Total Recall
Directed By: Len Wiseman
Written By: Mark Bomback, James Vanderbilt and Kurt Wimmer
Produced By: Neal H. Moritz and Toby Jaffe
Cast: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, Bill Nighy and John Cho
Plot: Douglas Quaid visits 'Rekall' to undergo a recreational memory transplant, but instead finds out he is not who he thinks he is, but actually worked as a double agent who has his memory wiped. He has to race against time to figure out who he was, and to stop something sinister from happening.
Total Recall? The producers need a Total Rethink. This remake of the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick does not live up to the standards the original whatsoever. Whilst the effects are fantastic, and the action sequences are rather impressive, the story is so disappointing. The scenery/costumes are very Blade Runner-esque. And the story its' self is similar to the highly successful; The Bourne Identity. Making this film a mash-up of sorts.
Whilst the lovable Colin Farrell does a positive job of portraying the supposedly normal character of 'Douglas Quaid' his accent seems to flicker between American and Irish in some places, making us wonder if his voice is having some memory problems of it's own. Some of his actions seem a little bit questionable also, for example; why would you punch a robot made of steel with your bare hands, and then act as if this is a normal act? Clearly some things have not been thought about properly during production.
The story falters from the original, so if you're expecting a trip to mars you're going to be disappointed. Bryan Cranstons' Chancellor Coehaagen is also a poorly designed character. No character development whatsoever, and is a poor villain for this film. The finale sequence was slightly anti-climactic, with the fight not nearly as brutal or interesting as it could have been. However the rest of the action sequences were pulse-pounding, and the film is fast paced, with no real slow moments.
Whilst the film does not live up to expectations, it is a visually impressive, stereotypical action flick. This one isn't going to make a lasting impression, and the original is far superior. Total Recall is a Total Waste Of Time.
4/10
Lemon Rating: Sour.
Written By Eammon Jacobs
