Total Recall  (1990)

Phillip K Dick (unfortunate name really) has been a favourite author for Hollywood adaptation since Blade Runner. This film, based on Dick's story We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, presents us with Doug Quaid (Arnie). Quaid is a construction worker who goes to Rekall to purchase the memory of a trip to Mars but when the procedure of installing the memory goes wrong he recovers his real memories of Mars, where he was a double agent working for eiether the dictatorial ruler (Cox) or the resistance (personified by Ticotin). At least I think that's the plot. It is somewhat ambiguous whether Quaid or his alter ego are in fact the real person and thats one of the most interesting things about Total Recall. The film is directed by mad dutchman Paul Verhoven. It's less satirical than his previous film; Robocop but matches, if not betters, it for action set pieces. Verhoven shoots action and special effects well and though the limitations of 1990 effects are shown up by the progress made in 15 years the work here is hugely impressive for the time. The look of the film is interesting, every frame is packed with detail, particularly when Quaid reaches Mars it's inhabitants are beautifully and interestingly designed (only in a Paul Verhoven film will you find a hooker with three breasts). There is, however, one odd design gaffe. Look closely at the guards who try and stop Quaid as he arrives on Mars, the communicators on their wrists, hillariously, are Casio calculators. The script, while in concept quite intelligent and literate, is merely functional. Dialogue serves eiether to advance the plot or provide Arnie a quip ('Consider dat a divorce', after shooting his wife in the head, is a highlight) but in it Verhoven finds fun details of life in 2084 (the cab Arnie tells to 'just drive' but which won't go anywhere without a specific destination). Arnie is better here than he'd been before and while he's acceptable in the role a more cerebral leading man (with an aptitude for action) might have made for a more interesting hero. His acting is, as ever, pretty one note but the script has clearly been tailored to its star and so it works. Rachel Ticotin makes for a bland, dull heroine but her boring presence is made up for by a young Sharon Stone as Quaid's wife. Stone has enormous fun here being a horrendous bitch and gets a great catfight with Ticotin. Michael Ironside and a scenercy chewing Cox make for hissable villains and Cox gets some wonderful lines to establish just how eeevil he is. Total Recall isn't a great film but, as undemanding Friday night beer and pizza movies go you'd be hard pushed to find one that's as much cheesy fun as this.

Very enjoyable film, intellectually stimulating it is not but its Arnie at his best. Recommended

Another story taken from Philip K Dick's canon. This is a typical Dick story in a way for a central part of the film is a commentary on the nature of reality and memory - all very Dickian. Arnie's character, Quaid, appears to be just a simple construction worker but he's dissatisfied with life and he decides to visit Recall who could implant memories of trips anywhere in the Solar System. After chosing Mars as his destination, Quaid suffered a fit and Recall blanked his memory of the visit for such work could only be the work of a government agency. On returning home, he begins to realise that his life, and his wife, as he knew them were lies after an attempt to kill him was made right on his doorstep. Even if he no longer knew who he was his body had some unusual skills it hadn't forgotten. On receiving a message from his prewiped self Quaid thinks he's got a better idea of what was going on but it means a trip to Mars.
The ability to tell what is real and what is artificial is put to the test when confronted by his wife and a supposed psychiatrist to get him out of a supposed psychotic incident.
This film certainly lives up to the 18 rating in terms of violence and the make up for the mutants is unpleasantly realistic as were the effects of decompression out on Mars's surface.
Quaid has to decide who he is: the basically decent guy he was made into or Mars's dictator's best friend.
Unfortunately the final effect of Mars getting an atmosphere was totally unrealistic - Mars is far too small to retain a decent atmosphere for very long nor could it have been achieved so fast.

This is the movie that changed my veiws on sci-fi films.Exciting kick ass action the whole way through.Arnold Schwarzenegger is so perfect in his normal action hero role that you can forgive his wooden acting.Imaginative and unique,many will try to immitate it but few will succeed.

This science fiction-cum-shoot-'em-up contains some interesting ideas. How far might it be possible to re-program someone's memory so they cannot remember who they really are? The twists on this theme are the best thing in the film. Apart from that, it's more or less a typical Arnie shoot-'em-up typical of his 1980s films, except that ot set in the future, both on earth and Mars. Paul Verhoeven is a rather simplistic and crass director, and does not really bring out the full potential of the concept. But it's diverting enough as post-pub entertainment.

one my favourites in the past, going back to this was pure arnie nostalgia. everything from the awesome expanding face moulds to the 'mind job' played on poor arnie.

