Run time: 1h 53m
Intro
It has been some time since I have dipped my perverbial time shoes in the science fiction genre of cinema. That is why for this week’s train journey I will be watching “Total Recall”.
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this film has built quite a cult following earning itself a remake that was released in 2012. However, it is the original 1990 film that I will be reviewing as this was the movie that drew much praise from fellow film lovers.
Plot
Any sci-fi plot usually combines imaginative creativity with high-tech gizmos and intergalactic gadgets to create a weird and wacky adventure plot. Total Recall follows this path with a twisting adventure that never stops surprising the viewer.
A moreish storyline that keeps your eyes fixated on the screen is why I will be awarding the plot a 9/10 rating.
Acting
Whilst I think most cinephiles would agree Arnold is not the most talented actor, he does have something that makes you want to watch him. I think this was one of his better acting displays and he carried his role of Douglas Quaid pretty well. A special mention to Sharon Stone, who I thought was electric as Douglas’ wife Lori quaid.
Overall the acting was solid and did not deter my enjoyment of the film. Therefore, I will give it a rating of 8/10.
Characters
Although the characters were fairly generic and lacked complexity, they made for an entertaining watch and paired well with the fast-pace adventure feel of the film.
Douglas Quaid, much like a lot of the films personas follows a fairly stereotypical character arc, however, it is still entertaining nonetheless. Therefore, I give them a rating of 8/10.
Dialogue
The script is not exactly spellbinding, but it moves the story along and keeps in line with the movies fast-paced style. It is common with sci-fi films that the visual effects takes over from the dialogue to some extent and I believe in Total Recall this is also the case.
This was not a film to be captivated by it’s dialogue and so I can give the script no higher than a 7.5/10 rating.
Music
The soundtrack was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who creates an epic score which perfectly aligns wifh the films dazzling aesthetic. Goldsmith brings a 90s feeling to his music which gave the film a nostalgic element, again helping to make it more attractive.
I was very impressed by the film’s music and it is definitely one of the best soundtracns I’ve heard. Therefore, I give if a 9/10 rating.
Final verdict
Total Recall brings an energetic, shock factor that is enjoyable to watch. It definitely passes for me as a good piece of cinema and I recommend anyone who has a few hours to pass to leand their eyes to Arnold’s weird and wacky space adventure.
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