Total Recall
Douglas Quaid (Collin Farrell) is a factory worker living with his wife Lori (Kate Beckinsale) just trying to make ends meet in the Colony. Desperately needing a vacation Quaid decides to look into a company called Rekall; Rekall promises to help you live out your wildest fantasies and dreams, giving your mind the feeling of the actual experience. But, during his visit, it appears as though something is unleashed inside his mind, Quaid may in fact be a secret double agent working for the government and the Resistance. Not sure who he can trust Quaid becomes a man on the run, but is quickly picked up by his partner/woman from his dreams, Melina (Jessica Biel). Piecing his memory together bit by bit, Quid learns of his connection to the chancellor (Bryan Cranston) and the resistance leader Matthias (Bill Nighy), but again who to trust, what is real, and who is the real person inside his mind? A “take two†of sorts, based/inspired by Phillip K Dick’s short story We Can Remember it For You Wholesale. This time told in almost a Bourne Identity fashion, gritty, and packed with plenty of action, action, action, plus a thinly veiled plot. Fans of explosions, car chases, ridiculous fights with very little blood, and impossible getaways are sure to find plenty to enjoy. And really, for what it is, it is entertaining; a handful of nods to the Total Recall of 1990 provide a number of chuckles. It’s not terribly thought provoking which may disappoint some, but is that really what we’re after in a summertime popcorn chomping romp? And, yes, this time round we do get answers as to weather or not Quaid is dreaming or not. Acting from the ensemble feels on par, and really the whole thing feels pretty slick. Although, I’m not sure the film has enough soul to have the same memorable staying power (how ironic) as Arnold’s first go at it. None the less, I still say it’s worth seeing on the big screen, matinee or more….come on…turn your brain off and just enjoy something for the sake of cheap thrills. Total Recall is rated PG-13, despite a 3 boobed woman…go figure.