'Total Recall' ready for revival - Part 1

[Slushy]

Yep, just because they disagree with you.

No, I've just decided to stray away from online reviews and pretentious critics who need to get over themselves. Movies are more enjoyable to watch that way.

 

[Bruce Malone]

It's not just critics the film is getting poor cinescore marks from audiences. Also the idea of ignoring critics because they are "pretentious" is ridiculous.

A lot of ppl's hard earned money goes to watching these movies and critics give you a general idea of how good or bad a film is without you just walking in blindly paying for a ticket to a film you may not enjoy.

There is nothing smart about telling ppl to ignore critics take a look at them then make up your own mind, i'm someone who should have listened to some of the reviews better tbh.

 

[Project862006]

it is just as ridiculous to take someone's opinion over your own

i don't know how many times movies have gotten so so reviews that i absolutely loved

hell it's a crime SR has same RT % at TASM

 

[Bruce Malone]

Who said anything about taking a critics opinion over your own? if you like a film you like it.

However like i said there is nothing wrong with checking over critics consensus to get an idea of what the film may be like.

Very few films with 31% rt ratings are going to be good that's a fact, when you get into the 50-60% range it becomes more personal prefference usually. Check out the reviews/consensus then make your own opinion that is everyone's right. With the prices of movies these days it litterally pays to do your research before seeing a film.

 

[Lighthouse]

People who dismiss critics completely based on the tomatometer has little to no understanding of the purpose of film criticism.

Devin Faraci wrote a great article defending film criticism.
The Devin’s Advocate: Defend Film Criticism

(Oh, and please no ad hominem responses. I know Faraci isn't very popular with some people, but respond to the article, not "The argument is invalid because Devin sucks".)

 

[TheVileOne]

LOL, when a movie people want to see gets bad reviews on here, the fans say to ignore the critics. When it gets tons of good reviews like say The Avengers, the first Iron Man, Spider-Man 2, etc. it's almost like a badge of honor. It's true.

Listen, as an experienced film reviewer, I don't think you have to agree with a review. Maybe the review simply gives you enough information on whether you think the movie might be for you or not. Not everyone is going to have the same opinion. I think if you want to see a movie, go see a movie.

But the way I see it these days, the burden is on the studios to deliver with movie ticket prices skyrocketing. So if its a mediocre product, the fault lies with them, not critics or reviewers.

 

[Project862006]

^then explain transformers success

 

[Lord Blackbolt]

They need to stop putting Jessica Biel in action movies. She's box office poison. Next, Sleath, Blade 3, A team and now Total Recall.

 

[terry78]

They need to stop putting Jessica Biel in action movies. She's box office poison. Next, Sleath, Blade 3, A team and now Total Recall.

She's good in other flicks though. And she's not really poison in that sense, I think she just chooses poor projects.

 

[nightwing06]

I admit it was the flashy SFX filled trailers that inspired me to go to the theatre to watch this remake of the 1990 Total Recall sci fi film.
The 1990 film is not only one of my favorite sci fi films of all time ,but i think it's one of the best films Arnold Schwarzenegger has ever starred in.
The 1990 film pulled me in right from the start with the great score by Jerry Goldsmith,and the eye popping exposure to Mars opening sequence.
The 2012 remake takes awhile to get going and keep my attention.Some of the same elements are still present:the suffering from identity crisis
Douglas "Doug" Quaid/Carl Hauser(Colin Farrell) is he a spy/freedom fighter or everyday joe strapped to a chair at Rekall, a company that implants
artificial memories?
Also present Quaid's wife Lori (Kate Beckinsale looking oh so good in tighty whities again....anyone remember that scene in White Out from 2009....anyone?)
Last but not least Melina (Jessica Biel), the woman from his dreams who may be his lover/fellow freedom fighter.
Farrell who has faired better in other films kind of sleep walks through this role.Biel pouts well,but it's Beckinsale who is the most watchable
as she relentlessly pursues and hunts Quaid with the assist of some hyped up storm troopers,and Vilos Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston who is definitely
not given enough time to spit venom or get off a good one liner.
I liked the cramped Blade Runner like look of the film.There are a few great action sequences,but this romp is not nearly as fun or involving
as the original.It actually made me long for the original,which will likely pop up on one of the various cable channels this week,and guess who's
going to watch it each time it airs?
Scale of 1-10 a 6 ½

 

[Destructus86]

I thought the film was pretty dang awesome. Better than the original BY FAR. Great stunts and action sequences. Loved the car chase. Probably one of my top 10 films ever and easily one of the best sci-fi action films released in the past few years.

 

[THANOSRULES]

This movies should be judged on it's own merits, and the new Total Recall is a very good movie and a solid sci-fi action flick...it is very different to the original in spirit, and the movie contains far less satire, dark humor, and camp...however it does homage scenes from the old film very readily and clearly there is a respect for the original film.

Next you have to respect what this film brings to the table, some great CGI work in this film, and typically i can be very critical there. The film sets a very imaginative dystopian world, and although most of the images clearly borrow from other sources, they are nonetheless extraordinary and well put together. The action scenes are relentless and blended with the effects perfectly.. the movie is never boring.

Spoiler

once i got over the fact this movie was trying to do different things, IE no mars, Richter, Martians, aliens etc..I really just settled into THIS film on its own. I really loved KUATO though...missed him.

