The 2012 version of Total Recall is a science fiction action film directed by Len Wiseman and starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston, and Bill Nighy. The is a loose adaptation of the 1990 film of the same name, which was based on the short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" by Philip K. Dick.
It takes place in the future, where people can purchase implanted memories to escape their mundane lives. Douglas Quaid (Farrell) is a factory worker who decides to purchase a memory of being a secret agent. However, the procedure goes wrong, and Quaid finds himself on the run from the government.
Quaid is pursued by Lori (Beckinsale), his wife, who is actually a government agent. He is also helped by Melina (Biel), a resistance fighter who is fighting against the forces.
Quaid must eventually discover the truth about his past and his identity. He must also stop the government from using its memory implant technology to control the population.
The 2012 version of Total Recall is a visually stunning film with some exciting action sequences. However, it was criticized by some critics for its lack of originality and its convoluted plot.
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Cast
- Colin Farrell as Douglas Quaid / Carl Hauser, a factory worker suffering from strange violent dreams. He is revealed to be a former UFB operative assigned by Cohaagen to assassinate Matthias, before his defection to the Resistance and recapture, by manipulating Quaid to his former life.
- Ethan Hawke makes an uncredited cameo as the original Carl Hauser in the Director's Cut.
- Kate Beckinsale as Lori, a UFB undercover agent posing as Quaid's wife.
- Jessica Biel as Melina, a member of the Resistance and love interest of Quaid.
- Bryan Cranston as Chancellor Vilos Cohaagen, the corrupt and ruthless dictator of the United Federation of Britain, who attempts to ignite a full-scale invasion on The Colony.
- Bokeem Woodbine as Harry, Quaid's workmate and best friend – in fact an agent sent by Cohaagen to monitor him.
- Bill Nighy as Matthias, the leader of the Resistance. In the Director’s Cut, he is also Melina's father.
- John Cho as McClane, a rep and tech at Rekall who offers Quaid the chance to experience an imagined adventure.
- Will Yun Lee as Marek, a factory worker who refers Quaid to McClane at Rekall.
- Dylan Scott Smith as Agent Hammond, a rogue UFB agent, before aiding Quaid to escape.
Director: Len Wiseman
Writers: Kurt Wimmer Mark Bomback Ronald Shusett
Box Office Gross: $198,467,168
Distributor: Sony Pictures
Genre: Action Adventure Sci-Fi Thriller
Release Date: August 2, 2012