Total Recall
Dir: Len Wiseman
2012
****
We Can Remember It For You Wholesale isn't exactly a catchy name but honestly, if this film had picked a different name to that of the 1990 'adaption' of Philip K Dick's short story then it wouldn't have received all the criticism it did. First off, it's not a remake. It's nothing like the original film. What it is is a better adaption of Philip K Dick's short story, the original film barely came close. This is Philip K Dick as hell, a brilliant visualisation of his world. I found in my experience that the most critical of critics were the ones that hadn't actually read the original or indeed and of K Dick's work. Blade Runner improved on the story Do Androids dream of electric Sheep (although I'd love to see a more pure version with all the electric animals etc) and I believe this version of Total Recall improves on the original short story. I love the 1990 version but this is the sort of pure adaptation us hard core Philip K Dick fans have been waiting for, not specifically this story but his work in general. It's been more miss than hit on the big screen, hopefully that changes soon. Also, it didn't have to but it acknowledges the 1990 film rather nicely with a certain customs scene, look out for the large lady passing through the scanners, fans of the film will have noticed i'm sure.