Ben Affleck who does one of the best ‘blank expression’ performances I have seen since the last Paul Walker movie I watched. His passionless performance as the befuddled victim of a mind wipe is both frustrating and laughable compared to other similarly themed film performances from the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Cruise, both of whom have stared in other Philip K. Dick conversions portraying roughly the same type of dogged and victimized character yet, unlike Affleck both have a spark that labels them credible action stars. Affleck lacks this spark (although his role as Matt Murdock in ‘Daredevil’ is the exception) and should stick to playing the corporate type in low key action/thrillers such as ‘The Sum of all Fears’ and ‘Changing Lanes'.
Uma Therman plays Dr. Rachel Porter who, to Jenning’s confusion, is his love interest despite him failing to recognize this fact due to his failing memory. Therman always displays a great screen presence with a facial expression similar to that of a hungry wild cat ready to pounce on its prey. It’s all in the eyes and Therman’s eyes usually tell me that she could bite the head of a live chicken given the chance but alas, no poultry here. Her famous role versatility is of little use on Paycheck, but she makes a decent stab at her limited role and just about manages to keep those wild eyes open.

The familiarity of the whole affair is a down side as this is all too similar in nature to other mind altering movies. Things might have been different if Woo had injected a little of his early career flair into the proceedings, but instead of a dark edgy film, we get an ostentatious piece that stays on the safe side of the street.

Score