Remakes aren't always bad, but this one certainly was. An unnecessary remake of a 1990s sci-fi action classic will leave its current free streaming home at the end of December. So, if you want to question what the filmmakers were thinking when they made the movie, or you just want a rage-filled viewing experience, why not check it out before it leaves streaming? There have been some poor remakes of 80s and 90s classics, like RoboCop, Dr. Dolittle, Point Break, The Karate Kid, The A-Team (which was a TV series, but it still counts), Flatliners, and Footloose. But the film in question rarely makes those lists, because most people forgot it existed -- MovieWeb even did a deep dive into this forgotten stinker. If you haven't guessed already, and you probably haven't, we mean 2012's Total Recall.
Total Recall is currently streaming on Tubi, and it's your last chance to stream the sci-fi action movie for free. Tubi doesn't give exact dates as to when films will be removed from the platform, simply labelling them as "Leaving Soon." But, we reckon the film will be gone from the free streaming service before 2025 is over, so you'd better watch it sooner rather than later if you want to stream Total Recall for free.
The 2012 remake is a far cry from the Arnold Schwarzenegger original. Loosely based on Philip K. Dick's "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale" short story, the remake was directed by Len Wiseman. Colin Farrell stars as Douglas Quaid, who undergoes the Rekall treatment to make his dreams appear as real memories. But when the treatment goes wrong, the line between dreams and reality becomes blurred, with violent consequences. The official synopsis reads:
"In need of a vacation from his ordinary life, factory worker Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) visits Rekall, a company that can turn dreams into real memories. Thinking that memories of life as a superspy are just the ticket, Quaid undergoes the procedure -- but it goes horribly wrong. Suddenly, Quaid is a hunted man. He teams up with a rebel fighter (Jessica Biel) on a search to find the head of the underground resistance and take down the leader (Bryan Cranston) of the free world."
Critics & Audiences Hated 'Total Recall's Remake
The original Total Recall, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, is considered to be one of the best sci-fi movies of the 1990s. The Colin Farrell remake has thankfully been lost to the annals of time. But the few who saw the movie don't remember it very fondly.
MovieWeb Report Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe with the latest movie news, reviews, and exclusive content from MovieWeb. Subscribe MovieWeb Report Immerse yourself in the cinematic universe with the latest movie news, reviews, and exclusive content from MovieWeb. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Total Recall holds a poor Rotten Tomatoes rating of 30%. Audiences were slightly kinder to the movie, but it still has a measly audience score of 47%. "It's not that it's a terrible movie, it just was completely unnecessary," wrote one user, sharing a commonly held opinion. Another wrote:
"It's terrible compared to the 1990 original. On it's own AT BEST this a run of the mill Sci-Fi action flick that looks like every medicore 21st Century Sci-Fi flick. What makes this so inferior to the original? At it's core it lacks the tounge in cheek humor, fun, memorable characters, amazing distinct special effects, and distinct direction."
Total Recall Like PG-13 Action Science Fiction Thriller Release Date August 2, 2012 Runtime 118 Minutes Director Len Wiseman Writers Mark Bomback, Kurt Wimmer Cast See All Colin Farrell Jessica Biel Kate Beckinsale Ethan Hawke
Genres Action, Science Fiction, Thriller Powered by Expand Collapse