The plot thicken at every step, but the pace is fairly heavy, some funny 'predictions' of what life will be like in the future too.

its one of the best arnie films of all time and a must see his fans.

Sci-fi actioner set in the year 2084 in which Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a construction worker who discovers that his memory has been erased and that he had a secret life on Mars that he cannot remember and which follows Schwarzenegger’s quest as he travels to Mars to find out what he has forgotten, all the while trying to avoid people who are trying to kill him because of what he now knows. A good sci-fi B-movie directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring the ever irrepressible Schwarzenegger in the kind of sci-fi action role that he does so well. The memory erasure plot is intriguing and throughout the film there is never an uneventful moment. The special effects aren’t half bad either and the make-up department did a really great job for some of the supporting characters playing deformed mutants. But be warned: the film is very violent (as per usual for Paul Verhoeven!). An enjoyable couple of hours.

in the grand scale of things we all would love to have one killer party trick, one that would leave the ladies gasping and the men buying you another drink. Well the leader of the 'resistance' in this movie has the best of all, he has a small man attached to his belly under his woollen shirt. If you don't pull on a night out just unleash the mall-formed little man.
This film is a mixed bag, arnie fans will love it, as will woollen shirt wearers and with arnie in drag and an 'eye-popping' low oxygen scene that?s reminisant of the old y-fronts visiting a region where no man should dare. this is a classic slice of arnie

Not a Schwarzeneggar fan, but I actually enjoyed this entertaining nonsense. Looks a bit dated by now, but still good fun to watch

You'd think the role of Danko was written especially for Arnie's wooden style of acting - he fits the bill perfectly. If you're into Arnie you'll like this, if you're not it's easy enough to watch anyway.

Shwarzenegger and Belushi team up for a typical 80?s odd couple cop movie,
The film?s plot is centred around arnie?s pursuit into America of a Russian criminal, where arnie is forced to team up with belushi?s character (the typical carefree cop who doesn?t play by the book).
This teaming provides the makings for the majority of the films humour, with a string of one liners drawn from the comparisons between America and Russia, a bit low brow I admit, but hey I?m not complaining.
With a good mix of action, thrills and a fair few laughs thrown in for good measure, Red Heat is an oldie that should not be put out to pasture just yet.

I only rented 'Raw Deal' but it looks like the review link wants me to review a boxset.

No problem, I've seen them all, so I can review the films even if I can't vouch for the DVDs themselves.

Total recall - very good. Even Arnie's acting was acceptable in this one. The story need not have been set in the future, on Mars, with mutants etc - they are just a 'wrapper' for a plot about someone messing with their own mind to prevent their intentions becoming public. Can you say 'Zaphod Beeblebrox'?

Raw Deal - Very poor. This is the one I actually rented, and I regret wasting the rental slot. The story and acting beggar belief, and (as a videographer myself) I found myself distracted by the continued use of fisheye lenses (vertical surfaces such as doorframes at the left and right of the screen are curved!).

Red heat - a good film. More of a James Belushi vehicle than an Arnie one, it still manages to mix a believable plot, good action sequences and surprisingly good acting.

Red Sonja - poor. A forgettable 'Conan' clone with Brigitte Nielson as the female Arnie (and Arnie as the male Arnie for some reason).

As a boxset, you're looking at 3 stars, because Total Recall and Red Heat are worth four each, the other two films worth two each.

Time hasn't been kind to this release. At the time a better than average buddy-cop film with exciting set-pieces, sly and knowing references to capitalism v communism, and a very likeable cast; now it ocassionally comes off as a laboured and very staged B movie. Having said that, if you cast your mind back to an era when you only used action scenes you could afford (as opposed to packing a film with too many cheap and nasty CG scenes), when even a film like this had no choice but to be character and dialogue driven; then you'll derive an ample amount of satisfaction from Red Heat.

this is arnie at his mean and moody best, he kicks ass like no other action hero he rules!!!!!!!!!

Alright film, bit old looking. Lots of sex and violence, sometimes very graphic. Not a brilliant film, but watchable.

Total Recall is a decent Hollwood rendering of one of PhilK D-i-c-k's (this web page won't let me type his 'offensive' surname!) best short stories. How come nobody can make a great one? Like Stephen King, his stuff just doesn't really translate to the screen.

Still, Arnold is cool as the hero, and there are some really good effects.

Try it if you like sci-fi action movies, just try not to think too hard. You might spoil the fun.

