MikePA's Movie Reviews (77)

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Total Recall (2012) 
Review: Total Recall
2/4 stars

Len Wiseman's Total Recall remake is directed with energy, fast-paced, and composed of 2 or 3 cool moments, but it feels like a disappointing rehash of other sci-fi action films rather then a completely solid action movie. To me, it felt like the film was being compressed by so much plot, even though there wasn't much plot. The characters were poorly fleshed out and the script was tediously constructed, but that's not really the point. This is a summer film that's meant to entertain with some great CGI and cool action scenes. OK, but if you're going to make that kind of movie, why don't you put some tension and excitement in your action scenes so they don't feel bland and repetitive, and actually film your fight scenes so that I could understand what the f*ck is going on. The production design was nice, but much of the CGI shots were clunky.

In the end, Total Recall is just one big underwhelming chase scene. It's bland and repetitive. It lacks tension, wit, fleshed out characters, or excitement. The film has so many talented and capable actors, such as Colin Ferrell, who I love, and Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale, who are both incredibly talented, as well as being incredible to look at. These actors deserve a much better film. If you're a fan of the original I'd reccommend that you at least rent the film, but be aware that you may be disappointed.

2/4

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MikePA- wrote on 08/09/12 at 09:58 PM CT   The movie would have been at least passable if more style and intensity was put into the action sequences. I can enjoy a movie with all action and little substance, if the action is done stylishly. Nowadays there isnt much stylish action. It's all shaky and quickly cut to hide the fact that no effort in choreography was put in it. I mean, of course every now and then you get great action movies, but there's also a lot of crappy action movies with crappy action (Transformers 2). Write On Profile +

Chris Kavan- wrote on 08/09/12 at 11:57 AM CT   You hit the nail on the head - all action, no substance. No wonder they waited until August to release it - but even then, it failed to spark much interest. Chalk this up as yet another disappointing reboot. Write On Profile +