Enjoyable farce in a disturbing futuristic vision

Rating: Null/10 (17 April 2000)

Arnie takes on Mars! Not content in conquering our planet's love of pure escapism, the Austrian superman ventures further away. TOTAL RECALL might not be everyone's idea of the standard Schwarzenegger vehicle as it's violence and action is really just bait that's ready to lure you into the finer points of this film. Indeed Arnold sometimes falters in finding the reality of his situation, and one often suspects he is taking all this monumental revelation a little too easily. The beauty of this film, and it is a beauty, lies not with its multi-million pound star, but with its wonderful vision of things to come.
This could have not been handled better than by the wonderful director Paul Verhoeven, who has been so ruthless in the past with his unsettling glimpses into society's future (ROBOCOP, STARSHIP TROOPERS). Amidst the slightly ropey special effects, ludicrous death scenes and cringe-worthy acting (yes Ms Stone we are talking about you!), this is a wonderful piece of film-making from a true prince of entertainment.