Total Recall - Arnie's 4th best film after Terminator, Terminator 2 and Predator. Good action flick but looking a bit dated now.

Raw Deal - didn't even bother, rubbish.
Red Heat - same as above

Red Sonja - silly Conan/Beastmaster/Krull type film, enjoyable as a kid.

This film has a very good start with a car and bike chase, but the whole film takes too long to get going, once it does it has some good action gun fights but it is definatly not one of arnies best but still check it out.

Total Recall was a classic film when I watched it all those years ago, and very little has changed. It now seems a little dated, but there is something for everyone. The tacky acting, the special effects, the thin story line - put them all together, and somehomw you have a great film. Full of bad punch lines as well. :)

still good effects still look quite good good pplot twisiting and turning all the way through very gorey for a 15 film deaths a plenty you can see where the simpsons get the mcbain films from great film

The story line, flow, twists and surroundings make for a realy good film. Even at the end you get a 'has he?' 'Did he?' thingy. The fact that it is Arnie 'The wooden one' Quarts'ticker spoils what could have been a Matrix size hit.

this is one of my favorite arnie films in fact this is probably one of my favorite films full stop! its action packed and just plain fab! well in my opinion it is others might differ

A very good action film with over the top violence, humour, cool special effects and Arnie. Rent it right now and then buy it. You will not be dissapointed.

this film is a classic one of the best sci/fi i have seen a must see movie

it was ok not grate but ok

I love this film and I always have since i first saw this film about 5 years ago, it's a classic action adventure. A must see film like Die Hard or The Goonies! Set in the future Arnold Schwartznegger plays Douglas Quaid a humble construction worker who is bored of his own life, so he has memories of a trip to Mars as a secret agent implanted in his mind. The plot takes an interesting turn and Quaid then has to go to Mars for real to rediscover his past!

I've always been a fan of Arnie movies and it's great fun to see all the old classics. Although this DVD was not remastered in any way, it does include commentary tracks including discussions with Arnie himself! Total Recall has to be one of the best Arnie movies ever made. The story isn't all that far fetched, fighting over air supplies on mars. If you like action packed movies with tonnes of classic quotes from Arnie, then this is one for you.

I saw this film when it first came out and thought it was amazing. Good story (for Arnie!), and great effects. The story I think is still good, and the action is constant. The effects have dated a lot, but overall I still think this is a good all round sci fi action film.

Big Arnie (Doug)has an obsession with Mars. Despite the best efforts of his wife Lori (Sharon Stone) to distract him, the desire to travel there is unquenchable, even considering the dangers posed by certain 'terrorist' activities. Finally, in search of a cheap alternative to an interplanetary flight, he goes to Rekall, Inc., which provides memories as good as the actual thing, and asks for a fantasy in which he's a secret agent on Mars. During the implantation procedure, evidence of previous tampering is revealed, and the fantasy is aborted. Then, following the visit to Rekall, several attempts are made Doug's life... but are these attacks real or the delusions of someone trapped in a dream world?

Potentially a good, twisting story about a man who may or may not be a secret agent with a mission on Mars, let down by the decision to focus on action rather than character or plot logic. Ultimately there are too many ideas stuffed into this film, the best of which have been used subsequently to greater effect elsewhere (notably in The Matrix and Abre los Ojos). The film also suffers from clunking direction, eye-popping (literally) special effects and Verhoeven's penchant for massacring the entire supporting cast in various gruesome ways. It never takes itself too seriously, but unfortunately this stretches audience disbelief pretty thin, especially with Schwarzanegger delivering cheesy lines like 'sue me' and 'aliens built it'.

one of arnies best action films

I cant belive this film is 16 years old! Fantastic effects (mixture of models, matte paintings and CGI), brilliant story, great music and sound, lots of guns, mutants, evil corporations on mars, plot twists, its got it all! This is what action/adventure movies should be like. A real classic, and my favourite Arny film, coming just in front of Predator and The Terminator. I'm sure most people have seen this film before, but if not (or its been a while) give it a go! It easily ranks alongside more recent '21st' century action movies!

Pure Arnie in his prime doing what he did best ! Good story and great effects make this a must see for all Arnie fans.

Again, a classic from Arnie and some rely sexy scenes from Sharon Stone (who Else)

Arnie at his best, the special effects are fab, and gory. Sharon Stone on on of her earliest film, and boy does she look sexy. Make your own mind up about the ending. Well worth renting.

Cracking Film. Watch it

Very enjoyable film Arnie at his best, the special effects are fab. Good story and great effects make this a must see for all Arnie fans.

