Today’s quick review: Total Recall. To escape his monotonous life, Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell) tries out a recreational memory procedure. But when the procedure trips a block in his memories, Doug learns that he’s actually a spy for the Resistance who was mind-wiped by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston). Hunted by his fake wife Lori (Kate Beckinsale), Doug turns to Melina (Jessica Biel), a Resistance agent, for help.
Total Recall is a sci-fi action thriller and a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film of the same name. A factory work learns that his entire life is a lie when a medical procedure unlocks part of his true memories. Total Recall is set in a futuristic world where the Earth has been contaminated and a resurgent Britain exploits a dependent Australia. Lies, intrigue, and destruction await as Doug runs from his captors.
Total Recall benefits from a flashy setting and a high-octane plot. From the moment Doug sets foot in the memory clinic, his entire world changes. Unsure of who he is, Doug taps into combat skills he did not know he had to stay one step ahead of the Chancellor’s agents. The sci-fi setting lets the movie indulge in some sweeping chase scenes through tangled slums and crowded skylines, while the memory angle adds uncertainty to the plot.
Still, Total Recall makes mistakes around the edges. The world is visually flashy but ultimately generic, and the cluttered scenery makes the action hard to follow. The character development is fine for a thriller, but giving Doug a little more time to react to his life-altering revelations would have helped. Finally, the plot leans too heavily on stock elements, making it hard to invest in the Chancellor’s plan or the Resistance’s struggle.
These faults ensure that Total Recall does not stand out in a crowded genre, but it remains an enjoyable movie for the right viewer. Sleek visuals, non-stop action, and a sprawling plot make it a good pick for science fiction fans, even if it misses the chance to make a lasting impression. If you are in the mood for a sci-fi thriller, Total Recall is a safe bet. Just do not expect the full depth of what the genre has to offer.
For a cleaner and more action-packed take on the same premise, try the original Total Recall. For a sci-fi action thriller in the same vein, check out Minority Report or I, Robot. For more dystopian sci-fi, try What Happened to Monday, The Giver, or Gattaca. For a comedic action thriller that has more fun with similar plot elements, try Demolition Man. For a dramatic comedy about a man living a false life, try The Truman Show.
[6.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386703/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for imperfect but enjoyable action.