"See you at the party Richter"!

Rating: 8/10 (15 April 2020)

Total Recall was based on a story by Phillip K Dick(Blade Runner) and was in development Hell, kicked around Hollywood with various directors and actors attached. Arnold saw the script early on and really wanted to do it. After he got established as the top action star of his time, he convinced Carolco Films to buy it and hire Paul Verhoeven who Arnold was an admirer of after seeing his film RoboCop. Total Recall is great high octane entertainment, but is also very clever, complex and psychological film. Paul Verhoven did a tremendous job putting this all together and is one of Arnold's best acting performances, as well as one of his most unique and memorable action movies. Ronny Cox(Robocop) is great as corrupt super villain and Michael Ironside is just as impressive as his deadly henchman. Sharon Stone also is very impressive here in an action oriented role and shows some real talent and range here that nearly matches her beauty. There are lots of twists and turns, some groundbreaking special f/x and lots of extreme violence and tension. This is balanced out with lots of satire and the usual Arnie one liners. This is quite the entertaining sci fi/action blockbuster, but is also very thought provoking as well. Total Recall is a great film and really holds up. Ignore the remake with the Stormtroopers and stick to this classic for an evening's entertainment.