Total Recall (2012)

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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3

funenthusiastAug 7, 2012

Total Failure - the first third of the movie is OK (I really liked the gadgets!). Just when the story started to get interesting, suddenly the visual effects guy got in the way and the video editor decided to do his/her job while smoking pot.Total Failure - the first third of the movie is OK (I really liked the gadgets!). Just when the story started to get interesting, suddenly the visual effects guy got in the way and the video editor decided to do his/her job while smoking pot. The story line is filled with inconsistencies to the point that it is annoying. Suddenly you will be twisting in your seat watching all the goofs throughout the last two thirds of the movie. Save you trip to the theater for this one and watch it on TV once it hits Netflix (wait, with the poor quality of content in Netflix these days you may need to watch it on cable TV - which either way is just fine).… Expand

8 of 11 users found this helpful83

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3

judahjsnAug 7, 2012

I was hoping the critics were overthinking this and it would be worth the trip and price of admission. Unfortunately I was ready to leave after a half an hour. It's just a really soulless movie that bludgeons you with action. If you tried toI was hoping the critics were overthinking this and it would be worth the trip and price of admission. Unfortunately I was ready to leave after a half an hour. It's just a really soulless movie that bludgeons you with action. If you tried to analyze it, it'd be worse since much of the plot and action hinges on really implausible connections. Even by sci-fi standards it's lazy. We already live in a world that is already connected by a network. The characters in this future-set movie escape the authorities time and time again in ways that would be almost impossible even in a world of today's technology, let alone the far-off future.… 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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7

Super8mmAug 7, 2012

Total Recall isn't a movie for everyone. If fan's of the old movie are coming into this one thiking its going to be the same, your wrong. This 2012 remake starring Colin Farrel and Jessica Biel was suprisingly good. The story spun in aTotal Recall isn't a movie for everyone. If fan's of the old movie are coming into this one thiking its going to be the same, your wrong. This 2012 remake starring Colin Farrel and Jessica Biel was suprisingly good. The story spun in a completely different direction, but that's not a bad thing. It made the movie more interesting to watch instead of just watching the same story twice. Even though you don't have much time to enjoy each character, the actors play them to their best. I was nervous to see this movie because one it's a remake of a movie which i loved, two director Len Wiseman was set to make this movie, and three I just wasn't sure how good it could be, but it was better than i expected it to be. The acting was the best they could do, the soundtrack was awesome, the visuals were amazing, and all in all it was a very entertaining movie. If your looking for a good action packed movie, with quality visuals, and a decent story than this is the movie for you.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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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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3

jwt7000Aug 6, 2012

Besides the good characters and the action thrills, this movie is an unnecessary remake to the original as what preview critics would say. Mars, memory and life were the main themes in the original movie, but this one just doesn't seem toBesides the good characters and the action thrills, this movie is an unnecessary remake to the original as what preview critics would say. Mars, memory and life were the main themes in the original movie, but this one just doesn't seem to have those good ones, not even the setting of Mars. This looks and feels like Star Wars meets Blade Runner and Minority Report.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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10

bachastainAug 6, 2012

I love this movie. I remember the original very well and the major plot elements of this version didn't vary much from the original. That aside, everything else was different and new.. I loved the story, ceaseless action, special effects,I love this movie. I remember the original very well and the major plot elements of this version didn't vary much from the original. That aside, everything else was different and new.. I loved the story, ceaseless action, special effects, and stunts. It's the perfect movie for any adrenalin junkie that will hold your attention from beginning to end.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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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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9

Gamer4life1985Aug 5, 2012

Having just seen the movie, I thought it was awesome. The constant action, the story, etc... is was very well done. Colin Farrell did a great job (which I'm tired of people bashing him for some reason, I think hes a great actor, but thatsHaving just seen the movie, I thought it was awesome. The constant action, the story, etc... is was very well done. Colin Farrell did a great job (which I'm tired of people bashing him for some reason, I think hes a great actor, but thats my opinion), and of course Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel did great as well, not to mention hot xD. Overall, great movie and definately worth the price of admission for it.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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8

ziggleoAug 5, 2012

Excellent movie with an amazing cast and CGI. Remake is'nt not the same and enjoyed the experience more than the first. I missed a few famous quotes from the original movie but otherwise I can say anything bad about the movie. Its a must seeExcellent movie with an amazing cast and CGI. Remake is'nt not the same and enjoyed the experience more than the first. I missed a few famous quotes from the original movie but otherwise I can say anything bad about the movie. Its a must see for any syfy fan. I liked it better than Batman, personally… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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3

Parker75Aug 5, 2012

Massive disappointment. Bland, soulless action and forgettable characters. A real pity and a waste of a good cast. Somehow everything that made the original good and fun is missing here. What's even more frustrating is that it has anMassive disappointment. Bland, soulless action and forgettable characters. A real pity and a waste of a good cast. Somehow everything that made the original good and fun is missing here. What's even more frustrating is that it has an interesting and intriguing set up that is so utterly let down by a never ending stream of identical fights and chases as to make any memories of story distant.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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3

MarcDoyleAug 5, 2012

Doesn't hold a candle to the original, which was so full of original ideas that could be exploited here. Sure, it looks fantastic, but it's just dry and boring. It's missing the camp that I loved so much about the original. You know you'reDoesn't hold a candle to the original, which was so full of original ideas that could be exploited here. Sure, it looks fantastic, but it's just dry and boring. It's missing the camp that I loved so much about the original. You know you're in trouble as a moviegoer when you first check your watch at about 45 minutes in.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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9

EvarinAug 4, 2012

I enjoyed this movie. If you're a fan of the sci-fi genre and not too stuck on the particulars of the first film I think most will as well. There are two important things to keep in mind before seeing this movie.

