Paycheck (2003)
Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman

Paycheck stars Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman as the lead characters, Michael Jennings and Rachel Porter, who are coworkers and lovers as well in this action filled suspenseful movie. Affleck is a highly paid computer engineer hired by a high tech company to work on a project that is so top secret that he must have his short term memory erased to insure that he won't or can't reveal any company information to other clients he may work for in the future. You have to ask yourself two questions. What could be so top secret that your employer would have you sign a contract to have your short-term memory erased? The next question has to be why would someone agree to it? There are 4.4 billion reasons. That's how much money this particular job is paying.

However, when Jennings (Affleck) gets his pay envelope he finds that he did not read the fine print--he has agreed to forfeit his paycheck. Of course he doesn't remember doing so because he no short-term memory. Also enclosed in the envelope are numerous items and objects, which seem to serve no purpose. Soon after, he discovers that Federal agents are looking for him and that his former employer wants him dead. He has no clue why.

The objects in the envelope turn out to be keys to regaining his erased memory. Therefore, may also help to keep him alive. All he has to do is to remember what it is he knows that is so important to his former employer and the Feds. Actor Aaron Eckhart is billionaire Jimmy Rethrick who hires Jennings then does everything in his power to keep Jennings from receiving his hard earned paycheck. With the help of Rachel (Thurman), Michael Jennings starts to piece together their relationship and his past. Uma Thurman appeared in “The Avengers”, “Batman & Robin”, “Pulp Fiction” and “Henry & June”.

Paycheck was directed by John Woo who also directed Mission: Impossible II . Paycheck is not Woo’s best film, but certainly not his worst. Some moviegoers may think it is a little over the top. However, no more so than other movies of this ilk. This movie did not get high marks at the box office, but it has mystery, high tech sci-fi gadgets and great chases. One scene is straight out of North by Northwest, movie buffs will spot it immediately.

Rated PG-13

~Vanette Ryanes

Vanette Ryanes is a true movie maven. She has been an avid movie fan for more than 35 years and has a video library of 200 plus movies. She has a vast knowledge of classic black and white, noir and vintage color movies. If you have questions about movies contact Vanette, (Vannie to her friends) for answers, advice and recommendations.

Photo: Paycheck movie poster Allposters.com