So back when Arnold Schwarzenegger was just 43 years old, he started making a few rad movies like KINDERGARTEN COP, TERMINATOR 2, LAST ACTION HERO etc. TOTAL RECALL though was just totally freakin out there.
In this one he plays Quaid (sort of) and he needs to get his a-s to mars fast, because that planet sucks. It’s quite literally running out of air, and the person who owns the monopoly on that, is Cohaggen (played by the dude who is also the bad guy from ROBOCOP, Ronny Cox). If Quaid can’t figure out his true identity and show an alien psychic named Kauto what’s he’s seen, Mars could be doomed to Cohaggen’s air hoarding empire for good. Come to think of it, the SPACEBALLS had the same exact plan in that movie.
Overall for it’s time, the effects in this, while kind of hokey looking were pretty decent. There are a few mind-blowing scenes, most of which show up in the previews. Schwarzenegger is fantastic as per usual and Sharon Stone playing his “wife” Lori was a good move, because she actually showed a bit of duplicitous range in this movie. One of the main bad guys is played by Michael Ironside who almost never mails it in when he’s playing a jerk. Additionally Rachel Ticotin (Law & Order) was strong in the female lead. These touches, and giving the roles some thought, gave some needed levity to this film. Otherwise we might have ended up with a full blown sci-fi comedy. Having said that, the plot here isn't exactly straight forward.
I loved the sets in this thing, even if a few were clearly, "cheaply" done, Mars is distinctly Mars and some of the details and characters they throw in this thing are just really fascinating. Director Paul Verhoeven would go on to direct two duds after this, before getting back to sci-fi with STARSHIP TROOPERS.
Just for originality and creativity alone I have to give this movie a 6 out of 7. There are some creepy moments, but overall this is just a crazy ride and that makes it one of the more unique movies of the entire decade. That fact that I own it, should also tell you something.
GRAPHICS ARE THE PROPERTY OF CAROLCO PICTURES AND ARE USED FOR REVIEW PURPOSES ONLY.
Please check out the link below by clicking on the picture. Because no one should die buttonless. Until next time.
Comments
Post a Comment