9/10
2012
A Len Wiseman Film
Protagonist(s): Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel
Antagonist(s): Bryan Cranston, Kate Beckinsale, Bokeem Woodbine
Run-time: 1 hour 58 minutes
When factory worker Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) decides to take a chemically induced fantasy at a company called Rekall, he is dragged into an adventure of double espionage, love, and war.
This remake of the 1990 film of the same name shares many key elements, and is in many ways more down to Earth than its predecessor. One such difference is that while it is mentioned that the character would like to visit Mars, he does not. Whereas in the previous version most of the action takes place there.
Another difference is that there is no mention of aliens in this film, ancient or otherwise. There is only one mutant, or perhaps an example of plastic surgery skills of the not too distant future. But unlike the previous film this one has plenty of robots.
Based on the 1966 novel "We Can Remember If for You Wholesale" by Philip Kindred Dick, as was the previous film. I have not read it yet, but I intend to.
The effects are excellent. The martial arts is excellent. The plot is incredibly twisted, but familiar if you have seen the Schwarzenegger film. The acting talent is good. The physics seems to be rooted in sound science, but leaves a few gaping holes in regards to the heat resistance of metal.
There is one annoyance in the film; glare. For decades cinematographers have worked tirelessly to prevent or counter light glare, and in this film you can hardly go a minute without a series of glares flashing or lingering across the screen.
I recommend this film for science fiction enthusiasts, even though I should point out that the previous film had a little more charm about it.
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