Total Recall 1990

Release date: 01 June 1990
Language: English
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Robert Picardo, Ronny Cox, Rachel Ticotin, Joel Kramer, Marc Alaimo, Priscilla Allen, Patti Attar and others
Genres: Action, Sci Fi, Adventure, Thriller

Total Recall is one of my favorite movies – and not just because it stars Arnold Schwarzenegger! It offers a stark vision of a future in space, a vision that is more comprehensive and convincing than anything NASA has to offer till date. The stills of Mars are both detailed and breathtaking. And there is an eerie beauty to the scenery that is truly out of this world. Many more space enthusiasts will be born after watching this movie than by reading the dreary handouts issued by NASA. The reasons for this are not clear, for America cannot be termed financially bankrupt yet, even though its economy is in the doldrums... the causes must lie with the bankruptcy of their spirit, for the new American generation seems more eager to complete their degrees in chartered accountancy, rather than embark upon a grand adventure to explore the far reaches of the galaxy.

Based on a story by the acclaimed (science-fiction) author Philip K. Dick, and superbly directed by Paul Voerhoeven, the other members of the cast include Sharon Stone, Rachel Ticotin and Michael Ironside.

Arnold Shwarzenegger is a construction worker happily married (or so he believes) to Sharon Stone, when he decides to take a well-earned break from his daily routine and goes to Total Recall – a travel agency (of sorts) where they implant false memories instead of a the real thing. Arnold Shwarzenegger decides to go on a vacation to Mars, with a twist in it – he chooses to be a secret agent for the duration of his voyage. However, something goes dreadfully wrong, and Arnold Shwarzenegger wakes up mistaking fantasy for reality! One thing leads to another, and Arnold Shwarzenegger finds himself undertaking a perilous trip to Mars in real life…

The second half of this movie takes place on the planet Mars, where the movie really comes alive. Due to design (or misfortune – this point is never cleared) Arnold Shwarzenegger finds himself mistaken for a secret agent in real life, and gets mixed up with the Martian Underground or resistance movement against the ruling clique. Of course, after a great deal of destructive mayhem, our hero comes out trumps in the end.

Released in 1990, the special effects are still spectacular. For fans of Arnold Shwarzenegger worldwide, this is the movie they want to see; if they have not seen it already. There is never a dull moment; this is an action movie, with non-stop action guaranteed all the way. Alas, the mundane world of politics has claimed him - he is Governor of California, with claims to the Presidency some day. Perhaps, only then, the space age will be well and truly underway!

If a criticism of the film has to be offered, it is that the plot is convoluted and difficult to follow when viewing it for the first time. Though the director may have meant it that way, one has difficulty in separating reality from fantasy. However, if you are a fan of Arnold Shwarzenegger, you will want to see this movie again and again. 

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