Only If You Can Digest It!

Rating: 6/10 (23 April 2011)

Paul Verhoeven's Box-Office Winner 'Total Recall' is a Weird, Interesting, Gruesome & at times, Confusing film, that can be viewed only by those who can digest 'Gore' in cinema. However, I had some fun while viewing this Sci-Fi flick.
'Total Recall' tells the story of an apparently unsophisticated construction worker, Doug Quaid, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is either a patient for a failed memory implant procedure or a freedom fighter from Mars relocated to Earth. He attempts to restore order and reverse the corrupt influence of commercial powers, all while faced with the possibility that none of these events are real and pursuing them could damage his brain.
An interesting idea, but Verhoeven's take on it is simply weird. His take on Mars and how it would look if humans lived there, are unique and beyond imagination. There is a particular character of a prostitute, located in Mars, who offers a set of 3 breasts! Now, excuse me, but there is a character like that in here, and even gets enough time to hook your memory. Moving on, The Writing is solid at places, but goes confusing at times. Cinematography by Jost Vacano is perfect. Editing is fair.
Acting-Wise: Arnold Schwarzenegger is superb. In fact, he gets it right from start to end. Rachel Ticotin is decent, while Sharon Stone comes across as mysterious. Ronny Cox is effective as the main antagonist. Michael Ironside is earnest. Ray Baker & Mel Johnson, Jr. are ordinary.
On the whole, I had some fun, but I didn't have a complete blast. I'd say, to those who don't mind such gore on celluloid, should check it out once.