Perfect stuff for Arnold and his fans

Rating: 7/10 (17 August 2009)

The governator plays a future type Joe Sixpack who has Walter Mitty style dreams. Somehow, he has Sharon Stone for a trophy wife, and also a big house with a wall that turns into a giant TV when needed. Maybe this was filmed at the California governor's mansion; one can't be sure.
Not being sure about anything is the spirit of this movie, since it establishes a reality, then turns everything upside down, then spins it around again. Somehow, all can't be what it seems. There's a nasty secret, and some covert naughtiness with Arnie as the victim. But why? For some odd reason, Arnie is fascinated with Mars, and decides to take a virtual vacation there. That sets off the fighting, shooting, and explosions you know are coming sooner or later.
The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, which is an trademark of Arnold's films. This makes it all the more fun as conspiracy after conspiracy unravels in confounding fashion. The special effects are terrific and sometimes laugh-out-loud outlandish. The victims of the oxygen-less Martian atmosphere morphing into Muppets is one of the funniest things you'll ever see. Also, I laughed myself sick when a tiny girl picks up a rapid-fire Oozie and starts blasting bad guys.
As crazy as it all is, it's well written, and the plot is developed skillfully. Action scenes are numerous, but at least they adhere to what's going on in the story at any given moment. The in-your-face product placement is so overdone it must be the inspiration for Michael Bay. "Mars Today" is just one of many clever sight gags strategically placed in the background as the movie playfully mocks itself.
Good stuff. Plenty of good action, plenty of good laughs. A lot of fun to watch.