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“Paycheck” worth the cash
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Monday, February 2, 2004
“Paycheck” worth the cash
by Colin Brooker
“Paycheck” is the latest movie by Hong Kong action master John Woo. Based on a short story by Philip K. Dick, the film deals with reverse engineer Michael Jennings (Ben Affleck, “Chasing Amy”) who has his memory wiped after completing a job so the company that hired him can claim that he never worked there.
He takes a new job that will require that he lose three years of memory. After the job, he finds out he turned down his paycheck for an envelope of 19 items which give him clues to why he turned it down.
The plot isn’t what’s important here. The movie is fairly predictable, although finding out how he uses his 19 items to get out of tough spots is always interesting. The characters are basically standard action film fair.
Uma Thurman does a great job being the tough woman, which is a first for a John Woo film, where the males are usual the focal points for bonding. Thurman is obviously fresh off of “Kill Bill” in this movie. Also notable is Paul Giamatti, who plays Jennings’ friend and adds much in the form of comic relief.
While it may not be original, it is still quite enjoyable if you’re willing to check your brain at the door. What Woo has put together is a fun, fast film that is great for a relaxing day at the movies and an excellent alternative to the highbrow films usually released this time of year. It’s a summer movie for the winter, if you will. And better than most summer films at that.
The real star of the film is the director’s brilliantly constructed action sequences. While not as clear and well constructed as his Hong Kong films, “Paycheck” still shows the Woo is better than the music video director trash that pollutes the majority of today’s American action films.
When are they going to learn that shaking the camera does not an exciting action sequence make?
Woo uses his trademark slow motion to edit together fairly legible action sequence where it’s not hard to tell exactly what’s going on. I challenge anyone to tell me exactly what is happening in any sequence shot by Michael Bay. Clarity is key to an exciting action scene and Woo takes everyone to school on how to do it correctly.
What works so well about this film is that it’s not to be taken seriously, even during the action sequences. Unlike the overly dramatic and boring “Mission: Impossible 2,” Woo takes more than on opportunity to make fun of himself. The typical, classic standoff in his films often come to original conclusions and his white dove trademark is so blatant this time that it can’t be seen as anything but a joke.
Is this the best we can expect from John Woo for the American audience? I hope not. It still pales in comparison to his Hong Kong films like “A Better Tomorrow” and “Hard Boiled.” But in Hollywood, the only way he could top this is by bringing back Chow Yun-Fat into the mix, which is rumored to be happening for Woo’s next film. Let’s hope so!
This movie has suffered unfair critical bashing from people that have no knowledge of making an action film. They talk of the silliness of the plot and focus on Affleck’s acting. Everyone knows he’s not a great actor, so it doesn’t need to be brought up again. But anyone who enjoys a good, entertaining action movie regardless of the plot could look for little better. A definite for fans of Hong Kong film, as this is the closest you’ll get coming from Hollywood.
Rating: B
