High Hopes, Low Score — Why Farrell and Beckinsale’s 'Total Recall' Remake Ended Up at 30% on RT

Released in August 2012, Total Recall is Len Wiseman’s remake of the 1990 Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi classic, itself based on Philip K. Dick’s short story.

This time, there’s no Mars — the action unfolds on a post-war Earth split between the United Federation of Britain and the Colony, linked by a gravity elevator called 'The Fall.' Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) suspects his life is a fabricated cover for his past as a secret agent.

Star Power and Slick Visuals

Alongside Farrell, Kate Beckinsale plays Lori, his duplicitous wife, with Jessica Biel as Melina, his rebel ally. Bryan Cranston, Bill Nighy, and John Cho round out the cast. The film is packed with glossy cityscapes, high-tech gadgets, and intense action sequences — all hallmarks of Wiseman’s style.

Where It Fell Short

Despite the talent and visuals, critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it just 30%. What the Rotten Tomatoes reviews say:

"[The film] spends so much of its time trying to duplicate aspects of the original that the filmmakers were distracted from their most clever ideas."

"While the action sequences are riveting, none of the humour or interesting plotting that made the original such a classic is present here."

"It's nothing but a third-rate genre exercise."

A Missed Opportunity

The 2012 Total Recall is now remembered as a sleek but hollow remake — big on spectacle, light on personality, and a reminder that star power alone can’t guarantee a classic.