Movie Monday: Total Recall

Remakes. Good? Bad? If I've learned anything in recent years, it's that remakes of classic films and stories are not automatically either of these two things, but are good or bad based on the actual quality of their production. Todd knew about Total Recall long before I did, but after learning of it I did develop high hopes for the Len Wiseman-directed action film, a retelling of the tale by Paul Verhoeven and Arnold Schwarzenegger from way back in 1990.

What if you could imprint false memories into your brain? Would you do it to escape the drudgery of everyday life? If you could be a world class athlete, millionaire, or simply irresistible to the opposite sex, would you? What is your fantasy? In the not too distant future, factory worker Douglas Quaid decides to try out Rekall, wanting to add memories of being a secret agent into his head and spice up his dull existence. But something goes wrong, and Quaid suddenly discovers that his whole life is a lie. Now on the run, he finds himself sought by two global superpowers; the United Federation of Britain, who seek world domination, and the subjugated, struggling Colony. He is the most important chess piece on the board, and his actions will determine the fate of the world.

Total Recall is directed by Len Wiseman and stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, Bill Nighy, and John Cho.

To read the whole review at Open Letters Monthly, click here.