Total Recall Double Bill Part 2

After watching the 1990 version with Arnold Schwarzenegger I also watched the remake from 2012 starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel. The immediately obvious difference is that the remake is visually technically far superior and makes the future look convincingly like the future and not some failed cardboard attempt. This obviously helps the movie but another big plus is that at least for me Colin Farrell is more convincing as the hunted prey on the run. Reflecting on why the 1990 version was not completely satisfying I think part of it maybe that for me Arnold is so much the indestructible hunter that he doesn’t come across very convincing as the a prey on the run. Another pro over the 1990 version for me is the bigger role Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel play compared to Sharon Stone and Rachel Ticotin. In the original version the right hand of Cohaagen and primary hunter is played by Michael Ironside and also Rachel Ticotin enters the movie fairly late. In the 2012 movie Kate Beckinsale playing fake wife Lore Quaid is also the bad ass relentless huntress. Jessica Biel playing Melina also gets more screen time and depth of character. Although the story is identical, having watched both versions back to back it is clear that the 2012 version is the clear winner. Visually stunning and with more engaging acting performances sucking you into the story. The only thing it lacks compared to the original version is the brilliantly psychopathic portrayal of Lori Quaid by Sharon Stone. Not that Kate Beckinsale does a bad job but her Lori is just evil while the one from Sharon Stone is absolutely diabolical. But all in all the fact that Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel take up a major part in the movie as main characters alongside Colin Farrell is in my opinion what makes this movie a success.