IF IMITATION is the sincerest form of flattery, the makers of Minority Report must be feeling very flattered indeed.

It comes as no surprise that Paycheck and Minority Report both started life as short stories from the pen of Philip K Dick, with their similar story lines, every man heroes, big corporation baddies, the ability to predict the future being misused and a futuristic setting combined with technophobia.

The films even look the same, from the suits everyone wears through the computer screen that allows the user to move images around with their hands to the flower-filled nursery that is offered as the alternative to the highly technical world.

The film also owes a debt to The Bourne Identity, with its hero, waking up with no memory and bad guys after him, having to

rely on resources and skills he gained during the time he can't remember.

But does it matter that Paycheck is a bit of a rip-off? Not really, because the films that it borrows from are so good that it can't help being good itself.

Sure, no one's going to win any awards for originality here but it's still thoughtful, entertaining viewing, that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Director John Woo has come up trumps with his leading actors. Ben Affleck is both likeable and admirable as the hero who always manages to do the right thing and the always watchable Uma Thurman adds real spark to her role as his girlfriend who gets caught up in the drama. And thanks to the pair's great chemistry, they don't have to labour the relationship between them - it feels as if you can just tell they love each other.

Their relationship is central to the film but, unsurprisingly, given that this is a John Woo movie, so is the action.

There's a lengthy cars in pursuit of motorbike chase, a lot of fighting (in which our hero doesn't kill anyone, despite being shot at himself), and even a brawl in which a computer which is able to generate storms is utilised.

The film has a few gaping holes which may mean you want to avoid sitting next to anyone who's too picky.

But with something for everyone and a good, strong story, it's sure to do well and pick up a nice hefty pay cheque for everyone involved.

Rating: 8/10