As a rule I can’t wait to see each new film by director John Woo. The reasons aren’t my normal ones, which are to see coherent stories with compelling characters. It’s more for two reasons other reasons, pure and simple. Big noisy action sequences and artfully crafted cinematography (the latter is to see if he might have actually forgotten to include his signature slow motion pigeons). “Paycheck” did not disappoint in either of those cases, while the characters were as one-dimensional as I expected. I think that may be why I enjoyed “Paycheck” a bit more than many of my friends. I think they were expecting the storyline to be compelling and the acting to be Oscar worthy. After all, the story was based on a science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick (who was responsible for the superior “Bladerunner”) and it starred Ben Affleck (okay, this explains the expectations of good story, but where did they think they’d find Oscar worthy performances?).

In a nutshell, “Paycheck” weaves a tale of a not-too-distant future, where computer engineer Michael Jennings (Affleck) is hired for top secret projects. It seems that some of the projects he works on are not all above-board and he is required to have his memory erased upon the completion of each project, for security reasons. He is offered a long-term project by his ‘friend’ and boss (Aaron Eckhart) for which he will be paid an inordinately large sum of money. When he ‘awakens’ from this latest project he is told that he agreed to forfeit the money. This of course, sends him on a collision course with disaster as he teams up with another scientist (Uma Thurman) and tries to discover what exactly the project was, and why in the world he would give up all the money.

Though I found the action sequences and cinematography to be what I hoped for (pigeons included), I was actually surprised that the story itself was even less engaging that I thought it might be. I cannot fault the script so much as the actors in this case. The story was interesting, and certainly no less believable than the ‘face-switching’ plot of “Face-Off”, but Affleck and Thurman just didn’t seem to be giving it their all in this one.

I’m one of those few people who actually like Ben Affleck in most movies, but I’m aware of his weaknesses. He can carry a movie when he wants to, if for nothing else than his onscreen charisma, but sometimes that’s not really enough. He is not a character actor by any means, and though the part of Jennings doesn’t really require a stretch of the acting muscles, Affleck just seems to be sleepwalking through the movie. He’s almost bland. Unfortunately, this doesn’t help Thurman in her role of the love interest. I’ve never really considered her a great actress, but there are times when her performances are inspired (“Kill Bill” comes to mind). In “Paycheck” she seems to be drawing off of Affleck’s lack of interest.

I realize it may sound like I’m panning the movie, but I’m really not. I’m still glad I watched it, and was entertained by all the action sequences and cool cinematography, I just can’t help but feel that it could have been that much better of a film if the stars had been a little more into it.

The DVD release from Paramount wisely focuses on the film’s strengths with two featurettes that look at both the production design and stunts in “Paycheck.” Both are actually quite interesting, as it’s always fascinating to see how much work goes into these areas. There are also several deleted scenes, which includes an alternate ending. Admittedly, none of the scenes were missed and the alternate ending doesn’t quite pack any more of a punch than the one used. You’ll also find a couple of commentaries, one by director Woo and the other by screenwriter Dean Georgaris. Commentaries are by and large a hit and miss proposition and neither of these offer up much more than comments of the actions on screen.

Overall, “Paycheck” is a better movie than some might lead you to believe, and I think it has a lot to offer fans of action films, but if you’re looking for a strong emotional core than you might look elsewhere.

Directed by: John Woo
Starring: Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman, Aaron Eckhart, Paul Giamatti, Colm Feore, Joe Morton, Michael C. Hall
Extras: Commentary by Director John Woo, Commentary by Screenwriter Dean Georgaris, “Paycheck: Designing the Future”, “Tempting Fate: The Stunts of Paycheck”, 7 Extended / Deleted Scenes
Specifications: Widescreen. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, English Dolby Surround
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: 5/18/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Intense Action Violence and Brief Language)
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We'll give Paycheck a C-.