Film Review: Total Recall: It's all in the mind

Manila, Philippines -  Of an age when I actually remember watching the first Total Recall, my memories have more to do with it starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his Hollywood heyday, and that it took a lot of liberties with the Philip Dick short story it was based on We Can Remember It for You Wholesale. The 2012 version does take liberties again; for one, the story happens on a future dystopian Earth, and not on Mars. But what I like about this Len Wiseman directed film is that without an Arnold to overwhelm the movie, there’s more to appreciate in terms of vivid set design, and muscular story-telling. I brought Luca, who’s 13, and he was one happy camper, trying to discuss with his older brothers after the film, the parts of the film that were memory and what were real occurrences within the film — that’s how thoroughly it engaged him.

The details of the convoluted plot are best enjoyed via the actual viewing. What I will comment on is that, hands down, Colin Farrell (as disgruntled factory worker, Douglas Quaid), and Kate Beckinsale as his seemingly perfect wife, play their roles to the hilt, effectively allowing us to suspend disbelief, and flow with the film’s premise. Jessica Biel as a rebel fighter who recurs in Douglas’ dreams and then pops up in his “real life,” is a tad wooden in this film. And that could be the director’s interpretation of the role, so that Kate’s character is the one who leaves more of an impression. A case of directorial bias? Given that Len directed Underworld, and is married to Kate, I leave that as a naughty rhetorical question.

Leaving a lasting impression is the set design of the film. It’s like a more evolved Blade Runner, with elements of Alien tucked in. Evolved because whereas Runner’s set was impressive but worked more as a backdrop, this one is really involved in the action sequences. Whether it’s the claustrophobic human chase scenes or the futuristic car chase scenes, we’re mesmerized by how the sets make these scenes come to life with a fresh dimension. The new script is also more involving; I especially liked the confrontation scene between Farrell, Biel and the Afro-American buddy of Farrell’s character, where it’s played with elements of double, even triple and quadruple jeopardy.

All in all, the film provides a satisfying film experience, and I personally enjoyed it more than the first Total Recall. It’s sci-fi with texture and depth, working both as action thriller, and as a psychological mystery. In the world of remakes, this is one that deserves the “recall,” different enough from the original to stand on its own. If anything, it could have used tighter editing, and the role of the rebel leader could have been given more substance. If you have the chance, enjoy this film at an IMAX theater.