Paycheck (2003)

Director: John Woo

Starring: Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman, Aaron Eckhart

What seemed like a breezy idea for an engineer to net him millions of dollars, leaves him on the run for his life and piecing together why he’s being chased.

‘Paycheck’ is an action thriller with some amazing action sequences in the vain of the ‘Bourne’ films.

Ben Affleck stars as a brilliant computer engineer, Jennings, who must analyze a computer for a rival company. Once done, his memory for the time period it took him to do the job, is erased. His good billionaire friend, Rethrick, then offers him a job that could last up to three years. When Jennings accepts, the film jumps ahead three years, leaving the viewer wondering what the hell he did.

The plot then thickens when Jennings is told he forfeited his share, and is given an envelope with everyday items instead. Jennings then finds himself in a cat and mouse game on the run from the company – and Rethrick – he worked for. With only the contents of the envelope to unravel the mystery, the film is an interesting concept, and the viewer unravels it together with Jennings.

Uma Thurman serves as the film’s love interest, Rachel.

‘Paycheck’ has a great production design and great action sequences and visuals. Although not always believable, it was a lot of fun! This was highly entertaining!

Despite negative reviews from critics, the film was a success, earning $117 million on a $60 million budget. The audience enjoyed it. So did I.

Would I watch it again? Yes.