Review: Total Recall

[GregMO ROberts]

Bringing Total Recall back to theatres in a reboot circa 2012 would be no easy task. The biggest obstacle would be the comparisons to the 1990 Paul Verhoeven original that was one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most critically accepted films and a perennial fan favorite. Schwarzenegger was at the height of his popularity in 1990 and Total Recall – the adaptation of Phillip K. Dick’s short story ‘We Can Remember It For You Wholesale’ – was violent, funny and complex all wrapped up in an action packed adventure spanning across two worlds.

That didn’t seem to scare off director Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free of Die Hard) who embarked last year on brining Dick’s story to a new generation with the help of actors Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessical Biel and, oh about $200 million dollars.

In the new Total Recall, Farrell plays Douglas Quaid – an everyday man who works on an assembly line which manufactures robotic police for the city. Quaid has been having strange dreams of late. Dreams where he and another woman (Biel) are being chased by countless men wearing uniforms. The dreams awaken Quaid most evenings, much to the concern of wife Lori (Beckinsale).

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[flesheateralive]

I saw it and I'll just stick to the original. It's hard to do a good remake of a movie that didn't need a remake to begin with. Sorry Mr. Wiseman... better luck next time.

[GregMO ROberts]

But you will have to agree that the effects were incredible.

[DEADstar]

I think I might go check this out.

[Boombata]

Interesting review GregMo. I am still worried that there is too many similarities to the original; that the new movie cannot stand on it's own. The trailers and tv spots showing clips of dialogue that is regurgitated from the original has made me not want to give it a chance. If it wasn't for Len Wiseman directing, this movie would be a throw away. Other thing is that it is rated PG-13! They remake a rated R film and make it PG-13! I like Len Wiseman but this is the second time he has downgraded an original film. Good special effects or not, I smell rental. Download works too! LOL

[flesheateralive]

It had great special effects but that's pretty much all the movie had going for it. The original movie was so creative with the mutant make up effects and all of the great characters... especially Benny "I have five kids to feed" The Cab driver and Quatto. The movie lacked the great characters and the heart and soul of the original film.

[thedarkhours]

So the movie is "underperforming" Is that a surprise? When has Colin Farrell EVER been a box office draw? Hollywood really wants this guy to succeed badly. Oh well, they'll learn they're lesson like they did with Mathew McConaughey matthew-mcconaughey.jpg

[Dark Deadite313]

Holy fuck is he back???

So the movie is "underperforming" Is that a surprise? When has Colin Farrell EVER been a box office draw? Hollywood really wants this guy to succeed badly. Oh well, they'll learn they're lesson like they did with Mathew McConaughey matthew-mcconaughey.jpg