Paycheck (PG-13, 2003)

common sense media says

This movie just sags, even in the action scenes.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has extended action violence with guns, chases, kickboxing, explosions, and character deaths. Characters use strong language, smoke, and drink, and there are mild sexual situations.

Positive role models: Strong female character.
Violence: Action violence, guns, explosions. Characters in peril.
Sex: Mild sexual situations.
Language: Some strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking and smoking.

More on Paycheck

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether there are memories they would like to or be willing to erase. If you, like Michael, wanted to make sure that someone really knew you, what question would you ask?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In PAYCHECK, Ben Affleck plays Michael Jennings, a brilliant engineer. In two months, he takes apart a revolutionary project for its competitor and makes it all but obsolete. Then the client writes him a big check, his friend Shorty (Paul Giamatti) zaps out his memory of the last eight weeks, and Michael is off to make the kind of memories he likes to keep, all of which seems fine to him. When Shorty tells him to think about stopping, Michael says, "My memories are basically highlights. The stuff you erase doesn't matter." Cue evil mogul Rethrick (Aaron Eckhart), who offers Michael a three-year project. Then cut to three years later. Michael's memory is gone, and so is the $90 million he was supposed to be paid. All he has is a manila envelope with a bunch of mundane items -- hairspray, a fortune from a fortune cookie, a pack of cigarettes, a paperclip, a matchbook. He knows it was a message he sent to himself before his memory was wiped. But what does it mean? And will he ever remember his relationship with a beautiful biologist (Uma Thurman)?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Scientists will discover a way to bend the laws of time before anyone remembers that a movie about bending the laws of time has to have some way of handling the problem of determinism versus free will that is if not plausible then at least consistent. The idea (from Blade Runner's Philip K. Dick) of Paycheck is an intriguing one -- a super-smart computer whiz who trades not only his intellect but also his memory for big bucks. Even on one of his good days, this set-up would have been a challenge for director John Woo, whose stylish staging has turned saggy scripts into highly watchable films. But Woo seems to have taken a hit from that memory-eraser.

We can stand it when a thriller requires some suspension of disbelief. But the one thing we cannot forgive in a would-be thriller is boredom, and this movie just sags, even in the action scenes. Without spoiling what little suspense there is, all I can say is that the big "reveal" removes any sense of narrative tension by making the outcome all but inevitable. Even Woo's trademarks, the fluttering birds and the two-gun stand-off, feel perfunctory.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: John Woo
Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 110 minutes
Theatrical release: December 25, 2003
DVD release: May 18, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: intense action violence and brief language

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

11

Most useful reviews by all members

SLUMDOG
teen, 14 years old
 
another masterpiece from jhon woo
commonsensemedia what are you thinking this is ine of the best thrillers ever it's exciting and awesome the film's plot interresting exciting and strange another masterpiece from jhon woo

 
Interesting plot and fun to watch
I enjoyed this action movie, the plot was fun to follow and played out with excitement.

 
Good for renting
Not a bad movie. Sci-fi Bourne Identity type of movie. Has some philosophical and moral implications. Makes a statement. Fun movie.

LauraMac
parent of 11 and 14 year old
 
Fun action flick, with some interesting ideas
smart sci-fi, explores the role of memory in who we are, and also tackles free will. I thought the action was very fun, and loved waiting to see how he was going to use the next clue. I rated it 11 and up, just because I think it would be boring to younger kids.

 
good action film for parents and kids. 11+
lots of fun. worth renting

shopgirl
teen, 17 years old
 
Amazing!!! Very witty!
The plot was amazing! It keeps you on your toes, yet it is funny and feel good movie!!!

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age