Read Mixed User Reviews for Total Recall (2012)

5

TVJerryAug 8, 2012

Don't bother to compare this "reboot" to original. It

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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4

Sevvy88Jun 28, 2013

Good action movie I guess. It starts to raise a cool premise, but then almost immediately abandons it in favor of CGI sequence after CGI sequence. The epitome of American "cinema". It's definitely a movie for teenagers. Sorry, guys. When IGood action movie I guess. It starts to raise a cool premise, but then almost immediately abandons it in favor of CGI sequence after CGI sequence. The epitome of American "cinema". It's definitely a movie for teenagers. Sorry, guys. When I saw who directed it (Underworld clown) I was no longer surprised at what I got. A cool premise, but not much more, just like Underworld.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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5

gunnyartAug 11, 2012

The visuals were spectacular. The plot was weak. The dialogue was even weaker. If you are really into mindless action and great special effects you'll like it. If you need more you won't.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

TokyochuchuJan 12, 2013

Total Recall is at it's best when it's plowing it's own furrow. Elements (and sometimes whole scenes) that are taken directly from the original film feel a bit jarring and, strangely, forced. Although the original was no outright classic, itTotal Recall is at it's best when it's plowing it's own furrow. Elements (and sometimes whole scenes) that are taken directly from the original film feel a bit jarring and, strangely, forced. Although the original was no outright classic, it does score two major victories over this remake; firstly, the whole "is it real?" aspect is done better in the original and secondly, the 1986 version is a lot more fun. That said, this more serious version has some spectacular action scenes and a gorgeously realized sci-fi world to balance things out. Overall, Total Recall is a superior SF action romp.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

StevenFApr 19, 2013

The cast are more than on par in this sic-fi action bonanza, but the often bewildering plot and back and forth story-telling leaves the new Total Recall with a lot to answer for.
Colin Farrell takes the reigns from Arnold Schwarzenegger asThe cast are more than on par in this sic-fi action bonanza, but the often bewildering plot and back and forth story-telling leaves the new Total Recall with a lot to answer for.
Colin Farrell takes the reigns from Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas, a man living at the end of the 21st Century, at time where there are only two survivalist nations on earth, the United Federation of Britain and The Colony, where most reside. The only means of transport is through the Fall, which travels through the core of the earth.
So when Doug happens across Rekall, a memory implantation service, he always believes that something is missing from his life, and that Rekall is the answer. But an unexplained interruption happens in the process and Doug starts to instinctively act like an agent, something he wanted to be implanted but never got the chance, and now something that is trying to get the poor guy killed, he already has these memories.
This sets up for a thrilling first hour in this remake and built a lot of promise by introducing an array of characters easily likeable and unlikeable.
But the second hour was its own worst enemy.
Too many times now do movies trade in a convincing story and excellent plot with big special effects and one explosion too many. Total Recall fails to progress the character development in this story and it becomes unclear just what exactly is happening, in regards to this being real or not, something which I hear is only slightly hinted at in the Director's Cut.
The plot was back-tracking too much to the point of losing interest and getting invested in the big explosions for some enjoyment, simply because the quite interesting plot and drive took a back seat in the final hour.
Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Brian Cranston are on exceptional for, but their characters are grossly under-developed and at times questionable to the point.
But saying that, it is still a watchable and enjoyable film, with exceptional special effects to rival the biggest and baddest of blockbusters, but something that was also unnecessary, but still not a film that requires your full attention in the closing hour, its just a shame that it started off with so much promise, but perhaps the countless scenarios that it touched upon may indeed work for a sequel, something I certainly wouldn't mind seeing.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

ImpartialAug 15, 2012

eh another big money remake of a so-so movie, its official Hollywood has run out of ideas and good acting. Wait for the dv.... ah nevermind watch it once then move on yea its that "good"

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5

Jack97Oct 18, 2014

Compared to the original film, Total Recall lacks the wit and humour. However it contains satisfying action sequences and above average performances from it's cast to be entertaining enough.

