Review of Total Recall (2012) by Brad N — 02 Jun 2013

Before we get into the film review, here's a small rant for your entertainment:

As usual, the release of Total Recall proves exactly why Hollywood should give the re-brand/relaunch/reboot business a rest. It's not that the newest rendition of Recall is a bad film (or a good film for that matter), it's the fact that Hollywood is simply running out of ideas and are desperate to keep the cash flow coming in - so desperate that these filmmakers/studios allow these knockoffs to be made. At the same time, I suppose whomever purchases the tickets to watch the film can also take a portion of the blame for giving money to these filmmakers/studios.

Now...on to the film review.

For those that haven't seen the original Total Recall (1990), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, it's pretty safe to say that if you enjoyed that original film then you will most certainly enjoy the new film. On the flip side, if you didn't care for the original, it certainly didn't get much better. However, the movie was made with the intent to entertain the majority of those that have not seen it, and if you're one of those people, you might be in for a treat - or not.

If you haven't noticed, there are many ifs/ands/buts going on in this review thus far simply because it's difficult to review a film of this nature without bringing up or comparing it to the original. However, that is a whole separate article in itself, so from now on - let's stick solely to the current rendition.

Colin Farrell plays Doug Quaid/Hauser, a man living an unadventurous, happily-married life in a ravaged,desolate world where land (following World War III) is the most precious of all possessions. To add some spice to his life, Quaid makes an appointment with Rekall, an organization that places imaginary vacation memories in the mind. The implant places Quaid, without any memories, in the middle in a war between the United Federation of Britian (UFB) and the Resistance. Without ruining any plot points, Kate Beckinsale (Lori Quaid, Doug's wife) and Jessica Biel (Melina, a member of the resistance) co-star in a film that is sure to keep your mind busy trying to understand the many twist-n-turns.

Like any sci-fi film these days, the visuals are absolutely stunning and there's plenty of action to fill the two hour run time, yet, it's difficult to get past the lack of chemistry between any of the characters in this film. Colin Farrell was the wrong choice for the main role and still fails to be a leading man in Hollywood. Jessica Biel brings very little to the role of Melina and simply tags along with Farrell for the majority of the film. Kate Beckinsale, on the other hand, is the only bright spot in an overly dull cast. If you were to mix the original Total Recall with Star Wars and Underworld, it would resemble the new, completely watered down Total Recall.

***On a side note, Kate Beckinsale will definitely be one of your new favorite villains***.

Should we all look forward to another Total Recall remake in 20 years? Please, no. Stick to the original Schwarzenegger version. It's a classic for a reason.