1. They do not go to Mars.I enjoyed this movie. If you're a fan of the sci-fi genre and not too stuck on the particulars of the first film I think most will as well. There are two important things to keep in mind before seeing this movie.

1. They do not go to Mars. This movie takes place entirely on Earth.

2. It is not campy. Do not expect the movie to poke fun at itself, or have goofy characters. Keep those two points in mind and I think you'll enjoy the ride.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

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8

CorvinAug 4, 2012

Before I launch into some gleeful pointing out of this movie's plentiful plot holes, I want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Total Recall. Possibly because it borrowed from some of my favorite movies. Not just Total Recall, but also hintsBefore I launch into some gleeful pointing out of this movie's plentiful plot holes, I want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Total Recall. Possibly because it borrowed from some of my favorite movies. Not just Total Recall, but also hints of The Matrix, Fifth Element, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith found their way in, with perhaps a dash of Terminator and a sprinkle of Johnny Mnemonic, to name a few.

Also, the special effects were excellent, and the protagonist and his love interest were relentlessly appealing, not to mention almost supernaturally attractive. The final five minutes might have viewers grown weary of climatic fist fight scenes rolling their eyes, but other than that, it was well paced and extremely enjoyable.

Now, on to pointing out plot holes. Warning, spoilers ahead!

If you have the technology to send your wage slaves through the core of the Earth to build your robot army for you, you would have the technology to create radiation proof housing, with proper ventilation and tasteful decoration, to ease overcrowding. If you have the technology to create robot forces, you have the technology to create robots to make your robots, so you don't need wage slaves traveling through the core of the Earth (however cool and essential to the plot that mode of transportation might be), to make your robot army for you.

One also wonders why the only way to travel from what was once Australia to what was once Europe is through the core of the Earth. Sure, it's fast, but it was really the only way post-apocalyptic blue collar workers could commute? But then again, because it was made clear that this mode of transportation is the only mode of transportation, it really helped wrap the plot up neatly.

It also seems that humanity, while creating a robot army, a subway tunnel through the Earth, and a cellphone implant, failed to create a way to subdue a civilian population that didn't involve a troop transport of soldiers marching in, however robotic the rank and file of those soldiers might be. Of course, they wouldn't want to simply blow the civilian population up, seeing as how, for some bizarre reason, they still needed human workers.

And clearly the human workers needed subduing by the robot forces, because even though the evil overlords in Europe had the technology to completely wipe a person's memory, they must not be able to create Stepford Aussies to do their work for them.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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8

CJx101Aug 4, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I thought it was a perfectly fine movie. The plot was decent, not great, but it wasn't terrible. Of course I am a large fan of sci-fi movies so it was right up my alley. Having seen the original, no it wasn't as good, no amount of CG or Collin Farrel will make up for that (even though I really like Collin's acting). But the action scenes were good, the intensity was there, the only question I'm left to wonder is how they can show **** in a PG-13 movie, having 3 breasts may not be natural but that doesn't mean it's not freaking nudity. What the hell guys?… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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10

Y2188Aug 4, 2012

I really liked it, especially the main method of transportation from the colony to the UFB, I thought it was absolutely genius and well thought out plus the scenes that make you question whether it's real or one of his memories are fake areI really liked it, especially the main method of transportation from the colony to the UFB, I thought it was absolutely genius and well thought out plus the scenes that make you question whether it's real or one of his memories are fake are great..it was very interesting, maybe some escape scenes were the same but I really liked it overall, especially the implanted communication device..I just wish that the movie makers didn't spoil a bunch of it with their trailers… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

DebbieGWhizAug 4, 2012

This movie was amazing! It's a fresh take more true to the book rather than just copying the original. I have to say that I had this fantasy in my mind about how fantastic the original one was so I rewatched it a couple of months ago.This movie was amazing! It's a fresh take more true to the book rather than just copying the original. I have to say that I had this fantasy in my mind about how fantastic the original one was so I rewatched it a couple of months ago. Let's face it, those special effects are over 20 years old. This version was non-stop action, great acting and fresh! A must see!… Expand

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

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9

OikeAug 3, 2012

WOW! WOW! WOW! Those are the only words I had when the movie ended. This movie should be the realy Summer hit following Avengers in this year. One after one of well executed action scenes will make you forget to breathe and whenever theWOW! WOW! WOW! Those are the only words I had when the movie ended. This movie should be the realy Summer hit following Avengers in this year. One after one of well executed action scenes will make you forget to breathe and whenever the actions stop, the plots will step in, keeping the story flowing. There may be some weaknesses in the overall storyline, but compare to the stupidity of charging all your police forces into tunnels so a handful of thugs can take over a city of 12m people, putting all of policemen in a single street so they can rush to tanks and thugs with machingus, and the total absence of American army for 3 months, the weaknesses in this movie are infinitesimal. I am going to watch it again.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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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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10

Theone_0630Aug 3, 2012

I thought This Movie was BADASS. I mean overall i like it better than the original. The action scenes in this film are incredible! The world in this film is so beautiful. The story was Decent but it's the action that won me over. Overall thisI thought This Movie was BADASS. I mean overall i like it better than the original. The action scenes in this film are incredible! The world in this film is so beautiful. The story was Decent but it's the action that won me over. Overall this is a really fun summer film. Watch it… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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Total Recall (2012)

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