Watch Total Recall

Total Recall is a science-fiction action movie from 1990 starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, and Michael Ironside. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the movie is based on the Philip K. Dick short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." The movie is set in the future, in a world where earth has been devastated by nuclear war, and only two habitable places remain: the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the Colony (formerly Australia). The protagonist of the movie, Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger), is an ordinary construction worker who dreams of traveling to Mars but can't afford it. To fulfill his fantasy, he decides to visit a company called Rekall, which promises to implant artificial memories of a dream vacation that feels totally real. But things soon take a turn, and Quaid finds himself being hunted by police and secret government agents, who accuse him of being a spy and a terrorist.

As Quaid sets out to clear his name and uncover the truth about his past, he meets a series of allies and enemies. Among them is Lori (Sharon Stone), his beautiful but treacherous wife, and Richter (Michael Ironside), the ruthless UFB henchman who will stop at nothing to bring Quaid to justice. Also, he meets Melina (Rachel Ticotin), a rebel soldier from the Colony who believes that Quaid is the key to their cause.

The plot of Total Recall is a labyrinthine mix of action, suspense, and science-fiction, which keeps the audience guessing until the climax. The movie raises questions about identity, memory, and reality, and offers a thrilling ride that blends elements of dystopian fiction, spy thrillers, and Westerns.

Visually, the movie is stunning, with elaborate sets, imaginative special effects, and iconic costumes. The scenes on Mars, with their red skies, ancient ruins, and alien artifacts, are particularly memorable, and showcase Verhoeven's talent for world-building. The movie also benefits from a pulsing, synth-heavy soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith, which adds to the futuristic atmosphere.

Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers one of his most iconic performances as Douglas Quaid, showcasing his trademark blend of muscle, charm, and humor. He is perfectly cast as the ordinary man who discovers he is something more, and the movie allows him to showcase his physical and emotional range. Sharon Stone is also excellent as Lori, the femme fatale who hides a dark secret, and proves that she was more than a pretty face. Michael Ironside is a menacing presence as Richter, the villain who chases Quaid across space and tries to kill him at every turn. The supporting cast, including Ronny Cox, Marshall Bell, and Roy Brocksmith, are all solid, and bring a sense of texture and depth to their roles.

Overall, Total Recall is a classic of the sci-fi action genre, and one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's defining movies. It remains a thrilling and thought-provoking adventure, full of memorable quotes, exciting set-pieces, and dazzling visuals. The movie has inspired countless imitations and homages, but nothing quite matches the raw energy and imagination of the original.

Total Recall is a 1990 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 60.