Arnie is back with another action packed extravaganza set on Mars. There is bucketloads of action to be had here which is perfect for both action and sci-fi fans.

Action packed classic Arnie sci-fi movie. Excellent viewing.

Classic arnie film, with cheesy special effects. Stil worth a watch though.

The effects where excellent and the weaponry suits 'Arnie'. The story is a bit thin but generally it is compensated for by the action and is worth a watch.

Total Recall - an explosion of machine-gunning, gut-punching, throat-ripping, eyeball-exploding, bone-breaking gratuitous violence - is a film not for the faint of heart, though some of the rubberized effects have lost their impact with age. Adapted from the short story We Can Remember It For You Wholesale by science fiction guru Philip K. Dick, it is also, however, a nonstop roller-coaster ride of top-flight action entertainment that isn't afraid to have a brain or two in its head. Featuring vast sets, magnificent explosions, plentiful plot twists and the aforementioned ultra-violence, the film keeps pulling the narrative rug out from under you in thoroughly unexpected ways that exploit the paranoid nervousness that makes Dick - author also of the source novel for Blade Runner - such an insightful and important writer. One moment in particular, which explains why Cox hasn't had the traitor killed outright and has instead dreamed up this whole Quaid deal, is among the cleverest revelations in the cinema which at the time, stretched Schwarzenegger's action man persona into wholly new areas (though the later stretch to comedy and politics we could perhaps have done without). A bloody roller coaster narrative from the creators of 'Alien' and plenty of tough-guy action speak makes this a still thoroughly enjoyable set-piece, though the effects have lost their shock value since the heavy use of CGI took over some years after the release. But worryingly satisfying in a purely gruesome, beat-em-up kinda way.

Total Recall is about a man who goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real we think?? I enjoyed this movie, Arnie was quite good in the action sci-fi thriller as was Michael Ironside (V Tv Series) and Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct). Well worth watching for the entertainment value.

minding bogalling good arnie keeps you thinking

Cant quite believe this film is 18 years old. the special affects are amazing. I really enjoyed the whole film although its not something I would normally watch. My teenage son loved it.

good to watch but has some 1980'S cheesy stuff in it that makes the film look cheap, funny in some aspects aswell, but some over voilent parts aswell.

this is my favourite Arnie film ever, it's always worth another viewing

one of arnie's finest. a space romp with plenty of action - dark humour and hot chicks. what more do you want ?? !!

This film will blow you away.I thought this film was going to be not that good,but when he started killing people and beating every person up i changed my mind.If you want to see a film with everything in it rent total recall, then buy it and treat it like it was your child

This film is always a great film to watch whether it is the first time or the 10th time. Great viewing.

A good film but if you have the DVD already, this Blu-Ray adds hardly anything to the viewing experience and no extras at all. Hence only 3 stars overall.

As you will have gathered this is my number one film anyway but that said, I found the special effects and acting (especially for Arnie) to be some of his best.

I think this is the most shown schwartzenegger film on british TV, not for the kids though due to one or two very strange but very funny nude scenes!

There is an all star cast all of whom give top performaces especialy Sharon Stone as Quaid's wife.

Great stuff from begining to end!

This is without a doubt one of Arnold's best movies. The imagery and the imagination in this film are unsurpassed. If you like like sci-fi you will love this guaranteed.

Very good film from the begining and midway but it losses its attraction towards the end.
But over all very good film Arnie & ironside both play good parts.
Well thought out story line

I saw this way back on its first release and loved it. Unfortunately, time has not been kind; appalling dialogue, idiot plotting and layers and layers of cheese, not to mention some really mysoginistic undertones...ah well. If you stil think that Rambo is the pinnacle of eighties cinema, fill your boots.

The tricks memories can play...

I first watched this back in the late 80's, when it seemed like good fun. I was a fan of Jim Belushi (why?) and obviously Arnie was already an icon, fresh off Predator and Running Man.

However, the only redeeming feature I can find in the film now is the ingenious explaining away of Arnie's inability to emote; He's a Commie! Even the action left a lot to be desired; The only truly original sequence being the all-too-brief loincloth tussle in the snow between Arnie and his old mate Sven Thorsen.

A drab villain, hokey plot and no chemistry, none, between the two male leads doesn't help matters either. One for the Arnie completists only.

How could I ever have thought this was any good?

this is possibly the worst film ever made, it is hard to understand who is real and who isnt and the violence is well over the top. it hasnt even got a good storyline to it, do not rent this