Check out of dull film.

Paycheck (Cert 12, 114 mins, Universal Pictures Video, Sci-Fi/Thriller/Action, also available to buy DVD pounds 17.99/VHS pounds 12.99)

Starring: Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman, Aaron Eckhart, Emily Holmes, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, Joe Morton, Michael C Hall

Michael Jennings (Affleck) is a hi-tech genius who is hired by giant corporations to undertake top-secret work. Upon completion of his duties, certain parts of Michael's memory are routinely erased to guarantee complete confidentiality.

Having accepted an eight-figure sum from billionaire entrepreneur Jimmy Rethrick (Eckhart), Michael wakes as per his contact with no recollection of the past three years. However, when Michael attempts to collect payment for his services, he is shocked to learn that he agreed to forego cash in favour of a manila envelope containing 20 everyday objects.

No sooner has Michael walked out of Allcom's headquarters than he accosted by government agents Dodge (Morton) and Klein (Hall). Michael escapes, thanks to a couple of items from the envelope, and he goes on the run for his life, aided by the woman he loves, beautiful biologist Rachel Porter (Thurman). Based on a short story by Philip K Dick, Paycheck is an entertaining if somewhat contrived action-thriller, which comes apart at the seams the longer it drags on.

The premise is neat enough and the 20 seemingly random objects in the envelope have ingenious uses. However, the screenplay fudges the key question: how does Michael know to send himself these items? Woo directs with his customary overblown fervour, melding an orgy of slow-motion gun battles, martial arts and daredevil car chases. For all its directorial brio and pyrotechnics, Paycheck is hamstrung by a leading man who lacks charisma. Affleck couldn't be more wooden if the prop department carved him from a sheet of balsa and there's scant evidence of sexual chemistry with Thurman's femme sidekick. Eckhart meanwhile is exceedingly bland. Paycheck is past imperfect.

DVD Extras: Director and screenwriter commentaries, "Tempting Fate: The Stunts Of Paycheck" featurette, "Paycheck: Designing The Future" featurette, deleted scene, alternative ending.