Let me start by clarifying I am talking about the 1990 Total Recall, not the hot garbage remake! Growing up in the 80s, a new Arnold Schwarzenegger movie was always a big deal. I would say it was that way for me all the way up to Collateral Damage in 2004! A new Arnie movie always felt like it was some kind of big event.
How to Download Total Recall (1990)
Total Recall (1990) was released on June 1, 1990. You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice.
The Movie Review – A Classic Schwarzenegger Sci-Fi Masterpiece
There are so many great Schwarzenegger movies from the ’80s and ’90s, Terminator 2, Predator, True Lies, The Running Man, and today’s Total Recall would probably make my top five. This is a great blend of sci-fi and action with some truly groundbreaking (for the time) special effects. However, this movie is not just trying to get by on its action, it actually tells a fantastic story that I like more each time I watch this movie.
A Wild and Thrilling Storyline
The thing with Total Recall is, the story is kind of wild and crazy and you have to watch the movie for yourself to appreciate it. The movie takes place in the not-so-distant future and we have colonized Mars. Mars is ruled by a dictator and there are mutants who are living on Mars along with humans.
Quaid’s Journey to Mars
On Earth, Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is your typical construction worker. Rather than going on vacation, you can get these memory implants that feel very realistic. Quade decides to go for a vacation on Mars where he is a secret agent. You know, I wonder just how far off we are from actually being able to get false memories put into our brains.
The Chaos Unleashed
Anyway, something goes wrong, Quaid freaks out as it turns out he was actually a secret agent and he was on Mars and this procedure has brought these suppressed memories back. Quad ends up the target of a shadow organization as well as the mutants who want him to try and help free Mars.
Memorable Cast and Stunning Effects
This is just awesome sci-fi action at its best. As well as Arnold Schwarzenegger, we have a great cast here with Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox, and Rachel Ticoton all doing great jobs. Sharon Stone in particular is a real favorite of mine as she is so badass and very easy on the eyes in this movie.
Iconic Scenes and Timeless Appeal
We get a whole bunch of great action scenes that utilize some amazing special effects. Granted some may look dated by today’s standards, but for the most part, Total Recall holds up. From Quade pulling the tracker out of his nose, the gruesome scene on the surface of Mars, and who can forget the lady with the three boobs. Plus we also have the amazing puppetry behind Kuato. By the way, Rick and Morty did an amazing episode that had Kuato as a huge plot device and it was freaking hilarious.
Conclusion: A Sci-Fi Classic Worth Rewatching
No exaggeration here, I have probably seen Total Recall at least 30 times, it is a movie that I never get bored of. While I have the 4K release, if I am scrolling through a streaming site and it is there, I will watch it. The only real negative I can say about Total Recall is that I wasted a birthday gift in 1991 for the NES game based on this movie and it sucks, it is legit one of the worst video games I have ever had the displeasure to actually own!
