AVERAGE IS STILL BETTER THAN TERRIBLE

I was really disappointed when I missed Total Recall in theaters last summer.  It was among my most anticipated movies but I just couldn’t find time to see it.  So I waited and wondered if the 30% rating on Rotten Tomatoes was justified.

I finally got my chance to see Len Wiseman’s remake and I liked it quite a bit.  Despite less than stellar reviews, I thought Total Recall was an entertaining take on the Phillip K. Dick short story.   It’s definitely not better than the original adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger but it’s not horrendous either.

XTRA | The single shot that sold me on Total Recall

We’ve all been startled out of a peaceful sleep early in the morning.  The day I saw Total Recall I woke up at 6:30 AM and could not get back to sleep.  Why not rent a movie?  I think the enjoyment of movies like Total Recall can sometimes depend a lot on the timing.  If I had rushed to see the film in theaters, my review would have still been positive but I don’t think I would have enjoyed it as much.  On the other hand, had I waited to see a film like Life of Pi at home, I don’t think it would have resonated as much.  Laying in bed with extra blankets watching Total Recall before the sun came up was beyond relaxing.  It was a perfect way to start my day.

Admittedly, there isn’t much to this remake but there are a ton of great action sequences and solid performances by the leads.  (Even though I never really bought Kate Beckinsale as the ass kicking wife.)  At best Total Recall is an average movie.  But I don’t consider that a bad thing.  There is a time and place for every movie.  I certainly wouldn’t want to watch something that required a ton of brain power…  That sounded like a negative.  I mean it as a compliment.  Sometimes, a simple action movie is a perfect way to spend a couple hours.  (I was sure The Bourne Legacy would fit into that category as well…  I was wrong)

I enjoyed Total Recall.  When it ended, I got out of bed and started my day.  I normally work late and rarely see 6:30 AM.  Maybe it’s time I start slotting in more movies I’ve skipped in the past.

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TOTAL RECALL REMAKE LOOKS AWESOME

This movie was always a small blip on my radar but it was easily overshadowed by the big boys like The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers, Spider-Man and Prometheus.  Still, the promise of Len Wiseman behind the lens and Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale in front of it was promising.

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A lot of people may be a little disappointed with the lack of a red planet and a third boob but I’m willing to give it a shot.

This is a perfect example of how a single trailer can turn skeptics into believers.  I’m ready for a rebooted Douglas Quaid because of one shot.  I’m sure you can figure out which one it is by watching the trailer but in case you miss it, pay attention at the 1:05 minute mark.

Sold.  That’s all I needed to see.

I’ve always been a fan of Len Wiseman and he is definitely raising the bar with his vision of Total Recall.  The movie looks gorgeous and should be an action packed good time.  I’m thinking Prometheus will have some company this summer.  That is good news for science fiction fans indeed.

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