Len Wiserman
Total Recall

Here I am again to talk to you about this 'Total Recall', the latest in the science fiction realm: a film that starts with a front of good visual effects that create a slightly somber future world, and then moves on to introduce questions about it through a partially introspective lens, as the protagonist turns to a company that offers the possibility of introducing any kind of memory into the client's mind.

The remake of the ’90 film with Arnold is absolutely partial and doesn’t clutter too much, only re-presenting the discussion on the uncertainty of identity. The protagonist will find himself pondering this when his wife (the sexy vampire with the improbable last name in Wiseman's own Underworld) tries to take him out, kicking off some action sequences/manhunt between him and this person, who will obviously turn out not to be who she seems. Admittedly, these sequences are somewhat lackluster in terms of adrenaline but still entertaining and made spectacular by the special effects.

The participation of the actors is convincing even when they don't offer great dynamics beyond appearance, including Jessica Biel in the role of the third wheel; with the plot starting to thicken more or less halfway through the film, playing nicely on the two levels of reality hypothesized to good use of suspense.

Indubitably a film to be watched by lovers of action on a sci-fi backdrop and special effects, provided they don't expect anything transcendental or innovative.