Last weekend I went to see the new Total Recall. It had been awhile since I saw the 1990 version and I made a point of not watching it right before seeing the new film so I would be less tempted to compare the two. So much for that idea. I came home from the theater and immediately popped the 1990 film into my Blu-Ray player and stayed up another two hours so I could compare the films and take notes.
What did I find? Although there are a significant number of similarities and parallels between the two films, there are enough differences that I don’t really consider the 2012 film to truly be a remake. I love the camp, bad acting, humor and ridiculousness of the 1990 film. It’s the bulging eyes, mutants and cheesy dialogue that make it such a cult hit. The 2012 film is missing all of the camp and humor found in its predecessor, but it compensates for what’s missing with some pretty spectacular special effects and a slightly improved plot.
I did not have high hopes for Total Recall (2012), but I enjoyed the film far more than I anticipated. Overall, I like both, but for very different reasons. Check out the video below for some of the comparisons and to find out why I will always slightly prefer one film over the other. See you at the party, Richter!
I have sadly never seen the 1990 one! What? True. I know, I’m probably banned from here now.
I wasn’t super impressed with 2012. I mean, it was a fine action film basically. Saw it at the drive in and it was followed by The Dark Knight Rises, which was a much better movie. OBVS.
Ha, Jenn, you’re not banned.
Honestly, if I hadn’t been spending all my time with my uber-nerd guy friends in the 90s, I don’t know if I ever would have seen the first one. It’s worth the watch just for the novelty and cheese factor.
I want to see this. Trying to decide between the theater or wait until blue-ray.
If you have a super monstrous ridiculous LED TV, wait for the blu-ray. Otherwise, I’d recommend seeing it in the theater, just from a special effects standpoint.
This is the best one you have done.
THE BAR IS HIGHER FOR YOU NOW!
Thanks! I need to get me some edumacation and learn to use fancier software.
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