Paycheck (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Michael Jennings is a genius who's hired – and paid handsomely – by high-tech firms to work on highly sensitive projects, after which his short-term memory is erased so he's incapable of breaching security. But at the end of a three-year job, he's told he isn't getting a paycheck and instead receives a mysterious envelope. In it are clues he must piece together to find out why he wasn't paid – and why he's now in hot water.
Rated PG-13 • 2003 • 1h 59m
Paycheck is a sci-fi action thriller that earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense, but largely non-graphic violence. The film follows Michael Jennings, a reverse engineer who has his memory wiped after high-stakes jobs, as he pieces together his past to save his future. Parents should be aware of numerous action sequences involving gunfights, explosions, fistfights, and car chases. The language includes several uses of "s--t" and… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Paycheck appropriate for kids?
Paycheck is a sci-fi action thriller that earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense, but largely non-graphic violence. The film follows Michael Jennings, a reverse engineer who has his memory wiped after high-stakes jobs, as he pieces together his past to save his future… Read more — free account
Content severity in Paycheck
What happens in Paycheck, moment by moment
- 0:07 🍷 Substances 1/10
- 0:10 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Paycheck
Sexual content is very light and brief. A man and woman share a few passionate kisses. In one quick scene, a woman is seen from the side in a bra while kissing a man, but this is shown during a fast-forwarded sequence. Another character wears a dress that reveals some cleavage. There is no nudity or sexual dialogue.
Violence and gore in Paycheck
The film contains frequent and sustained sci-fi action violence, which is central to the plot. Most scenes involve shootouts with automatic weapons, intense fistfights, and lengthy car and motorcycle chases with crashes. Specific moments include a man being electrocuted on a subway rail, another being hit with a baseball bat, and characters being thrown against walls. While there are multiple on-screen deaths, they are not particularly gory; a small bloody bullet hole is briefly visible on one victim. The climax…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Paycheck
Language is moderate for a PG-13 film. There are at least five uses of "s--t" and several exclamatory uses of religious terms like "Jesus Christ," "Oh my God," and "Jesus." Milder terms like "damn" and "hell" are also present.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Paycheck
Substance use is minimal. Characters are shown drinking alcohol socially at a party in one early scene. A few characters are also seen with unlit cigarettes or briefly lighting one, but smoking is not a significant element.
Mature themes in Paycheck
The film's primary themes involve identity, memory loss, and determinism. The concept of having one's memory erased is a significant and potentially unsettling idea. The plot is driven by visions of a catastrophic future, including economic collapse, a pandemic, and a pre-emptive nuclear strike, images of which are briefly shown. Themes of corporate greed and betrayal are also central.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paycheck appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Paycheck is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Paycheck is a sci-fi action thriller that earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense, but largely non-graphic violence. The film follows Michael Jennings, a reverse engineer who has his memory wiped after high-stakes…
What age rating does Paycheck have?
Paycheck is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Paycheck about?
Paycheck is a sci-fi action thriller that earns its PG-13 rating with frequent, intense, but largely non-graphic violence. The film follows Michael Jennings, a reverse engineer who has his memory wiped after high-stakes jobs, as he pieces together his past to save his future. Parents should be aware of numerous action…
Is there sex or nudity in Paycheck?
Sexual content is very light and brief. A man and woman share a few passionate kisses. In one quick scene, a woman is seen from the side in a bra while kissing a man, but this is shown during a fast-forwarded sequence. Another character wears a dress that…
How violent is Paycheck?
The film contains frequent and sustained sci-fi action violence, which is central to the plot. Most scenes involve shootouts with automatic weapons, intense fistfights, and lengthy car and motorcycle chases with crashes. Specific moments include a man being…
Is the language in Paycheck appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate for a PG-13 film. There are at least five uses of "s--t" and several exclamatory uses of religious terms like "Jesus Christ," "Oh my God," and "Jesus." Milder terms like "damn" and "hell" are also present.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Paycheck?
Substance use is minimal. Characters are shown drinking alcohol socially at a party in one early scene. A few characters are also seen with unlit cigarettes or briefly lighting one, but smoking is not a significant element.
What mature themes appear in Paycheck?
The film's primary themes involve identity, memory loss, and determinism. The concept of having one's memory erased is a significant and potentially unsettling idea. The plot is driven by visions of a catastrophic future, including economic collapse, a…
How long is Paycheck?
Paycheck runs 119 minutes, directed by John Woo, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full Paycheck parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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