Total Recall

Total Recall is a science fiction action thriller. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone and Ronny Cox and was based on the Philip K. Dick story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale". Directed by Paul Verhoeven the film won a Special Achievement Academy Award for its visual effects.

The film was a box office success and also was well received by audiences across the globe. The plot although not overly complicated does keep you hooked and you are never quite sure if what you are seeing is real or a ‘dream’ which adds to the suspense. However, many viewers who are fans of Phillip K Dick were disappointed by the adaptation. On the whole, though, most audiences found the film acceptable as an action thriller with a bit of brains and a teaser at the end.

The special effects are not dated even today although some of the sets reveal their age. Arnie is great as the confused hero who somehow manages to beat up the bad guys and get the girl. The film is also notable as it is a very early performance from a young Sharon Stone.

A poor construction worker wants to visit Mars so has memories of a false secret agent adventure implanted in his brain; but when he returns home he finds evidence that he is really the secret agent and his wife is working for the bad guys. He escapes and travels to Mars to find the girl in his memories and find out which life is real.

Cinema release 1990

Certificate 18

Available on DVD and Blue Ray