There are very few good reasons to remake a already functional film. Converting it into english is not one of them. Producers making money on a remake is also unfortunate. One of the most legitimate reasons is to touch upon a theme in a different or more in depth scope.
Total Recall has a theme/gimmick that is absorbing and rich in exciting confusion. What is real and what is Recall? Where does the audience come down on this line? In the original version the line was near even. However this
Total Recall makes its greatest error and makes the question one sided. Instead of touching up on it's theme the film instead looks to focus on visuals and action. It's only slightly better than the generic action movie which is very unfortunate.
Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) lives a life he didn't imagine growing up. He's a factory worker, building synthetics (combat mechs) who lives in a small apartment in The Colony. After chemical warfare Earth has only two livable areas left, The Federation of Britain and The Colony (Australia). Doug who has grown trapped in his life visits a "Rekall" center. A place where memories of grand adventures can be placed in your head. It's like a virtual reality simulator that feels real. Doug dreams of being a spy but things go wrong when they claim Doug already has memories of being a spy, that's when the military attempts to abduct Doug. They claim he is a resistance soldier working for The Colony against Britain but Doug has no memory of this. Doug has been set up in a fake life with a fake wife (Kate Beckinsale) and now that he is aware of his past must be stopped at any cost. He'll have some help from Melina (Jessica Biel) along the way. However has he really forgotten his past life or is he simply having a "Rekall" experience.
The problems with the film lay upon directors Len Wiseman's shoulders. He can create a well crafted action movie, but often does it without soul.
Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard, and
Total Recall all have the same problems and strengths. The look incredible but have very little to get one emotionally involved in the story. Nothing beyond the simple "if I don't feel something for these people then there is no point in watching". Colin Farrell is fine actor but doesn't have the charm Arnold Schwarzenegger had in the original. Arnold's performance is like a child who has been shown what the world really is like. Farrell plays the early stages of the film like he is in fact trapped in his life. The idea goes along with the films biggest problem that I stated early. This version of
Total Recall doesn't focus on what is real or not. It's the film's greatest aspect but is put on the back burner for much of this film. The opening scene should never have been included because really implies one side over the other, it is very poor work. This version of
Total Recall does have its strengths. It must be said that the film looks marvelous. The cyber punk setting are brilliantly done. The mix between actual sets and CGI is very smooth and worth boasting about. The action scenes here are well done, easy to understand each move and flashy enough to invite originality. The supporting cast (Bill Nighy, John Cho and the invaluable Bryan Cranston included here) are all effective in their roles. Beckinsale and Biel sway back and forth on the line between simple eye candy and tough and interesting woman but are still entertaining.
Total Recall is decent but the question needs to be asked. If your going to remake a movie, why make it generic?
**1/2 out of ****
