Len Wiseman to direct the Total Recall remake | Movie News

Len Wiseman to direct the Total Recall remake
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by: Paul Tassi Jul. 29, 2010

Because what's old is new profitable again, TOTAL RECALL is being remade. This was news to me, until I looked back and saw we’d written about it twice already, but the big story of the day is that the project has found a director.

Columbia has anointed Len Wiseman to helm the project, which looks to be an Arnold-free reimagining of the Philip K. Dick story. Why does that name sound familiar? Well Wiseman has directed two UNDERWORLD movies and LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD. I don’t have very strong opinions on either, but do you really want an unmemorable director tackling a project like this? I’m not so sure, but Columbia has faith.

“Len has an incredible love of the genre and a great gift for action. He’ll bring a contemporary feel to the film while taking care with everything we love about Philip K. Dick’s original story.”

Moritz said, “I have been trying for years to work with Len and fortunately we finally found a great project that he loves as much as we do. Len is terrifically talented and we know he is the right director to re-imagine Total Recall for a new generation of fans.”

Wiseman added, “I've always been fascinated with Philip K. Dick's short story, and I'm excited at that prospect of diving even deeper into the type of world it evokes and the questions it asks. I love that the most crucial mystery our character is trying to solve is the one of his own soul.”

TOTAL RECALL does have a pretty fascinating story at its core, thanks to Dick, and I would actually not rule out seeing what an updated version of the film would look like. But it has to be done well, and I’m not yet convinced with this director pick that this is a good idea.

Source: JoBlo.com

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sdx800
7:36PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
If you play with fire you get burnt... and total recal is burning hot!!! stay away from an un-remakable classic
If you play with fire you get burnt... and total recal is burning hot!!! stay away from an un-remakable classic
 
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Tyson J.
3:27PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Unfortunate as it is, no use complaining really. It was only going to be a matter of time. All I can hope is that they don't drag the original through the mud too hard.
Unfortunate as it is, no use complaining really. It was only going to be a matter of time. All I can hope is that they don't drag the original through the mud too hard.
 
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darqjade
2:51PM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
get ready for a surprise!!!!
no surprise though that this will probably suck balls!
no surprise though that this will probably suck balls!
 
+3
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RizzleB
8:43AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
QUAAAAAID!!!
Unless this flick has a dude pulling a huge tracking device out of his rubber head, I won't acknowledge this film exsists.
Unless this flick has a dude pulling a huge tracking device out of his rubber head, I won't acknowledge this film exsists.
 
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darkstrEam
8:30AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
No idea why I see Len Wiseman in the title and I automatically think it's a new Les Grossman thing. Probably finally losing my mental faculties. Woo.



Regardless, Total Recall doesn't need a remake. It's the perfect 80s action movie (despite being released in 1990) and still looks cool when you watch it now. I sincerely doubt current Hollywood will improve on the original, or come...
No idea why I see Len Wiseman in the title and I automatically think it's a new Les Grossman thing. Probably finally losing my mental faculties. Woo.



Regardless, Total Recall doesn't need a remake. It's the perfect 80s action movie (despite being released in 1990) and still looks cool when you watch it now. I sincerely doubt current Hollywood will improve on the original, or come close to it in terms of wonderfully gratuitous violence. People get shot and then trampled on for god's sake. Modern hollywood just doesn't get away with that shit. Leave it be.
 
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nerd85
8:04AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
no.
no.
 
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Derrida
7:11AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Another name for hack
Wiseman has no imagination whatsoever, he's utterly bland and his movies are derivative at best. He makes Ratner look good.
Wiseman has no imagination whatsoever, he's utterly bland and his movies are derivative at best. He makes Ratner look good.
 
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Doktor Decker
2:43AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Just plain Stupid! Another great last of its kind R-rated action movie to be remade and slapped with PG-13. I can see the utter complete filth now.

