MOVIE REVIEW: Total Recall 2012

Finally getting to watch the remake of the iconic total recall (1990) with Arnold Schwarzenegger, I found the movie quite well made. Of course there were negative views of how the 21012 version was made, mainly that the trip to mars was completely removed from the film. At first, I too was anxious due to this main factor. However doing extra digging into the 2012 version, I watched interviews with the director, Len Wiseman and his central approach to the iconic film as NOT a remake, but more as an ADAPTION and following the ORIGINAL story. As an adaption to the 1990 film, I believed it was done quite successfully.

Removing the complexity of the mars setting, the film was able to flesh out subtle elements more effectively such as:

1.   Political and social influences.

Unlike the 1990 version, the influences between the government and rebellion forces are more expressive and coherent by the familiarity of basing the film solely on Earth. 

2.  Sci-fication

A large sum of the budget was evidently spent on CGI and I found it amazing. Clearly since its so CGI heavy, why couldn’t they still include the mars setting? Simply put, it would have taken more time and money to ensure that the level of presentation to pull it off would most certainly be less than what we are given. Quality over quantity proves the winning combo once again, and executed well.

3.   In-film references to the 1990 version

I was happily surprised to find references to the 1990 version in the new film, and most likely due to the direction of Len Wiseman, this was probably the major factor that made me enjoy watching the film overall.

What is better: a remake that follows the story completely or an adaption that surprises you with homage to its precedent?

Undoubtedly I smiled at the scene where the redhead woman was going through the security check, and being shown that in fact it was the male behind her. Although it was easy to catch on, it’s the fact that Len Wiseman has a passion and respect to the original to maintain references, while adapting it to today’s audience.

Ultimately, I can understand how many loyal fans to the 1990 version would be upset by the new film; however I could not condemn this film, as it is a different film than the 1990 version, as it was always meant to be. The overall fluidity of the set locations, CGI effects and character portrayals was of high performance. Although there was a period of time, near the end where I was anxious whether or not Kate Beckinsale’s character actually dies or not, because you know, she just HAS to die. To conclude, if you were hesitant to watch the new Total Recall, I would say just watch it, because it’s still a pretty damn good movie for everyone and for the sci-fi fans.