Total Recall (1990) vs Total Recall (2012): Original vs Remake

In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger took a hyper-violent hallucinatory head trip to Mars with the sci-fi action blockbuster Total Recall, directed by Paul Verhoeven. It became an instant classic, and one of Arnie’s biggest hits. More than two decades later, another version of the futuristic mind-job arrived with Colin Farrell wrapping his noggin around the idea of being a secret triple agent in 2012’s Total Recall.

Directed by Underworld‘s Len Wiseman, it was a box office flop, and many wondered why it had been made in the first place. While the original film is full of gratuitous R-rated bloodshed and memorable zingers, the remake toned down the humor and violence to put the emphasis on the top-notch special effects. Both films are based on science-fiction author Philip K. Dick’s short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale”, but which movie made a lasting impact, and which is a fading memory? There’s only one way to find out: FACE OFF– Original vs Remake edition!

This episode is written by Dave Davis, narrated by Shawn Knippelberg and edited by Shawn Parke. Matthew Hacunda is the producer, and Berge Garabedian is the executive producer. Watch other episodes below.