GET YOU HEINY TO MARS! GET YOU HEINY TO MARS!
Just plain Stupid! Another great last of its kind R-rated action movie to be remade and slapped with PG-13. I can see the utter complete filth now.

GET YOU HEINY TO MARS! GET YOU HEINY TO MARS!
 
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Joel_Kirk
11:59PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hmmm....
I'm actually opened to what Wiseman can do....



The original short story was definitely adapted to fit Schwarzenegger, so I wonder if Wiseman will remain closer to the story...



I remain neutral.
I'm actually opened to what Wiseman can do....



The original short story was definitely adapted to fit Schwarzenegger, so I wonder if Wiseman will remain closer to the story...



I remain neutral.
 
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BHak88
10:57PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Hey guys, at least we're not talking about Paul W.S Anderson or Uwe Boll here. He'll make it interesting to say the least. And if he has Arnold or Sharon do a cameo, I'll be happy. A bonus would be Robert Picardo returning as the Jhonny Cab, but I won't get my hopes up on that one.
Hey guys, at least we're not talking about Paul W.S Anderson or Uwe Boll here. He'll make it interesting to say the least. And if he has Arnold or Sharon do a cameo, I'll be happy. A bonus would be Robert Picardo returning as the Jhonny Cab, but I won't get my hopes up on that one.
 
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gunyu1
10:36PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
who's gonna replace arnie? this is bad idea......
who's gonna replace arnie? this is bad idea......
 
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Freeden
9:24PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Unlike everyone else who instantly jumps on the "hate for remakes" band wagon, I don't feel this is an entirely bad idea. Sure, you can't beat Arnold's performance, but the movie is outdated. It's total 80's cheese now and could stand for some glossing up and a more serious script with less jokes and one liners. I'm definately not with all these people against remakes. There are some movies out...
Unlike everyone else who instantly jumps on the "hate for remakes" band wagon, I don't feel this is an entirely bad idea. Sure, you can't beat Arnold's performance, but the movie is outdated. It's total 80's cheese now and could stand for some glossing up and a more serious script with less jokes and one liners. I'm definately not with all these people against remakes. There are some movies out there with great cores that could stand to be remade. This is one of those films. Of course, it has to be done right, so we'll see how that goes.
1 Reply
 
halflife
12:35AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Name 1 just 1 of these so called remakes during this crazy remake phase that have been done "right."
Name 1 just 1 of these so called remakes during this crazy remake phase that have been done "right."
 
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Kitty Green
8:49PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Dear Hollywood,



As an avid movie watcher, I don't really appreciate you trying to "fix" movies that aren't broken (as the saying goes). I'm sick and tired of seeing old favorites/classics being disgraced by your lame replications! Is it too much to ask that you follow Inception's example and do something original for a change? Thanks.

Sincerely, Me
Dear Hollywood,



As an avid movie watcher, I don't really appreciate you trying to "fix" movies that aren't broken (as the saying goes). I'm sick and tired of seeing old favorites/classics being disgraced by your lame replications! Is it too much to ask that you follow Inception's example and do something original for a change? Thanks.

Sincerely, Me
1 Reply
 
Captain Thorpe
8:16AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
You could argue that Inception is a rehash of Total Recall & Vanilla Sky (which in itself was a remake).
You could argue that Inception is a rehash of Total Recall & Vanilla Sky (which in itself was a remake).
 
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track100
8:24PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Kate Beckinsale's third boob is her husband
There is no way this guy is willing or capable of making a hard SF version of Total Recall that's true to the Philip K. Dick story, so what's the point?



BTY: You should check out the series that was on Showtime, if you haven't.
There is no way this guy is willing or capable of making a hard SF version of Total Recall that's true to the Philip K. Dick story, so what's the point?



BTY: You should check out the series that was on Showtime, if you haven't.
 
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Captain Thorpe
7:06PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
What a fucking joke. And it's only getting fast-tracked because some exec realised it's the same plot as Inception.
What a fucking joke. And it's only getting fast-tracked because some exec realised it's the same plot as Inception.
 
