One of the best scifi Arnold films

Rating: Null/10 (24 July 2015)

The original Total Recall, starring Arnold "White Hercules" Schwarzenegger, is Paul Verhoeven's cult classic that helped to contextualize the style and aesthetic of science fiction in the 90s. It has since gathered quite a following, thanks to its tremendous camp value, surprisingly layered plot line, Arnold, interesting world design and a great basic premise based on the Philip K. Dick story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale".
The mentioned premise goes like this. It's the future and the technology to implant memories into people has recently become reality. Thus it's perfectly possible to experience a whole vacation or journey by going and sitting on a chair in the company that fabricates these memories. Meet Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger), a quarry worker who has a dream of going to Mars, which has been colonized fairly recently and is currently undergoing an upheaval. Douglas cannot afford a trip to Mars so he decides to go and experience the eponymous total recall. Except, not all is as it seems to be. Or is it?
One of the strengths of the film is the fact that it knows what to explain and what to leave to the viewer to decide for himself. People are still arguing what aspects of the film are reality and what simply happen in Douglas's mind. There are arguments to be made for both sides, but it's much more satisfying to see the film and decide for yourself, so I shall not spoil it for you.
This is also one of Schwarzenegger's better performances and he shows a lot of range, while still doing the usual one-liners, action muscle stunts and general silliness that we love about him.
Total Recall is well worth a watch if you're looking for a scifi action film that still explores some deeper themes and challenges you to think.