I had no problems with the acting and plot of this film and i respect the creators for trying to do something new and not simply try to re-do a film when it was already done so well in the 90s film.

Although this movie will not be remembered as iconic as the first, it is a well put together film.


I highly recommend this film, i really beg to differ with most critics on this one.

 

[Destructus86]

This movies should be judged on it's own merits, and the new Total Recall is a very good movie and a solid sci-fi action flick...it is very different to the original in spirit, and the movie contains far less satire, dark humor, and camp...however it does homage scenes from the old film very readily and clearly there is a respect for the original film.

Next you have to respect what this film brings to the table, some great CGI work in this film, and typically i can be very critical there. The film sets a very imaginative dystopian world, and although most of the images clearly borrow from other sources, they are nonetheless extraordinary and well put together. The action scenes are relentless and blended with the effects perfectly.. the movie is never boring.

I had no problems with the acting and plot of this film and i respect the creators for trying to do something new and not simply try to re-do a film when it was already done so well in the 90s film.

I highly recommend this film, i really beg to differ with most critics on this one.

I agree. Lately it takes something pretty special to get me into the theater anymore...this was one of those movies.

 

[THANOSRULES]

I agree. Lately it takes something pretty special to get me into the theater anymore...this was one of those movies.

I edited my post a bit to add some other thoughts, I agree this was a special film, and although i don't know if i will remember many of the scenes, it's a lot like ghost protocol in that there is just overall quality to the film.

 

[marvelman2006]

I just feel like I can catch this as a rental and I dont feel like Im really missing out if I dont see it ever.

 

[E.NormusJohnson]

I just feel like I can catch this as a rental and I dont feel like Im really missing out if I dont see it ever.

You're not and I can't really figure out where some of these glowing reviews are coming from... I literally had several laugh out loud/roll my eyes moments with this film. I tried even imagining someone less awful than Farrell in the lead role and the movie was still a waste of time.

I was really going into this just to see Cranston in a Blade Runnery setting and even that couldn't overcome my boredom. It also has one of the dumbest setups in movie history when he visits Rekall

Spoiler

Dude you aren't a spy are you?

... sheesh this movie was bad.

 

[Destructus86]

You're not and I can't really figure out where some of these glowing reviews are coming from... I literally had several laugh out loud/roll my eyes moments with this film. I tried even imagining someone less awful than Farrell in the lead role and the movie was still a waste of time.

I was really going into this just to see Cranston in a Blade Runnery setting and even that couldn't overcome my boredom. It also has one of the dumbest setups in movie history when he visits Rekall

Spoiler

Dude you aren't a spy are you?

... sheesh this movie was bad.

wow, you must have really hated the original then

 

[E.NormusJohnson]

wow, you must have really hated the original then

Love the original.

 

[Destructus86]

Love the original.

What? How...why? It was so horrible....I tried watching it again recently and couldn't make it....

 

[E.NormusJohnson]

What? How...why? It was so horrible....I tried watching it again recently and couldn't make it....

To each his own, but I'm afraid yours is a minority opinion when it comes to Arnie's version.

 

[marvelman2006]

You're not and I can't really figure out where some of these glowing reviews are coming from... I literally had several laugh out loud/roll my eyes moments with this film. I tried even imagining someone less awful than Farrell in the lead role and the movie was still a waste of time.

I was really going into this just to see Cranston in a Blade Runnery setting and even that couldn't overcome my boredom. It also has one of the dumbest setups in movie history when he visits Rekall

Spoiler

Dude you aren't a spy are you?

... sheesh this movie was bad.

I like farrell and think he is a very good actor but man does he pick some doozies sometimes. From what Im hearing they choose to just have farrell run around and shoot instead of taking advantage of his acting chops. I actually think farrells last good big budget movie was swat then fright night.

 

[The Chris]

He basically shoots, runs, and looks confused as heck the entire movie. Misused is an understatement.

 

[THANOSRULES]

yeah and how is that different than arnold in the 1st movie?

This is not an "acting" movie... everyone's performance is adequate and thats as best as can be done in this type of film. The movie is..and is of a genre of.. a type of film thats driven by non stop action, setting, effects, and choreography. It's essentially a sci-fi chase movie.

at any rate most of verhoven's films that people are being so sentimental on were knocked for ridiculous violence, cheesy effects, and bad dialogue. I love them, but they are what they are.

 

[The Chris]

Armold shot, ran, looked confused as heck, while oozing charisma and having a hell of a lot of fun. It didnt take itself too seriously and u could interpret the character of quaid as enjoying what was happening a little since he was living out his "fantasy". The tone is the big separation between the two.

 

[Metallo]

Yeah I was impressed with the visual effects, the sets, props costumes etc. of TR 2012 but the movie doesn't have the flare of the original. It looks more sterile which migth be the point but its not as interesting to look at. Like a lot of movies today TR 2012 felt more "safe" and assembly line produced.

Arnold probably isn't the actor Farrell is but Farrell had little charisma in the Quaid role. Arnold's charisma is what made him some enjoyable to watch in the 1990 film.

In the new film events just kind of unfold with no spark and some good actors are wasted. Nighys role could have been played by anyone. Beckinsale seemed to have the best part and the most personality. The original wasn't exactly super deep and full of brilliant acting but it was compelling. Like The Chris said the tone is where these two movies really differ.