Start with Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel and you have the makings of a solid movie. Throw in a bunch of cool action scenes, slick special effects and you have a pretty decent movie.
The remake of the 1990 sci-fi Arnold Schwarzenneger action movie "Total Recall" starring the two aforementioned brunettes plus Colin Ferrell is an upgrade, and very likely more true to the Philip K. Dick book. It's not a great movie, but it's better than the first one.
The story: In a very dark future where there is no hope, the workers are treated like garbage and the leaders keep all the money and power, Farrell is a blue-collar worker who descends each day into a hole to make giant robots for the Godless company.
Or, is he?
Farrell is tired of his life, even if it includes Kate Beckinsale, and goes to something called "Recall" where he can have good memories pumped into his life. Then all hell breaks loose, and Farrell is actually the leader of a resistance movement who fights the power.
Or, is he?
Farrell is tired of his life, even if it includes Kate Beckinsale, and goes to something called "Recall" where he can have good memories pumped into his life. Then all hell breaks loose, and Farrell is actually the leader of a resistance movement who fights the power.
The people: Farrell is fine, and physically convincing. Beckinsale is really more fun as the villain who just so happens to be smokin' hot, and can kick a lot of butt no different than her role in Underworld. Biel looks great, and that's about it.
Brian Cranston from Breaking Bad is good as the bad guy.
Fight scenes: Lots of quick, slick action and gun play between a group of "soldiers" dressed as storm troopers from Return of the Jedi.
Brian Cranston from Breaking Bad is good as the bad guy.
Fight scenes: Lots of quick, slick action and gun play between a group of "soldiers" dressed as storm troopers from Return of the Jedi.
Scenery: The movie looks very little like the first recall. This version looks more like a cross between Blade Runner and Minority Report, both of which also happen to Phillip K. Dick books.
Eye candy: Beckinsale and Biel. Not sure I can buy Beckinsale as being able to beat the living tar out of just so many people, but ... I appreciate the effort. Solid work.
Is it any good?: It's OK. It takes itself very seriously, offers very little to no humor and is a very dark look at the future. BTW - Can any movie about the future be made without drab, cold looking buildings and constant rain?
Should you see it: Don't pay anything more than matinee price, or wait for it on DVD
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