Great Action/Adventure. Thoughtful Filmaking

Rating: Null/10 (2 February 2003)

**Contains Spoliers**
"Total Recall's" thoughtfulness, good story telling, compelling twists and plots, action and adventure, not to mention a rolling/continuous storyline, backed up with wit, some humour, and Arnold Schwarzennegger, make Total Recall one of the est sci-fi movies to touch cinema in the last 50 years.
Based on a short story by the "master", Philip K. Dick, and adapted to fit the screen by Paul "Robocop" Verhoven, "Total Recall's" story, set in the 21st century, follows the story of Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) a construction worker, who continuously dreams and fanastizes of the planet Mars.
When dreams become to much, Doug, against his wife (Sharon Stone) and his friends approval, pays a visit to Recall Corporation, whom have the ability to make dreams/fantasies, become reality. Choosing the Secret Agent option of his "Virtual Vacation", Doug's dream becomes reality?
However, something goes wrong, and Recall discover a neural implant, already placed there, discovering that Doug really is a secret agent, and they quickly erase all medical history, and send Doug on his way.

Suddenly, after twists and turns, Doug finds out that the truth to who he really is lies on Mars, and the adventure, for Doug, has begun.
The screen story, some of which is identical to the short story "We can remember it for you wholesale", by Phillip K. Dick, which is a tribute to his writing, and legacy. (He wrote short stories that inspired "Blade Runner" and "Minority Report"). While it differs heavily for the most part, its rolling storyline, combined with action/special effect scenes, really page homage to what the original short story tries to do.
It also assembles a fine cast, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, and Michael Ironside (in his best performance from my view).
If you are a fan of Sci-Fi, not neceesarily Star Trek, which this story has NO immediate/obvious story plots from the said series, and if you havent already, see Total Recall, and also check out its short story stalwart, "We can remember for you wholesale". You wont be dissapointed, and its the only chance to see Arnie in his most intriging role.
Excellent
*****OUTOF*****