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4

LisuebieMar 12, 2013

This one pissed me off, it did. I loved the original. No story here, not even a rehash of the first new invention of the Philip K. Dick story. If you must watch it, turn off the sound. The pictures are lovely.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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5

A_So_Horror_FanJun 5, 2015

This movie has all the qualities of a great sci-fi film but the true star of the movie was missing for me-Mars! The thing that made the original story so entertaining and whimsical was the concept of a human colony on the one world weThis movie has all the qualities of a great sci-fi film but the true star of the movie was missing for me-Mars! The thing that made the original story so entertaining and whimsical was the concept of a human colony on the one world we constantly dream of which is our closest planetary neighbor. In this film I never really new who was who in the great civil conflict. Both the colony and ruling society were so identical in appearance that it was hard to focus an emotional attachment to the physicality of this sci-fi world. The scenes carried the highly produced and fantastical scenes and technology that is truly a future worth dreaming of much like the original however I found myself constantly wishing for the Martian fragility that the colony faced. In this version I never could figure out what made society so dire that the government had to conspire to take hold of a founded colonies land. Although the population was critical the advancements of this reality were so great that even the desolate and toxic areas outside of the city could have been re-populated so I never felt completely sold on this story. I have to give props to the action and fighting sequences between the stars of this film because they were quite intense and entertaining. Even though the one thing was missing that could have made “Total Recall” epic and I found it’s absence irritating I did enjoy the movie’s effects and view of the future-minus the conflict of course.… Expand

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4

asthobaskoroAug 28, 2012

Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall is much much better than this remake version. I pretty enjoy this, its modern set piece but its third act is total disaster. Will always leave you bad memory.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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5

XerSMMackAug 8, 2012

Went in with low expectations considering the critics' opinions. Got what I expected, too. Took only minor cues from the original and even those got lost in the breaking glass. Never once thought 'hmm, is this real or recall" I just thoughtWent in with low expectations considering the critics' opinions. Got what I expected, too. Took only minor cues from the original and even those got lost in the breaking glass. Never once thought 'hmm, is this real or recall" I just thought "3 good looking stars does not a movie make." Epitome of mediocrity.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

BobboSep 17, 2012

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but the Arnold Schwarzenegger (googled and spellchecked) version was better. And they killed Walter White. Why?! Why kill Walter White? He didn't do anything wrong. Heck invade that overpopulatedI can't believe I'm going to say this, but the Arnold Schwarzenegger (googled and spellchecked) version was better. And they killed Walter White. Why?! Why kill Walter White? He didn't do anything wrong. Heck invade that overpopulated hellhole called Australia, they should stop breeding. I'm all with you there buddy. And I just checked Google Earth, Australia and the UK are not on geometrically opposite sides of the globe; so there's that.… Expand

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5

hellySep 8, 2012

meh...

5 of 8 users found this helpful53

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6

RedfordstoAug 6, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Strong action mixed with a loose and well-worn plot that made for an entertaining, but not necessarily good, movie. It's the same basic premise of the original movie with plenty of nods. The Blade Runner style future is nice, but the premise and world created was nonsensical. A world destroyed by chemical warfare and only Australia and the UK survive? Plus they're connected via a mass transit system that goes through the earth's core. The trip is so fast it only takes 17 min, but not so fast that the characters can't climb the exterior or stand atop the device without being crushed by g-force. The shear impossibility of the climax is only permissible in the assumption that everything we witnessed as an audience was part of Quiad's Rekall. And for that, the hint at the end, and the decent action, Total Recall gets a passing rating.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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6

nickclarivetteSep 26, 2012

All my 6 points go to the brilliantly crafted and art directed first half of this film. If you liked Blade Runner then you'll be totally engrossed in this initial part of the movie. Excellently staged stunts and action sequences and lots ofAll my 6 points go to the brilliantly crafted and art directed first half of this film. If you liked Blade Runner then you'll be totally engrossed in this initial part of the movie. Excellently staged stunts and action sequences and lots of juicy detail for all you sci-fi fans. Unfortunately the second part of Total Recall is such a mess that it really lets down the entire experience. Still worth a look. And Colin Farrell does a good enough job too.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

ZilcellAug 6, 2012

I don't feel that this Total Racall is superior to the original. The first hour is incredibly fun with some great story and action thrills. After that it becomes very slow. Its got some other positives like the fact that despite reusing a fewI don't feel that this Total Racall is superior to the original. The first hour is incredibly fun with some great story and action thrills. After that it becomes very slow. Its got some other positives like the fact that despite reusing a few things from the original it still feels somewhat new. The script could be a lot better. Its a little fun but its more worth a rental once it is on DVD.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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6

