TOTAL RECALL (1990) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Paul Verhoven

 

Written by - Ronald Shusett, Dan O'Bannon, Jon Povill, Gary Goldman

 

Starring - Arnold Schwarenegger

 

 

 

"Philip K. Dick’s original futuristic vision is translated into an impressive visul nightmare by Paul Verhoven, so impressive in fact that its many plot twists and overall darkness will keep viewers intrigues, stunned and rightly compelled. The story begins with a man, bored with his lifestyle and looking for adventure, who requests a virtual memory holiday as a spy on the planet Mars. However, soon after, series of events lead him to having to go to the Red Planet for real. Convincingly stretching credibility and skilfully mixing the story’s more serious tones with a somewhat B-movie style with great and creative special effects, this film also shows great wit and a sense of humour in its screenplay and some memorable one liners. In fact, it can be argued that Verhoven’s nightmarish vision is a result of its blatant acceptance of the ridiculousness of its implausibilities and exaggerations, from the afore mentioned dialogue to the deformities of the inhabitants of Mars. A rewarding science fiction films that also features Schwarzenegger, whose bewilderment and usual iconic tough guy’s attitude adapts to the film’s madness amazingly well."

 

 

Science Fiction, USA