Total Recall (2012)
A re-adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s classic short story, set in a futuristic sci-fi world where memories can be relived, for a price. For factory worker Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), even though he's got a beautiful wife (Kate Beckinsale) who he loves, the mind-trip of Rekall - a company that implants artificial memories - sounds like the perfect vacation from his frustrating life. But when the procedure goes horribly wrong, Quaid becomes a hunted man.
Finding himself on the run from the police - controlled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston), the leader of the free world - Quaid teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) to find the head of the underground resistance (Bill Nighy) and stop Cohaagen.
- Director:
- Len Wiseman ('Die Hard 4.0', 'Underworld', 'Underworld: Evolution')
- Writer:
- Mark BombackJames VanderbiltKurt Wimmer
- Cast:
- Colin FarrellKate BeckinsaleJessica BielBryan CranstonBill NighyJohn ChoBokeem Woodbine
Reviews & comments
Arnie Who?
Total Recall goes a long way to distinguish itself from the 80's trash masterpiece it shares a name with and deserves to shake the remake stigma associated with it. While the premise, and a large amount of the plot are the same, it feels much like its own film, with its astonishing visual landscape and own twists on the ideas presented in the previous film...
Not A Rekall
This is a full on action movie.It does not have the same story as the original,but does have the Rekall Company which offers a fantasy dream of choice. What was interesting was an elevator where they have to"reverse the magnetic field" It is an easy watch but one needs to be attentive for there are some twists in the story.Better than expected.
Totally Unnecessary Recall...
Director Paul Verhoeven's 1990 Schwarzenegger-starring sci-fi blockbuster, 'Total Recall' was loosely based on Philip K. Dick's 1966 short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." The result was a fun film that never took itself too seriously and contained some truly memorable real-life special effects, costumes, prosthetics and sets. Now Len Wiseman,...
maybe Totally Recalled
Was totally re-done, if you can forget the original (if you saw it) then its not too bad. Many future scenes reminiscent of 'Minority Report' 'iRobot' and '5th Element' facts but still a good popcorn watch. Everyone seems to have seen Charlie & the Great Glass Elevator, even the screen writers. I did enjoy (the 3 boob lady &) it as a trip of escapism...
Another unnecessary rehash
I have a very large soft spot for the original 1990 Total Recall. Somehow, director Paul Verhoeven managed to infuse a typical goofy 1980s-style action film with some legitimately clever ideas and themes. The movie had its tongue planted firmly in cheek, but achieved its iconic cult status for going beyond being just another Schwarzenegger vehicle. Fast...
Variety
pressCrazy new gadgets, vigorous action sequences and a thorough production-design makeover aren't enough to keep Total Recall from feeling like a near-total redundancy.
Total Film
pressEntertaining in small doses, but gruelling at two hours, Wiseman's derivative, spec-hackular upgrade bins the twisted wit and meaty thrills of the Arnie original.
The Washington Post
pressSo what makes this 2012 Total Recall superior to the Arnie model? For starters, there's an actual actor in the starring role.
The New York Times
pressThe ambitions of the filmmakers lie in the direction of maximum noise and minimum sense.
Roger Ebert
pressTotal Recall is well-crafted, high energy sci-fi. Like all stories inspired by Philip K. Dick, it deals with intriguing ideas. It never touched me emotionally, though, the way the 1990 film did, and strictly speaking, isn't necessary.
Hollywood Reporter
pressThe outcome is engaging enough, although not entirely satisfying from either a genre or narrative standpoint, lacking both substance and a degree of imagination.
Variety
pressCrazy new gadgets, vigorous action sequences and a thorough production-design makeover aren't enough to keep Total Recall from feeling like a near-total redundancy.
Total Film
pressEntertaining in small doses, but gruelling at two hours, Wiseman's derivative, spec-hackular upgrade bins the twisted wit and meaty thrills of the Arnie original.
The Washington Post
pressSo what makes this 2012 Total Recall superior to the Arnie model? For starters, there's an actual actor in the starring role.
The New York Times
pressThe ambitions of the filmmakers lie in the direction of maximum noise and minimum sense.
Roger Ebert
pressTotal Recall is well-crafted, high energy sci-fi. Like all stories inspired by Philip K. Dick, it deals with intriguing ideas. It never touched me emotionally, though, the way the 1990 film did, and strictly speaking, isn't necessary.
Hollywood Reporter
pressThe outcome is engaging enough, although not entirely satisfying from either a genre or narrative standpoint, lacking both substance and a degree of imagination.
Arnie Who?
Total Recall goes a long way to distinguish itself from the 80's trash masterpiece it shares a name with and deserves to shake the remake stigma associated with it. While the premise, and a large amount of the plot are the same, it feels much like its own film, with its astonishing visual landscape and own twists on the ideas presented in the previous...
Not A Rekall
This is a full on action movie.It does not have the same story as the original,but does have the Rekall Company which offers a fantasy dream of choice. What was interesting was an elevator where they have to"reverse the magnetic field" It is an easy watch but one needs to be attentive for there are some twists in the story.Better than expected.
Totally Unnecessary Recall...
Director Paul Verhoeven's 1990 Schwarzenegger-starring sci-fi blockbuster, 'Total Recall' was loosely based on Philip K. Dick's 1966 short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." The result was a fun film that never took itself too seriously and contained some truly memorable real-life special effects, costumes, prosthetics and sets. Now Len...
maybe Totally Recalled
Was totally re-done, if you can forget the original (if you saw it) then its not too bad. Many future scenes reminiscent of 'Minority Report' 'iRobot' and '5th Element' facts but still a good popcorn watch. Everyone seems to have seen Charlie & the Great Glass Elevator, even the screen writers. I did enjoy (the 3 boob lady &) it as a trip of escapism...
Another unnecessary rehash
I have a very large soft spot for the original 1990 Total Recall. Somehow, director Paul Verhoeven managed to infuse a typical goofy 1980s-style action film with some legitimately clever ideas and themes. The movie had its tongue planted firmly in cheek, but achieved its iconic cult status for going beyond being just another Schwarzenegger vehicle. Fast...
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