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MidnightAngel
7:02PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
It's official, Len Wiseman is the next Bret Ratner! No more remakes dammit!
It's official, Len Wiseman is the next Bret Ratner! No more remakes dammit!
 
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DougHeffernan
6:58PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
As long as its action packed, bloody, and rated R i could careless. Obviously no one has original ideas anymore so hopefully they can make this good.
As long as its action packed, bloody, and rated R i could careless. Obviously no one has original ideas anymore so hopefully they can make this good.
 
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HarkonnenAmongYou
6:57PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Um yeah......no thanks.



Paul Verhoeven & Arnold Schwarzenegger > Len Wiseman
Um yeah......no thanks.



Paul Verhoeven & Arnold Schwarzenegger > Len Wiseman
 
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The_Soloist
6:54PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is a remake that I would be down for. Wiseman is a good director and made two very good vampire movies and a solid Die Hard movie.
This is a remake that I would be down for. Wiseman is a good director and made two very good vampire movies and a solid Die Hard movie.
1 Reply
 
halflife
12:37AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
sorry, I think you made a mistake in your writing...I think you meant 2 mediocre vampire movies, and a shitty Die Hard movie that retarded the great trilogy before it. I fixed it for you.
sorry, I think you made a mistake in your writing...I think you meant 2 mediocre vampire movies, and a shitty Die Hard movie that retarded the great trilogy before it. I fixed it for you.
 
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sdx800
6:44PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
With the right mind and the perfect casting this could maybe pulled off, but you will never have what the original had, never!! this has to be violent and action packed. The original is an epic sci-fi classic so a new version has to feel the same way and adopt a fresh vision of originality, but i very much doubt it will be able to do that. some films you will never touch the original, this is...
With the right mind and the perfect casting this could maybe pulled off, but you will never have what the original had, never!! this has to be violent and action packed. The original is an epic sci-fi classic so a new version has to feel the same way and adopt a fresh vision of originality, but i very much doubt it will be able to do that. some films you will never touch the original, this is one!! so is predator!! so is robocop!!
 
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wolverinerpt
6:13PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Get your ass to Mars, get your...
...ass to Mars, Get your ass to Mars, Get your ass to Mars[link]
...ass to Mars, Get your ass to Mars, Get your ass to Mars[link]
 
+3
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wolverinerpt
6:10PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Stop bastardizing these fan boy classics
Jesus "Tap Dancin" Christ!!!! Now they're remaking Arnold movies (The King of Action in my opinion)....they'll probably cast Andy Dick in the lead....good grief!
Jesus "Tap Dancin" Christ!!!! Now they're remaking Arnold movies (The King of Action in my opinion)....they'll probably cast Andy Dick in the lead....good grief!
 
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threezy
5:58PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Boooooombb..
Boooooombb..
 
+4
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mjsandov
5:52PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Not Interested
Enough with the remakes!!! Total Recall isn't even that old or that bad to merit a remake
Enough with the remakes!!! Total Recall isn't even that old or that bad to merit a remake
 
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DaForce
5:31PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Seeing as how I've actually read the original Phillip K. Dick story, I can honestly say that the Ahnuld movie took very little from it. So if they actually stick to the original short story, it will be something different.
Seeing as how I've actually read the original Phillip K. Dick story, I can honestly say that the Ahnuld movie took very little from it. So if they actually stick to the original short story, it will be something different.
 
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Terminal_83
5:13PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This is the same stock statement with every damn director on every remake:



“[director] has an incredible love of the genre and a great gift for [insert genre]. [director] bring a contemporary feel to the film while taking care with everything we love about [source material].”



I never liked Total Recall anyway, but don't pretend this is about anything other than...
This is the same stock statement with every damn director on every remake:



“[director] has an incredible love of the genre and a great gift for [insert genre]. [director] bring a contemporary feel to the film while taking care with everything we love about [source material].”



