Total Recall (2012) Review: A Visually Stunning but Hollow Remake

Total Recall (2012), directed by Len Wiseman, is a modern reimagining of the 1990 classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. With Colin Farrell stepping into the lead role, the film attempts to bring a sleeker, more grounded sci-fi action thriller to the screen. While it boasts impressive visuals and fast-paced action sequences, it struggles to capture the depth and charm of its predecessor.

Plot Summary

Set in a dystopian future where Earth is divided between two territories—the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony (formerly Australia)—the film follows Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), a factory worker plagued by dreams of being a secret agent. Seeking excitement, he visits Rekall, a company that implants artificial memories. However, the procedure goes wrong, and he discovers that his entire life might be a lie.

As Quaid is pursued by relentless forces, including his own wife Lori (Kate Beckinsale), he teams up with a mysterious woman named Melina (Jessica Biel) to uncover the truth. His journey leads him to the heart of a rebellion against the oppressive Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), forcing him to question his own identity and allegiance.

Strengths of Total Recall (2012)

1. Visually Spectacular World-Building

One of the strongest aspects of the film is its stunning visual design. The futuristic cities, inspired by Blade Runner, create an immersive cyberpunk aesthetic filled with neon-lit skyscrapers, hovercars, and sprawling megastructures. The action set pieces, particularly gravity-defying chases and fight sequences, are thrilling and well-executed.

2. Intense and Well-Choreographed Action

The film is packed with high-octane action, from gunfights to parkour-style chases. Kate Beckinsale, in particular, shines as the relentless antagonist, delivering some of the movie’s best action scenes. Colin Farrell brings a grounded and physical performance to the role, making the action feel more raw and visceral.

3. Engaging Performances

Colin Farrell delivers a solid performance as Quaid, making him a more vulnerable and relatable protagonist compared to Schwarzenegger’s over-the-top portrayal. Kate Beckinsale’s performance as the ruthless Lori is a standout, blending charm and menace seamlessly. Jessica Biel, while serviceable as Melina, doesn’t have as much presence in the film.

Weaknesses of Total Recall (2012)

1. Lacks the Satirical Edge of the Original

The 1990 version of Total Recall, directed by Paul Verhoeven, had a unique blend of action, humor, and social satire. The remake, however, strips away much of the dark humor and political commentary, resulting in a film that feels visually grand but narratively shallow.

2. Forgettable Villain and Story Execution

Despite Bryan Cranston’s talent, Cohaagen comes across as a generic authoritarian villain with little depth or intrigue. The story follows a predictable pattern, lacking the twists and ambiguity that made the original so compelling. The lack of a Mars setting, a key element in the original, also removes some of the film’s intrigue and uniqueness.

3. Overly Serious Tone

Whereas the original embraced its campy, over-the-top nature, this remake takes itself very seriously. While this approach makes the world feel more realistic, it also makes the film feel less fun and engaging.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

Total Recall (2012) received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While praised for its stunning visuals and fast-paced action, it was criticized for its lack of originality and depth. Many fans of the original found it to be a soulless remake that failed to capture the charm of the 1990 version.

At the box office, the film performed modestly, grossing around $198 million worldwide against a budget of $125 million. However, it failed to leave a lasting cultural impact compared to the original.

Final Verdict: A Stylish but Forgettable Sci-Fi Remake

While Total Recall (2012) excels in visual spectacle and action, it ultimately lacks the intelligence and charm that made the original a classic. It’s an entertaining watch for sci-fi and action fans but doesn’t offer much in terms of depth or rewatch value. If you’re looking for a more thought-provoking experience, the 1990 version remains the superior choice.

Final Rating: 6.5/10