Total Recall (2012) - review/comparison

When I first heard about this remake, I was disgusted - another remake of a top film from my childhood (even though I was a little young for the original Arnie version).

This shouldn't be allowed.

The closer it's gotten to release date the more open I've become to giving it a chance - mainly to see for myself what a failure it would be.

Leading up to the showing, I saw a trailer for it and noticed that it was a 12A certificate... this worried me as the original was an 18 rating. Was this to make it more accessible to all? Did this mean that the violence would be toned down? - The answer to both of these questions was 'yes'; the remake isn't as brutal - probably because of the styles of the directors - Paul Verhoeven's is known for his sexual and violent style (see Basic Instinct or Starship Troopers for examples of this).

Standout differences between the films are that there is no Richter (played by Michael Ironside in the original) - instead, the remake makes more use of Lori Quaid (Kate Beckinsale) in the role of hunting Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell).

There are also no roles for the characters of Benny and Kuato. These are best suited to the Mars-themed original.

This is possibly the biggest difference between the films; the original was based in a future where Mars is an attraction as a livable planet. In the remake, it is set on Earth where a major war has left only two 'territories': The United Federation of Britain (UFB) and The Colony (the former Australia). The rest of the Earth is uninhabitable - therefore, living space is the most valuable commodity there is.

Other differences include the use of Doug's 'friend' Harry (used instead of the doctor sent in to convince Doug it is all a dream), Hauser's involvement in locating Matthius (the resistance's leader) and, to a point, Cohaagen - the main antagonist of both versions of the film.

I feel that Ronny Cox's version of Cohaagen is an eviler, vicious villain with a bigger presence. Bryan Cranston's version doesn't compare - not really showing his true colours until later in the film (sorry Breaking Bad fans!).

Overall, I think this remake tries to be its own man, but gives too many nods to the original (three breasted girl, 'two weeks' woman). It also feels like it relies too much on the character's reputations from the original, therefore not needing to explain as much.

There are positives though; Farrell's acting in comparison to Arnie (I still prefer Arnie though!) and most notably Beckinsale's Lori - a really great hunter of Doug, who massively overshadows the character of Melina (Jessica Biel).

Maybe all the nods to the original was their way of appeasing fans of the 1990 version - they knew that this one would be seen as inferior.

Jimmo's rating: 2 out of 5 (Probably an unfair review / comparison, but I love the original so it's hard to be fair to it!)