Total Recall Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man goes to memory-altering spa, discovers he’s either a super spy or just really bad at choosing vacation packages, cue explosions and identity crisis.

🍿 Total Recall: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Factory Worker and Rekall

In a dystopian future, Douglas Quaid, a factory worker in the Colony (formerly Australia), feels dissatisfied with his life. He’s haunted by recurring dreams of being a secret agent and a mysterious woman. He and his wife Lori live in a world where the earth is devastated by chemical warfare with only the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony being habitable.

Memory Implantation Gone Wrong

Quaid seeks an escape from his mundane existence by visiting Rekall, a company that implants artificial memories. He opts for a memory of being a secret agent, but during the procedure, it’s discovered that he already possesses suppressed memories of that life. The Rekall facility is raided, and Quaid instinctively demonstrates exceptional combat skills, revealing his true identity as a highly trained operative.

On the Run and Rediscovering Identity

Labeled a spy and hunted by UFB forces, Quaid finds himself on the run. His wife, Lori, reveals herself to be an undercover agent assigned to monitor him. He is contacted by a former associate who directs him to a safe deposit box. He eventually meets Melina, the woman from his dreams. They uncover that he was Carl Hauser, a secret agent of Cohaagen, the chancellor of the UFB.

Unveiling the Conspiracy

Quaid learns that Cohaagen plans to invade the Colony using synthetic soldiers. He discovers that his memories were altered to manipulate him. He seeks help from Matthias, leader of the resistance movement. He and Melina are betrayed, Matthias is killed, and Quaid is about to have his memory re-wiped when Hammond helps him escape, revealing the conspiracy to control the Colony.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Douglas Quaid/Carl Hauser (Colin Farrell): A factory worker who discovers he is a skilled secret agent with implanted memories, fighting to uncover his true identity and prevent a tyrannical takeover.
• Lori Quaid (Kate Beckinsale): Quaid’s seemingly loving wife who is revealed to be a highly skilled UFB agent tasked with monitoring and eliminating him.
• Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston): The tyrannical Chancellor of the UFB who seeks to control the world by invading the Colony and suppressing the resistance.
• Melina (Jessica Biel): A rebel soldier and Hauser’s former lover who joins forces with Quaid to fight against Cohaagen and the UFB.
• Matthias (Bill Nighy): The leader of the Resistance, fighting for freedom and equality against the oppressive UFB regime.
• Harry (Bokeem Woodbine): Quaid’s colleague and friend who tries to convince him that he is still in a Rekall-induced dream.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Douglas Quaid: “What is real?” – Quaid questions the nature of his reality as his memories are altered and he struggles to discern truth from fabrication.
• Lori Quaid: “I give good wife.” – Lori says this with menacing undertones when Quaid questions the reality of their marriage.
• Hammond: “They’re in your mind Quaid, it’s the only place they can’t get to you.” – Hammond tells Quaid that his suppressed memories and identity are his only sanctuary.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $125,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $58,877,969
• Worldwide Gross: $198,467,607

💥 Total Recall Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this expecting a trainwreck, but it wasn’t *that* bad. The action scenes were definitely exciting, and the whole ‘what is real?’ thing kept me guessing for a bit. Kate Beckinsale was a total badass! But honestly, it just didn’t have the charm of the original. I missed the Mars setting and Arnie’s one-liners. It was a fun watch, but I probably won’t be remembering it for long. The hover cars, though, were pretty sweet!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-packed science fiction movies.”
  • “Viewers interested in dystopian futures and conspiracies.”
  • “People who enjoy movies with strong female leads in action roles.”
  • “Viewers who generally enjoy Len Wiseman’s work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and action sequences.”
  • “Some language.”
  • “Brief partial nudity (three-breasted woman).”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While visually impressive with its futuristic cityscapes and action sequences, ‘Total Recall’ suffers from a derivative plot, lackluster characters, and a lack of the original’s campy charm, making it a forgettable remake.
• IGN: “Len Wiseman’s ‘Total Recall’ boasts stunning visuals and intense action, but it lacks the wit and originality of the original, ultimately feeling like a stylish but shallow retread.
• Entertainment Weekly: “This remake of Total Recall is all gloss and no soul; it’s a visually impressive action movie that forgets to be either smart or fun.

Audience Reactions

The visual effects and action sequences were a non-stop thrill ride that kept me on the edge of my seat.: Viewers were captivated by the futuristic setting and the fast-paced, action-packed experience, making it a visually stimulating movie.

Kate Beckinsale stole the show with her performance as the relentless and formidable Lori, making her the most memorable character.: Many appreciated Kate Beckinsale’s performance, noting her portrayal of a complex and strong female antagonist added depth to the movie.

Overall Consensus: While the ‘Total Recall’ remake offers visually stunning action and a modern take on the original story, it falls short of capturing the heart and humor that made the original a classic.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is a remake of the 1990 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which itself was based on the Philip K. Dick short story ‘We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.'”
• “The film’s visual style was heavily influenced by ‘Blade Runner,’ another Philip K. Dick adaptation, creating a similar dystopian future aesthetic.”
• “Several scenes pay homage to the original ‘Total Recall,’ including a brief appearance by a three-breasted woman.”

🖥️ How to Watch Total Recall?

Total Recall (2012) is available for streaming on various platforms, including subscription services like Netflix and Hulu in some regions. It can also be rented or purchased on demand through platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as options may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Total Recall, you might like these similar films:

• Blade Runner (1982): Both films explore themes of artificial memory, identity, and dystopian futures based on Philip K. Dick stories.
• Minority Report (2002): Another Philip K. Dick adaptation that shares a similar futuristic, action-oriented tone and explores themes of free will and predetermination.
• The Matrix (1999): Deals with questioning reality and fighting against a controlling system, with advanced technology playing a key role.
• Source Code (2011): Explores themes of implanted memories and altered realities in a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative.

🛒 Total Recall Related Products

• Total Recall (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Relive the pulse-pounding action with Harry Gregson-Williams’s score, capturing the film’s futuristic atmosphere and suspense.
• Philip K. Dick: Four Novels of the 1960s (The Man in the High Castle, Martian Time-Slip, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Ubik): Explore the mind-bending world of Philip K. Dick, featuring the short story that inspired both Total Recall movies. This collection delves into themes of reality, identity, and corporate control.
• Total Recall (1990) [4K Ultra HD]: The original and campy science fiction film that started it all.

🎧 Soundtrack

Total Recall features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Typhoon” – performed by Foreign Beggars featuring Chasing Shadows
• “The Colony” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams
• “What If I’m Not Me?” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Total Recall movie review

If you’re curious about what a well-respected movie critic thinks of Total Recall, check out this review by Jeremy Jahns. He gives his honest opinion and breaks down the movie’s strengths and weaknesses.

We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, Lost in Adaptation ~ The Dom

For fans of Total Recall, this video by The Dom is a must-watch. It takes a deep dive into the source material and analyzes how it was adapted into both movie versions. It’s a great way to gain a new perspective on the films.

✨ Rate