Weekend Movie Trailers & Reviews: Does 'Total Recall' Totally Suck?

If you're looking for a new movie to see in theaters this weekend, your pickings are slim. The new openers include just one major release, unless you count the kid-friendly "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days," and not a lot that's getting good reviews. Here's the scoop on the weekend's two big titles:

"Total Recall"

Rated PG-13, 2 hrs 01 min

Back for a remake after the 1990 classic with Arnold Schwarzenegger, this newer adaptation of Philip K. Dick's short story once again centers on a man who is unsure of what is real when faced with a simulation that implants false memories. This time around, the cast includes Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel and "Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston.

Of course, part of the appeal of remaking "Total Recall" is the potential to populate this futuristic world with brand-new special effects, after the original "Total Recall" used mostly practical effects. As such, this remake is more of a popcorn flick than the original, with elaborate action set pieces and flashy chase scenes.

Unfortunately, critics are finding that it lacks the "intricate plotting" and "wry humor" (read: one-liners from Arnold) that made the original so fun. In a post-Bourne, post-"Inception" world, the themes in "Total Recall" just don't have the same flash that they used to. The movie currently stands at just 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, with a less than stellar 73% from audiences.

See it if: There's always Kate and Jessica.

"Celeste and Jesse Forever"

Rated R, 1 hr 29 mins

A smaller title that is likely to be severely overshadowed by "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Total Recall," this romantic comedy is nonetheless one of the best-reviewed new openers this weekend. "Celeste and Jesse Forever" centers on a couple that has been together since high school: Celeste (Rashida Jones) is now considerably more put-together than Jesse (Andy Samberg), and problems arise. Eventually, Celeste decides that divorce is the best option, and the two work on becoming friends. Of course, it isn't long before they realize that they might need to be more than that after all.

The idea behind the movie, which Jones wrote herself, is to turn the traditional rom-com on its head: instead of watching two friends or strangers become lovers, we're watching two lovers become friends. Ultimately, critics are saying, the movie doesn't quite live up to that subversion, but it is still enjoyable thanks to some good writing and two talented leads. Critics have it at 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.

See it if: You've been waiting for Rashida Jones to get a decent leading role. Yay!