Total Recall meets David Lynch...

Rating: 7/10 (12 August 2002)

that's what I was thinking after viewing the DVD. I gave it a 7, which for me is already a good mark as I need a lot to be impressed by a movie. Tom Cruise plays Tom Cruise, both girls are quite good and so is Jason Lee. It's not the type of movie you'll fall asleep in front of. You have to like plots in which you get lost, confused - OK not as "mental" as Lynch would do but during the entire time you will be wondering : is he dreaming now or not ? It also shows how weak guys can be, the main character just met what could be the love of his life and he's ready to (and in the end does) jeopardize everything for a last "time" with his "sleeping buddy". Rather typical, maybe that's the morale of the story... Also I'm not an expert in plastic surgery but you would think that - especially if money is no option - nowadays surgeons can do a pretty good job fixing people's face after an accident, no ? The film also shows how in fact you can loose your mind taking painkillers and other medications, what is reality and what's not ? And what's that snobbery about having only poster of French movies on the wall ? And whatabout the "empty Time Square" scene ? Isn't that just a gimmick used to make the media talk about the film during it's making - great publicity stunt isn't it ?! But does it really bring something to the movie, or is it just another dream scene to make sure you're lost from the word go ? Another question this movie is asking is : in this superficial world we live in, could one still be in love with another after this person gets disfigured, could you still kiss that person ? Is it "ok" to steal you best friend's new girlfriend ? SO as the others have already said it might not be the best film ever but the picture will make you think, wonder and can be the start of great discussions among friends and that's already something, isn't it ?...