Total Recall (2012)

A few weeks ago, I wrote that movies were getting older much quicker these days, while being puzzled by the existence of a new Spider-Man reboot. Here, I again must wonder why a movie no older than I am (21 years) is so desperate for revisiting. The original Total Recall was released in 1990 and starred Arnold Schwarzenegger. This remake stars Colin Farrell and was directed by Les Wiseman, who had previously helmed the first Underworld movies. Like Marc Webb’s Spider-Man, I went into this movie perplexed and came out largely satisfied. The story concerns a man in a future where only two small continents still exist who visits a facility that can implant fake histories. While there, it is revealed that he is a dangerous spy and criminal who has had his memory erased. Thus, he sets out on an action-packed adventure to discover the clues necessary to find his own identity and stop Britain from wiping out Australia.

This movie is extremely similar to the one it was based on, but the two are far from identical. This movie is bleaker, for one thing, and seems to be more inspired by the likes of Blade Runner than other sci-fi outings of recent years. It is very darkly stylish, which is often breathtaking, but does nothing to enhance the relative emptiness of the plot, situation and characters. Total Recall is hardly sacred territory, though, and this is one remake that offers enough new excitement to actually make it worthwhile. Especially since I have no real attachment to the original, I would say that this one is an improvement in many ways. For one thing, it stars Farrell, a much more talented and likeable star than Schwarzenegger ever was (He was best when he was a robot, not a human being we’re supposed to care about.). Also, this movie, effects and all, does a much better job of making the ridiculous story convincing. There may not be a lot of surprises here, but everything progresses logically and with plenty of imagination, borrowed though it may be.

Above all else, this is a genuinely entertaining movie, which is more than I can say for other higher-praised action movies of late. I offer this Total Recall as proof that straight-forward action doesn’t have to be a bland, by the numbers bore. I’m usually so hard on action movies because they all do the same thing. They’re so often like video games on autopilot, offering lots of flash and thrills, but requiring no thought or concern. They usually leave me cold because I have nothing to do. Watching The Avengers was like watching paint dry. Watching Total Recall was like watching an action movie, the kind that I can invest in. That doesn’t mean that it’s profound or meaningful, not all movies have to be. It is simply fun, even interesting, mostly because it isn’t locked in a predictable box of rules. It does hold onto its typical moments here and there, but it makes up for any lack of originality with sheer gusto. That makes it a better film than The Dark Knight Rises. So, there.

8/10