90's R rated Action Movie Shootout: QF1 - The Matrix vs Total Recall

[Hunter Rider]

Here we go then, the first quarter final of the 90's action movie tournemant!

VS​

 

[Iceman]

Total Recall was a huge one for me and I saw it as part of my first big foray into 18 rated action, seeing Predator, Terminator and Total Recall on the same day. That said The Matrix is an all timer film and holds up better. My vote goes to The Matrix.

 

[R3M3D1]

Saw the 4K remastered version in the theatre last week here in the UK for it's 20 year anniversary (thanks Cineworld!) and the lobby scene was a standout moment. It looked amazing with all the practical effects (the crumbling pillars and bullet shells). The moment Trinity did the slow mo run and flip I had goosebumps tbh.

 

[samsnee]

Total Recall is going to lose but it’s hard for me to look back as fondly with The Matrix knowing there were two crappy sequels after. I still like it but had more fun with Total Recall. It’s Arnold at the height of his fame.

 

[Milk Tray Guy]

Pretty easy for me, The Matrix.

 

[Teelie]

Tough call. Both are great movies but The Matrix has had a much bigger impact.

 

[BlackFox]

The Matrix blew everyone away and tore up the rule book, Total Recall feels like it was from a different time (to be fair it is nearly a decade older than The Matrix) to it so cant hold a candle to it, as fun as it was at the time.

The Matrix wins this easy and will make the final no doubt.

 

[Pink Ranger]

Matrix all the way. TR is fun, and produced a lot of memorable lines, but was again one of those Arnold movies that tried to be more intelligent than it should have been.

 

[OutOfBoose]

I love Total Recall (and papa Verhoeven) with all my heart, but I saw The Matrix on big screen in '99 and it felt absolutely next level for my teenage mind.

I frankly enjoy both almost equally, but The Matrix feels more special and influential (thanks to all the anime it ripped off).

 

[Pink Ranger]

Still, I'm one of those guys who says "Give zeeze people airuh" at least once a day, so TR always has a place in my heart.

 

[metaphysician]

Total Recall is a great movie in its own right, but The Matrix is basically the defining action movie of the 90s. The whole industry still exists under its shadow to a large extent.

( Also, The Matrix may have gotten two crappy sequels, but Total Recall got a crappy reboot. I think they are about even. )

 

[Kahran Ramsus]

Total Recall was a lot of fun, but The Matrix was breathtaking at the time and is all around the more memorable and thought provoking film.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Total Recall is a classic in it's own right but it was overmatched here.