OneManCrowdAug 8, 2012

I must admit; I (like many others no doubt) have never seen Arnold in the original Total Recall. Right off the first 10 minutes, director Len Wiseman showed the type of movie Total Recall was to be. The first pan of the futuristic cityI must admit; I (like many others no doubt) have never seen Arnold in the original Total Recall. Right off the first 10 minutes, director Len Wiseman showed the type of movie Total Recall was to be. The first pan of the futuristic city Wiseman had envisioned the world of Total Recall to be was reminiscent of Blade-Runner: a city so unlike our own but so detailed that it seems a perfectly logical direction for which the world would be heading towards. Often times I forgot that Total Recall was part Sci-fi, as I became so immersed in the setting that it became normal. The Colony, one of the only two mega-cities left on earth, was able to blend a heavy sci-fi theme with a sense of overpopulation, allowing it to seem technological but backwards at the same time. The first half of the film does an excellent job creating a believable world, but unfortunately the characters that inhabit the world itself fall a bit short.
A major problem with the film was its cookie-cutter characters. Colin Farrell just seemed confused most of the time, and Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale were just action-movie eye-candy with no really distinguishing characteristics. Going by the trailer, I had expected Total Recall to be mind-boggling; juggling reality and fantasy until it became a blur. This unfortunately was not the case, as the plot became incredibly straightforward. With such a simple plot and such simple characters, by the end there was no element of surprise or shock. For a sci-fi action movie, it ended rather dully. That is not to say; however, that the entire movie was boring, or that it wasn… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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6

drmAug 7, 2012

So I went out to see this last night, with the lowest of expectations. Much to my surprise, it wasn't that bad. Sure it had problems, and it doesn't really stand up to the original, but I really didn't need it to. I am not a fan of reboots,So I went out to see this last night, with the lowest of expectations. Much to my surprise, it wasn't that bad. Sure it had problems, and it doesn't really stand up to the original, but I really didn't need it to. I am not a fan of reboots, but still, the people behind this did manage to make an entertaining film. Colin Farrell does a decent job, and thankfully does not try to act like Arnold. Kate Beckinsdale is super hot, though her character seemed a bit ruined by one flaw I see in a lot of films: the supermodel military commando, complete with skin tight catsuits and lady gaga heels. Hollywood...you really need to get over this cliché. Was Kate not hot enough to dress her up in fatigues? I don't think so. They definitely simplified the plot from the original, but found interesting work-arounds for some of the glaringly missing components. The villain was unflinchingly evil, the violence was constant, the effects were pretty, and the action sequences were unrelenting. There are some things they could've done better. The Blade Runner homages going on this picture tread on cannibalism. It felt a little like a club to the head in parts. Still, that's minor. The other thing that didn't exactly work for me was Kate's character. In the original, Lori is married to Richter. When Quaid kills Lori, Richter is pissed, and has a strong motivation for revenge. In the reboot, Lori and Richter are morphed into the same character of Lori, which deprives us of the revenge subplot, and makes her come off like a psycho **** without a clear motivation. The next thing that was a bit upsetting, was the use of clones. Clones, much as George Lucas knows, are just a cheap tool to minimize the impact of hardcore violence. These suckers die by the hundreds, and you just don't care about them. The last thing I found puzzling, was why they bothered to connect it to the Total Recall franchise. It's a decent film on it's own. Parts of it felt shoe-horned into the franchise, and I don't think it needed to be. Look, we're all starved to death for some sci-fi and violence. We don't need it connected to some nostalgia. It's fine on it's own. PS Hats off to whoever did the industrial design on this picture. It's worth looking at just for that.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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4

Tyray23CenaSuckJul 11, 2014

It has a some great action just not enough actual story to the movie. Not enough character development in the movie. If you like action then you will like this movie but If you like anything else then you probably leave the theaterIt has a some great action just not enough actual story to the movie. Not enough character development in the movie. If you like action then you will like this movie but If you like anything else then you probably leave the theater disappointed and what the story really was.… Expand

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5

GreatMartinAug 3, 2012

Not having seen the original 1990

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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5

Mediocre_SoulAug 8, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. http://lackadaisicallyliving.wordpress.com/?p=133&preview=true

Okay, let… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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6

