Total Recall (original) Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Arnold must "get his ass to Mars" to save the day from a corrupt corporation while unlocking his lost memories...or does he?

Review: Most people seem to write "Total Recall" off as just another one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's many action flicks and nothing more. But this film has a lot more depth to it than critics give credit. First there is the whole debate about whether any of the events are even real or not. I think most viewers take the events at face value while ignoring the many clues that Arnold, who plays Quaid, is actually at Recall the whole time. For example, the guy who runs Recall explains the whole plot right before the action begins. Coincidence that it all came to pass? Was Quaid actually just dreaming about his love interest, Melina, or was she a lost memory awakened after Recall goes wrong? The movie ends much like it begins while conviently fulfilling Quaid's "dream vacation." Speaking of which, Quaid wants to be a secret agent and then just so happens to be one?! The other thing this movie has going for it (besides the awesome action, woman with three breasts, and wonderful one-liners) is that it may be the only movie without plot holes. Simply, any flaws can be evidence that Quaid is just at Recall dreaming. One indicator was the way the alien device works to bring an atmosphere to Mars; many have questioned the logic of making a device and never activating it. That's the beauty of this film, you can just say, oh well then that shows Quaid is actually still at Recall. Or you can take it as real and just fill in any reason why the martians didn't activate the device. This is a fun movie even if you ignore the dream/reality debate and just appreciate it for its solid, sci-fi action. It can be really cheesy at times and it doesn't hold up all that well as a vision of the future, but I highly recommend checking it out before any remake can screw up your impression. The story and mystery are intriguing, the action is classic 80s violence (despite it being 1990), and it's a highly satisfying ride. This movie was definitely one of the highlights of Arnold's career right alongside the "Terminator" films.

Notable Moment: When Kuato "opens the mind" of Quaid and we see his secrets about the alien device.

Final Rating: 9/10