Total Recall (1990)

Director: Paul Verhoeven

Writer: Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, Gary Goldman

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Titcotin, Sharon Stone, Ronny Cox, Michael Ironside, Marshall Bell

Story When mild man Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger) is feeling bored with his life he decides to take a virtual holiday. When he starts the process things go terribly wrong and Quaid get dumped off to avoid knowledge of the process. When he comes too he is met by one of his work friends who proceeds to try and kill him. Confused Quaid must go on the run from Richter (Ironside) who is tracing his every move.

Mars

Quaid discovers he must go to Mars to discover the truth and with this the Sci-fi action adventure starts.

Verdict This Sci-fi action adventure is a bit of a classic filled with some great effects for the time of release. Having excellent re-watch value is this films strong point being it is just plain fun. This is one of Schwarzenegger’s best films and roles. All the supporting cast add to the movie in a very good way be it Richter (Ironside), Lori (Stone), Melina (Titcotin) and the villainous Cohaagen (Cox). A very ambitious movie is arguable the best Mars based film made being as ‘Doom’ ’Ghost of Mars’ are both poor attempts to create the same atmosphere on the planet.

Richter

With its impending remake due out this year 2012 starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel and Bryan Cranston it only seemed like a good time to review now. The remake it clearly never going to be anywhere as good as the original and Colin Farrell in Schwarzenegger roles just isn’t going to be the same.

Overall this is one of the best Sci-fi action adventure made that doesn’t really age as it’s still just as easy to watch over twenty years later. I would personally recommend watching for the enjoyability rating it has sit back and enjoy.

Story Mark 10/10 Good story with plenty of twists and turns

Action Mark 10/10 Great action in an environment people haven’t experienced.

Character Development Mark 9/10 Every scene seems to teach you something else about Quaid’s past.

Iconic X-ray machine

Special Effects Mark 10/10 Brilliant for its time still very good to watch,

Star Performances Arnold Schwarzenegger the role was made for him so simple for him to step into without really looking out of place.

Quaid

Favourite Characters Douglas Quaid as he is strong leader, has brilliant one-liners that are still considered funny to date.

Benny the fast-talking taxi driver on Mars very good character in supporting role.

Best Part Special effects are top part but over all it nearly everything is great.

Worst Part Nothing about this film but the idea of a remake is bad much like ‘The Thing’ they both don’t need one.

Lori

Best Quote Quaid (after shooting his wife in the head) ‘Consider that a divorce’.

My Rating 94%

Trailer