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Film Review: Total Recall

Posted on Sep 18th, 2012 by Yinka Olumomi · No comments yet · Tags: Colin Farrell, Film, Philip K Dick, Review, Total Recall

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Satisfying my curiosity is the only reason why I went to see this remake of the 1990 original and because my expectations were quite low it would have taken an amazing piece of film making to change my opinion. Of course this didn’t happen, however this doesn’t diminish the fact that the film was mildly enjoyable and for all it‘s flaws there were some redeeming qualities. Loosely based on the Philip K Dick novel We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, Total Recall Stars Colin Farrell as a factory worker called Douglas Quaid who is longing for something more in life and against the advice of a friend he goes to a memory implant service called Rekall.

The film pretty much follows the 1990 version where Quaid is on the run and being chased by government agents while conflicted as to who he really is. However there are notable omissions from this remake which include Kuato the leader of the resistance who has his telepathic brother attached to his stomach. The character Benny who appears to be a mutant ally of Quaid’s and the resistance until he betrays Quaid. Then the biggest change from the original is that here is no trip to Mars or mission to turn on the planets reactor that produces air, instead the film is set in a future Britain known as the United Federation of Britain.

…gripping action scenes and impressive special effects…

Besides the weak script that doesn’t grab our imagination the film does deliver visually. The film noir style creates a dark urban city which helps produce an ominous atmosphere often times resembling Blade Runner. The portrayal of the future was also impressive with a number of cool technological gadgets like phones implanted in hands and the obligatory levitating cars also seen in films like The Fifth Element and Minority Report.

Overall Total Recall was disappointing if you have seen and are a fan of the original. Yes it delivered gripping action scenes and impressive special effects, but again the script as a whole and the films ending were mediocre. The story at times deviated so far from the originals memorable plot removing most of what was loved about that film. This film had the potential to do something new and memorable but it was unable to surpass or equal the original and it will definitely not leave a mark on this generation like its predecessor did.

2 Stars