One of the best sci-fi romps ever

Rating: 10/10 (22 September 2006)

Paul Verhoeven perfected in Total Recall and Starship Troopers the super-satirical, anti-establishment outlook that he tried with very limited success to capture in RoboCop. Total Recall and Starship Troopers are perhaps the two smartest SF movies ever made. Both have deep themes, and both are supremely entertaining and can be watched over and over again. When I think of all the horrible movies that are being made every year, one of my few consolations is to remember that perfect, visionary action feasts like Total Recall and Starship Troopers also exist.
Total Recall was a hit with me since the first time I saw it in 1990. It posed a number of questions about its own structure that I struggled with for years, before finally understanding: The *entire movie* is the Rekall implant. From the first frame to the last. Both Quaid's comfortable life/wife, his job at the construction site, his visit to Rekall - it's ALL part of the implanted experience. That way everything makes sense, and it's just beautifully made.
Also in terms of the overall production values, the movie is immensely well-made by 1990 standards. Great actors, great story, some funny dialog and lots of splendid action and excitement.
10 out of 10, definitely.