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Total Recall (2012) Review

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I am unashamedly a massive fan of a decent Sci-Fi flick, especially one that uses the awesomeness of High Def and brings amazing visuals for my eyeballs to feast on! As far as that goes, Total Recall, the remake of the 1990 film (starring Arnold “I pull glowing ping pong balls out of my nose” Schwarzenegger) is a superb success! I was grinning from ear to ear watching the visuals of a film that looks like it was dropped in a cauldron of “Cool” overnight, pulled out and left to ooze and drip the Coolness out for 2 hours!

For those who remember the original, the storyline won’t be a surprise, even though it varies enough that you are still unsure of where it’s heading and you are still surprised along the way. The remake is based on the ideas of the first, but is much more refined and polished. If you never saw the original or don’t remember it at all (it is 22 years old after all!) then you are in for a treat! The film is set in the future, and follows Douglas Quaid (played by Colin Farrell) who visits Rekall, a company that implants experiences into the mind and gives a person memories of something that they’ve always wanted to do. This leads Quaid to the realization (or imagining?) he is a spy in a politically charged environment on Earth which has mostly been destroyed in war. What follows is an action packed roller coaster ride which doesn’t seem to run out of cool ideas and fast paced action.

Even though we are so advanced (techno wise) it’s always good to see how filmmakers can come up with cool future technology which we can gasp at and enjoy watching in use – there are far too many to mention, but a cell phone imbedded in the hand stands out. The CGI is great too and there are barely any moments where you feel that the characters are standing in front of a blue screen, and a spectacular car chase scene will impress even the most hardened of movie goers scouring the film for mistakes. There is some great use of light and light reflection throughout and the film is well directed and edited.

Farrell plays a great Quaid and he is a perfect placement for the character. He is supported by two striking brunettes who pack a punch, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel. The rest of the cast also pull off a good job and overall the acting is spot on for the genre.

I would recommend Total Recall for older teens due to violence, nudity and language.

I will definitely be watching this again as I want to experience it all again and take more in, I would recommend that this take up a place on your shelf in Blu-Ray. Total Recall will be available on Blu-Ray and DVD in December 2012 in most stores in South Africa. For my recommendation on where you can buy or rent it in Port Elizabeth and surrounds please email me.

Dubbel Gee’s Rating: 10/10

Total-Recall

Author: Garth Ginsburg
Website: http://dubbelgeesreview.wordpress.com

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.