Teen Talk: ‘Recall’ an improved rehash of the original

Hey there SWRNN readers! Here’s my review for the new remake “Total Recall.”

“Total Recall” is a film based off of the short story by Philip K. Dick entitled “We Can Remember it for You Wholesale,” but most people will recognize the film from the cult classic 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger movie.

The film is about a man named Doug Quaid, who is just plain unhappy with his life and what it is becoming.

Throughout a series of unfortunate events (including a visit to a place called Rekall), he and a mysterious ally end up on the run from the police, and discover something bigger than they could have ever imagined.

The movie was directed by Len Wiseman (writer of the Underworld films), and starred Colin Farrell as Quaid, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, John Cho, Bill Nighy, and Bokeem Woodbine.

I enjoyed the original “Total Recall,” but I still found it to be a bit overrated. It was typical Schwarzenegger cheese, which I’m not against, but I need a little substance in between. I am glad to say this one was a little better.

The acting in this movie was very good. Farrell was great as Quaid, but not as memorable as Arnie was, for obvious reasons.

Beckinsale, Biel and the rest of the cast were very good as well, but I had one main problem with a character in this film – Bryn Cranston’s. Don’t get me wrong, he was great and his character was great too, but he was severely underused, like he is in almost everything now. Being that he’s one of my favorite actors, I’d like to see him get more of a starring role. I’m glad we have “Argo” coming out this fall.

The action in this film was some of the best I’ve seen all year. Everything was filmed well and the special effects were just beautiful. There was not a single boring visual in this entire film. There was one standout set-piece involving zero-gravity, and it was one of my favorite fight scenes in any movie this year so far.

Although I’m saying nothing but positive things about the film, there were a few problems. The third act was way too convoluted, and there were a few script issues.

Problems aside, I give “Total Recall” a 3.5 out of 5. Enjoy this movie for what it is and you’ll have a great time with it.

Adam Rolseth is a local teen movie reviewer and regular guest contributor to SWRNN.