BikerjamesAug 20, 2012

Total Recall is ludicrous in parts and full of plot holes. That said, it is SO visually stunning that I have to recommend it based solely on that. The look and atmosphere is not original and will remind you of Blade Runner, Minority Report,Total Recall is ludicrous in parts and full of plot holes. That said, it is SO visually stunning that I have to recommend it based solely on that. The look and atmosphere is not original and will remind you of Blade Runner, Minority Report, and the Matrix (among others), but there is so much detail and it simply looks spectacular. All the actors seem to be into their roles and are not simply phoning it in despite some of the silly dialog and situations. The ubiquitous car chase scene was fun and didn't last overly long like chase scenes tend to. Even though I rolled my eyes a few times I still had fun and enjoyed it.… Expand

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6

Knicksfan7Aug 16, 2012

Total Recall was by no means a stroke of genius but it was definitely an enjoyable film if you can deal with some unrealism and minor plot issues. The cgi was beautiful, the action was worth the admission alone, and the story had its flawsTotal Recall was by no means a stroke of genius but it was definitely an enjoyable film if you can deal with some unrealism and minor plot issues. The cgi was beautiful, the action was worth the admission alone, and the story had its flaws but overall it was on par. Colin Farrell was good, and extremely lucky, being able to kiss both Kate Beckinsale (who was the usual Kate Beckinsale, hot and awesome) and Jessica Biel (who was great as well) in the same movie! This movie got dull at times and the story didn't make sense and the nevernding elevator shaft scene was a bit ridiculous, but other than that, if you like a good scifi flick then i would recommend this, i wouldn't say its worth all of the admission price but this is a movie that needs to be seen on a big screen so go for it. Overall a fun scifi action spectacle with great cgi and good characters. 6/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

rafael14Nov 30, 2012

this movie is good, but it isn't the better that I watched, I like Collin Farrel, he was good, but the problem of the film every time is action, but it is a good movie

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6

TheDarkSoulSep 4, 2012

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed by this. It's a pretty serviceable action film, but other than that? There's none of the original film's wit or intelligence here, and the few subtle references to it are just nostalgiaI'd be lying if I said I wasn't slightly disappointed by this. It's a pretty serviceable action film, but other than that? There's none of the original film's wit or intelligence here, and the few subtle references to it are just nostalgia for that better film. But, i mean, its watch-able, but as a remake of the Total recall we all loved, it has to go down as a big failure.… Expand

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6

RUSTAug 28, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bryan Cranston and Colin Farrell turn in two very enjoyable performances as the visionary and the fly in the ointment. The plot is a flimsy, but albeit sometimes interesting, reason for the key folks involved to get their hands dirty and the love interest(s) are both drop dead gorgeous. Seriously Colin, it's a little hard to feel sorry for you in this one. After the first hour, and the plot twists have lost their sheen, the movie runs out of steam well ahead of its running time and culminates in a rather embarrassing sessions of fisty cuffs between Cranston and Farrell. Prior to the limp ending I thought I was enjoying a more wholesome adaptation than the original film. Sadly it just couldn't hold out, but that's no reason to miss maybe the third best action flick of the summer. (Behind obvious choice The Dark Knight Rises and another of your personal taste.)… Expand

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6

aznassassinNov 22, 2012

The first half of the film: brilliantly shot and full of excellent action sequences. The later half...its like as if a teenage douchebag came into the production studio, replaced the final sections of the script with his weirdass, cheesyThe first half of the film: brilliantly shot and full of excellent action sequences. The later half...its like as if a teenage douchebag came into the production studio, replaced the final sections of the script with his weirdass, cheesy fight scenes and a crappy ending and managed to convince the director to keep them when they found out it happened. I was sceptical going into this reboot. There's no Mars, the premise is exactly the same and many plot elements are recycled. But the first hour it convinced me otherwise: this is going to be epic. Awesome cinematography and tense fight/chase scenes in a beautiful, futuristic city (so beautiful that I actually want to live there) and more action/great dialogue after. Then, without warning, the movie just went downhill. You know, like a ferrari suddenly having punctured tires, following by engine problems and everything slowly goes to **** This is the 2012 Total Recall. You just watch a great movie, brilliantly shot (one of the best ive seen in a long time) with awesome action scenes all on top of a well-loved story, slowly get peppered with **** and eventually, a cartload of **** And then when you hit the ending, you'll be cutting yourself. Had they retained the awesome futurisitic utopia/minory repory-esque fantasy world with tight action scenes so evident in the first half of the film for the entire film and had a satisfying climax and ending, I would've given this film a 8/10 or even a 9/10. Sadly, dunno what happened to the script writer in the final pages of the movie script . Maybe he got drunk. Maybe he just got frickin lazy. Or maybe he got jacked into rekall and a false memory implanted when finishing the final sections of the script. Srsly, when you watch this movie, right after Quaid arrives at the Resistance base, just turn off the movie - it gets fully ****house from there and even Brian Cranston's awesome acting could've save it. Though there's another two things that this movie did right - it cemented and consolidated Kate Beckinsale as one of my favourite actresses and added Jessica Biel to my **** list.… Expand

