Review of Paycheck (2003) by Francis M — 19 May 2010

So, I'm gonna stand against the tide and say it: This is one of two films based on a Phillip K. Dick novel (that I've seen. Still need to see Imposter and have hope for The Adjustment Bureau) that was any good. The other being Minority Report (Are you booing louder? Shush.).

I expected to dislike this movie, not being a fanboy of pretty much anything involved at the time (This was before I got into Dexter and became a Hall fanboy, and before Thank You for Smoking made me love Eckhart) except for Giamatti whose presence usually makes me at least consider watching a movie (unless it's Lady in the Water, because Shyamalan sucks.) - and so it was with Paycheck. I tuned in to see Giamatti in a lesser role and was pleasantly surprised with this film.

The story pleased me (I've not read any of Dick's original work, so I don't know how far off it was from the source.) and the acting was decent too. It was just.. neat. Nothing spectacular, nothing groundbreaking, just.. neat. I mean, really, how many of -you- would be smart enough to do what he did with a tiny glimpse? I sure as hell fall short, there's a reason I don't play chess.

To all the haters: Relax. It's a fun little actioner where the hero is actually the generally downtrodden 'brain' instead of the overused brawn. I can watch this movie any time and come away smirking.