Lethally Adventurous Visit to Mars

Rating: Null/10 (4 May 2010)

Set sometime in the distant future, 'Total Recall' initially starts with the premise of robbing ones memory and then renting it to someone and then it smoothly shifts to a story of good versus evil. Given the premise the movie could have been a lot deeper and darker rather than go about with the usual Hollywood formula. Yet, it's a highly entertaining action sci-fi. Director Verhoeven loads 'Total Recall' with enough energy, sex, action and creativity to keep the viewer engaged. Arnold Schwarzenegger is solid as the action hero. They rarely make them this way any more. Sharon Stone is alluring and evil as his lethal bitchy wife and Rachel Ticotin is fiery as Quaid's 'true love'. Now what would an action film be without a villain? Michael Ironside fits the role like a puzzle. The action sequences are amusing to look at. The set design and makeup are very impressive. The makeup particularly makes the characters look authentic. However, the special effects aren't of the best quality. The blue screen filtering is very poor. Note, this was made during the pre-CGI era and this flaw is comparatively minor as it does not stop 'Total Recall' from being enjoyable.