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6

DarianAug 21, 2012

This is the wrong way, in my opinion, to approach sci-fi. Superficially it does well, in terms of creating the appropriate mood and atmosphere, and it has some interesting gadgets. But good sci-fi should primarily aim to provoke thought, so IThis is the wrong way, in my opinion, to approach sci-fi. Superficially it does well, in terms of creating the appropriate mood and atmosphere, and it has some interesting gadgets. But good sci-fi should primarily aim to provoke thought, so I think it's usually bad news when there is an overabundance of mindless action--here, the action just takes centre place. Worse, the choreography is nothing to go wow at. In terms of performance, Beckinsale is at the top of her game, while Farrell and Biel are just clumsy.… Expand

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6

Apemonkey666Oct 13, 2012

They try hard to differentiate this film from the original: the setting is different (not mars anymore), the production style -which is very stylish btw- is much greyer and dysotopian and the acting is much more low key. It's not that theThey try hard to differentiate this film from the original: the setting is different (not mars anymore), the production style -which is very stylish btw- is much greyer and dysotopian and the acting is much more low key. It's not that the film is bad, it just hasn't got the good stuff. Schwarzie's character had much more charisma and his 2 different persona were more clearly separated, in Farrell's case they just seem the same bland dude. Beckinsale plays a good antagonist but nowhere near the **** level that was done so very well by Sharon Stone in the original. The new one has tons of action and destruction but ultimatly lacks the visceral and raw violent feel of the Verhoeven version.… Expand

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5

NatzAug 14, 2012

There is a lot of action in this movie and It kinda keeps you watching. The effects are also really good. The bad part is that it is very predictable and that the laws of physics don't apply at all.

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6

cameronmorewoodNov 5, 2012

The main character in Total Recall is a man who's lost his identity, but the film is not about him rediscovering it. Yes, that's part of it, but Recall is about the well paced, gritty sci-fi action. It doesn't want us to think, just to enjoy.

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6

ThegodfathersonOct 10, 2013

Total Recall was cool, I appreciate it, bro. But the acting by Colin Farrell is the star of this film, he's not a Schwarzenegger or Stallone but he fits in the picture. Kate Beckensale is okay (UNDERWORLD SUCKS) but could have been maintainedTotal Recall was cool, I appreciate it, bro. But the acting by Colin Farrell is the star of this film, he's not a Schwarzenegger or Stallone but he fits in the picture. Kate Beckensale is okay (UNDERWORLD SUCKS) but could have been maintained as the bad girl. Bill Nighy was great, he was deadly and violent as hell. Jessica Biel was pretty bad, I wished that she could save the movie but Farrell, Nighy and Beckinsale steal the show. It has gadgets and cool sci fi future generating world with NUDITY! this one doesn't quite top the original- this one is way cooler but Total Recall by Paul Verhoven was better than this reboot. Cool, cool, and cool- Totall recall is made and saved by its gadgets and guns and thrilling sequences. It's fun.… Expand

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5

dharmaAug 10, 2012

Total Recall is a mixed bag. It recalls (pardon the pun) other, and better sci-fi movies that includes Blade Runner and Minority Report. Despite its high production values, the original is still a much better film. This version doesn'tTotal Recall is a mixed bag. It recalls (pardon the pun) other, and better sci-fi movies that includes Blade Runner and Minority Report. Despite its high production values, the original is still a much better film. This version doesn't bring anything new on the table.… Expand