Total Recall 2070: Machine Dreams (1999)

Stick with it . . .

Whilst I am a huge fan of Michael Easton to be honest the opening episodes of htis show aren't the greatest. The plot is confusing, the gritty backdrop is undermined by total lack of explanation or history, and the writing at times downright shoddy. Nevertheless the actors do well with what they're given and it does rate well on the originality stakes. It's worth sticking with this show for it does improve vastly, promising to be one of the better arc series of the past few years - that is, before it was cancelled. October 30, 2000

A weak start for a strong series

The movies Total Recall and Blade Runner were both loosely based on the works of Philip K. Dick, though Blade Runner came closer to the feel of Dick's world. TR2070 borrows elements of both Total Recall and Blade Runner, and throws in elements from cop shows, film noir, The X-Files, and more, ultimately becoming a compelling TV drama that ended prematurely. Unfortunately, the series premiere only hints at what's to come later. Instead, it apes Blade Runner too closely for comfort. Worth seeing? Certainly; despite some obvious visual influences, it has a look of its own, and the beginning of some good characterizations. And if the video release is successful enough to be followed by releases of the episodes on video, so much the better. September 19, 2000

Outstanding science fiction

This is one of the best works of science fiction I have seen in a long time. The set is masterful and is reiminiscent of the setting from Blade Runner. The handsome Micheal Easton plays a tough, street-smart detective with a gentle streak for his beautiful wife. His partner, Farve is an android who is the perfect counterpoint for Easton's no-nonsense character. The storyline is thought-provoking yet still maintains an action-packed, entertaining quality. Overall, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves cerebral science fiction. March 3, 2000

Too much Blade Runner

This movie has so many similarities with Blade Runner that it should be renamed "Blade Runner 2070".

Many scenes are carbon-copies of Blade Runner, and if you look hard enough you can even find some characters of Blade Runner too.

I cannot say I did not like the movie at all, but they could have done a much better job if they have used more elements of the original movie Total Recall that left some interesting questions open for a sequel. March 1, 2000

Sci-fi grows up

First episode in the Total Recall 2070 series. Extraordinarily well planned and executed, this intelligent and, yes, "cerebral" (where have I heard that before?) adult sci-fi series was badly mishandled in terms of its publicity campaign, which emphasized its spectacular sets and spfx. This is no Swartzenegger car-crash-and-gun-battle piece of fluff. The "look" is panaramic, as reminiscent of "Dark City" as it is "Blade Runner"; the actors are polished and capable; the story is as dark and moody as the sets; the themes are complex. Action takes a back-seat to character development. Hume and Farve are a much darker, even more complex set of partners than Sykes and Francisco. Is the charming Farve Hume's loyal partner, or his worst enemy? How did he end up at the CPB? "Stay tuned and find out." A sub-plot begun with this episode would be continued throughout the next 20 episodes of the tv series. Slow and tricky to "get into", TR2070 pays off big-time. It is definately worth the time investment. February 24, 2000

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