The DrsC just watched the recent version of Total Recall. Actually it is more accurate to say I saw it, the other DrC slept through it. I guess that tells you her opinion of the film, doesn't it?
The film is non-stop action, in a set that owes much to the classic Blade Runner. Imagine Blade Runner updated to the current day, and a plot that shares only a little with the original Total Recall film. The set also shows some influence from The Fifth Element.
Kate Beckinsale is a good looking villain, she has the Sharon Stone part. Colin Farrell has the Arnold S. part. Get beyond those two and the story takes you in different directions.
Examples: TR1 is set on Mars, TR2 moves back and forth between a post-apocalyptic Europe (possibly Britain) and somewhere called The Colony, by way of a tube through the earth's core powered by gravity.
TR2 does a good job of keeping the viewer guessing to the very end whether what you've seen is real (or artificial memory). I won't spoil it for you. Total Recall is nice to look at, set-wise, but the story or plot is mostly run-and-shoot with a hero who can't remember who he really is and no shortage of good-looking ladies to cuddle.
This TR was more fun to look at but the original was probably a better film.
