Total Recall

When I first heard they were remaking 'Total Recall' I thought it was another excuse to poach and audience who fondly remembered the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic. New actors, new effects, same old story. The shadow of the first film loom heavily over this one despite an appealing star in Colin Farrell.

Most of the surprise is reduced because we already know the story and the characters - or at least we think we do. This movie uses more of the original source material by Phillip K. Dick than the original film ever did. For example, in this version, there is no adventure on Mars. Everything takes place on Earth, an Earth dealing with overcrowding and scarce resources.

The effects and future gadgets are pretty impressive, however. The slick hover cars and police gadgets ground the film in it's own reality and for the most part it works for me. A little of these effects, however, goes a long way. I felt they were showing me the same scenes over and over again.

The two female leads are from the kickass school of Mila Jovovich and Scarlett Johanson. They are the equal if not better of all the men around them. The inevitable fight between Kate Beckensale and Jessica Biel doesn't disappoint but in the end they bring nothing new to the tale.

The film is basically one long chase scene and I was along for the ride for the first hour. If you can suspend your disbelief at all the damage Farrell takes, you will have a good time. If not, you will only be annoyed with all his last second escapes. He barely even registers a scratch.

This film does looks great on screen. The futuristic scenery is vivid. The robot army – think “Star Wars” storm troopers – is ominous and dangerous. A high-speed chase in futuristic, magnetic cars is brainless fun but you will forget this experience on your way out of the theatre. Unlike RECALL, you will have no lasting memories to take with you.