I never liked Total Recall anyway, but don't pretend this is about anything other than money, please.
1 Reply
 
Nite Owl
8:22PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Then the movie sucks and the Director calls the fans losers that need a girlfriend like that guy that did Nightmare on Elm Street.
Then the movie sucks and the Director calls the fans losers that need a girlfriend like that guy that did Nightmare on Elm Street.
 
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emjoi
5:01PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The pitch...
"It's like Inception, but it's on *Mars*"
"It's like Inception, but it's on *Mars*"
1 Reply
 
Captain Thorpe
7:04PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Mate, that's exaclty what happened! Spot on.
Mate, that's exaclty what happened! Spot on.
 
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andris
4:49PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Pointless
I have read the original Phillip K. Dick story but the reason I like Totall Recall is not his writing,

it's the 1990 Schwarzenegger-film!
I have read the original Phillip K. Dick story but the reason I like Totall Recall is not his writing,

it's the 1990 Schwarzenegger-film!
 
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halflife
4:48PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
The original still holds up!
Why the fuck do we need to remake Total Recall? Seriously, there are no other ideas? Really?? Wisemen sucks. The Underworld movies were meh, borderline shitty (except for Beckinsale), and Live Free fucking failed, ruined John McClaine and the Die Hard franchise.



Do you clowns really think this will IMPROVE the original.....doubt it.
Why the fuck do we need to remake Total Recall? Seriously, there are no other ideas? Really?? Wisemen sucks. The Underworld movies were meh, borderline shitty (except for Beckinsale), and Live Free fucking failed, ruined John McClaine and the Die Hard franchise.



Do you clowns really think this will IMPROVE the original.....doubt it.
2 Replies
 
halflife
12:39AM on 07/30/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Failed as in SUCKED. If you base a movie on being good by box office, fine lets play this game. Twilight movies MUST be good then since they make money. Spiderman 3 was good, Xmen 3 was good, Xmen Origins was amazing because it made money, etc etc, should I keep going?
Failed as in SUCKED. If you base a movie on being good by box office, fine lets play this game. Twilight movies MUST be good then since they make money. Spiderman 3 was good, Xmen 3 was good, Xmen Origins was amazing because it made money, etc etc, should I keep going?
 
brewsky99
6:54PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
383million at the box office and Die Hard 5 being filmed next year it must of failed Badly.
383million at the box office and Die Hard 5 being filmed next year it must of failed Badly.
 
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fury159
4:45PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Why do hacks keep getting work?
Why do hacks keep getting work?
 
+2
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StryfeDeath
4:24PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Everyone....
GET TO DA CHOPPAH!
GET TO DA CHOPPAH!
 
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CJN
4:17PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Remake Arnold movies, thats the trend in Hollywood it seems; Predator, Conan and now this.



There are some of his movies that wrested with effects, the capacity to do amazing special effects weren't there in the 80s. So this could be cool if done right, wonder who will do Arnolds role though ..



With that said, this movie actually still deliver, just as Predator 1...
Remake Arnold movies, thats the trend in Hollywood it seems; Predator, Conan and now this.



There are some of his movies that wrested with effects, the capacity to do amazing special effects weren't there in the 80s. So this could be cool if done right, wonder who will do Arnolds role though ..



With that said, this movie actually still deliver, just as Predator 1 also does.
 
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DjG
4:13PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Stop the Remakes
...try being original for once. Or at least telling a story that hasn't been told on film yet.
...try being original for once. Or at least telling a story that hasn't been told on film yet.
 
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Jig Saw 123
3:54PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This will most likely turn out to be average at best.
I would much rather have someone that has made their impression in the sci-fi genre. Someone like Neill Blomkamp.
I would much rather have someone that has made their impression in the sci-fi genre. Someone like Neill Blomkamp.
 
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Can Ispeak To Ken
3:43PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
After seeing that "Faster" trailer, I think I would like The Rock dishing the pain in this remake. Get this man back to his action roots.
After seeing that "Faster" trailer, I think I would like The Rock dishing the pain in this remake. Get this man back to his action roots.
 
