Total Recall

Total Recall

(Paul Verhoeven, 1990)

Rating: 4/5

Reviewed by Dave Lancaster

Summary: Verhoeven's true sci-fi classic looks just as imaginative today thanks to a cracking Blu-ray special edition makeover.
 

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Based on 'Blade Runner' scribe Philip K Dick's short story, and directed by Paul Verhoeven fresh off 'Robocop' with Arnold Schwarzenegger in his prime bagging the lead, 'Total Recall' has plenty going for it. Over 20 years on, it still delivers.





The story is mind-bending as Arnie's Douglas Quaid accepts an artificial vacation from a dreams company, sending him "safely" to Mars posing as a secret agent via a brain implant. As 'Total Recall' progresses, the line between reality and dreams blurs as the plot thickens. 'Total Recall' is relentless entertainment.

Verhoeven backs up the high concept substance in the script with real style: the effects are still brilliant today. A slightly dicey optical effect, practical model or matte painting beats naff CGI any day. Upon its release 'Total Recall' bagged a special achievement award at the Oscars which it richly deserved. This is a film with so much going on in every scene that you're compelled to keep watching.





Schwarzenegger may be his wooden, cheesey self in the lead but there's no denying that he's a powerful screen presence who puts the effort in. The cast is handsomely completed by Sharon Stone as his bitchy wife, Rachel Ticotin as his ally and Ronny Cox & Michael Ironside as the heavies. And who can forget the three-breasted girl?

While 'Robocop' may be Verhoeven's greatest mix of ultra-violence and futuristic satire, 'Total Recall' is still a brilliant experience that has aged very well indeed. Be sure to pick up this extras-brimmed special 'Rekall' edition Blu-ray from Studio Canal.  

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