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tetsuo9181
3:32PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I hope this falls the way of the Robocop remake and gets trashed. These two Paul Verhoeven flicks are perfect, excessive, late 80's action gorefests. Leave them ALONE!!!!!
I hope this falls the way of the Robocop remake and gets trashed. These two Paul Verhoeven flicks are perfect, excessive, late 80's action gorefests. Leave them ALONE!!!!!
 
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barfly126
3:28PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Len
SHOW SOME RESPECT TO A MAN THAT HAS KATE BACKINSALE 'S PUSSY IN THE FACE EVERY NIGHT BASTARDS !!! lol
SHOW SOME RESPECT TO A MAN THAT HAS KATE BACKINSALE 'S PUSSY IN THE FACE EVERY NIGHT BASTARDS !!! lol
 
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barfly126
3:26PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Len
SHOW SOME RESPECT TO A MAN THAT HAS KATE BACKINSALE 'S PUSSY IN THE FACE EVERY NIGHT BASTARDS !!! lol
SHOW SOME RESPECT TO A MAN THAT HAS KATE BACKINSALE 'S PUSSY IN THE FACE EVERY NIGHT BASTARDS !!! lol
 
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Derek237
3:24PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I need to take a fantasy cyber vacation to an alternate reality where classic awesome movies never get remade and Len Wiseman works at a car wash.
I need to take a fantasy cyber vacation to an alternate reality where classic awesome movies never get remade and Len Wiseman works at a car wash.
 
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Noct
3:17PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Just another movie that I don't have to waste my money on. Hollywood really doesn't want my money and that's fine by me.



Notice how every time there's a remake it's always given to studio directors. Guys without vision or passion. They're good at what they do, they're just not great.
Just another movie that I don't have to waste my money on. Hollywood really doesn't want my money and that's fine by me.



Notice how every time there's a remake it's always given to studio directors. Guys without vision or passion. They're good at what they do, they're just not great.
 
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Beauski
3:15PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Not really interested but who knows could be good.
Not really interested but who knows could be good.
 
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razgriz21
3:14PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Fuck you Moritz, Columbia, and Wiseman.
Fuck you Moritz, Columbia, and Wiseman.
 
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brewsky99
3:14PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
my guess is that this will be more Bourne in Space than Arnold kicking butt.I love Total Recall but is open to a remake cause the source material differ's from that film.
my guess is that this will be more Bourne in Space than Arnold kicking butt.I love Total Recall but is open to a remake cause the source material differ's from that film.
 
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Housecoat man
3:09PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Why!?!?!
Total Recall is a perfect sci fi action flick. It really doesn't need to be revisited. Why? Because there's these things called DVD's that allow you to revisit the film whenever you want.



Also Wiseman may be good with action but there is something really lacking from his flicks. Live free or Die Hard had some nice scenes but it didn't feel like a Die Hard film.
Total Recall is a perfect sci fi action flick. It really doesn't need to be revisited. Why? Because there's these things called DVD's that allow you to revisit the film whenever you want.



Also Wiseman may be good with action but there is something really lacking from his flicks. Live free or Die Hard had some nice scenes but it didn't feel like a Die Hard film.
 
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creampuffkiller
3:08PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I like Total Recall a lot so if it has to be remade I'm ok with Wiesman directing. He has a great eye and created Underworld so I believe the talent is there. "See you at da pahty Richter!"
I like Total Recall a lot so if it has to be remade I'm ok with Wiesman directing. He has a great eye and created Underworld so I believe the talent is there. "See you at da pahty Richter!"
 
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Fenrir
3:06PM on 07/29/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Great. After Die Hard, Mr Wiseman will pussify Total Recall. Where is Paul Verhoeven when you need him?
Great. After Die Hard, Mr Wiseman will pussify Total Recall. Where is Paul Verhoeven when you need him?
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