"Total Recall" is a real winner as it features some thrilling Sci-Fi concepts, amazing action and very cool effects from Rob Bottin. Bottin is responsible for many effects wonders over the years including those in "The Thing", "Robocop", "The Howling" and "Legend". There are many memorable effects moments here like when Quaid's (Schwarzenegger) fat woman disguise goes haywire, Quaid pulling a tracking device from his nose and of course the mutant Kuoto. Who can watch this movie and forget the images of Quaid, Melina and Cohaggen choking, gagging and bulging in the toxic Martian atmosphere.

The story itself has been described as complicated but actually, it's relatively simple. It truly doesn't matter if Quaid is dreaming all of the events or not. If the viewer simply enjoys the twists and turns, it is an extremely fun ride.

Verhoeven creates some exciting images. His Martian landscapes and grungy Martian slums are a sight to behold. And this movie is violent. I don't know that it is as violent as a couple of other Verhoeven showcases, "Robocop" and "Starship Troopers", but it's brutal with numerous head shots, dismemberings and copious bloodshed.

Schwarzenegger does a better job acting at this point in his career than he ever had before. His trademark quips are present but despite that I was impressed with his crazed resistance while strapped into the memory chair at Rekall. He truly portrays it as a painful experience. The other performance I like was that of Sharon Stone. She is beautiful and sultry as the "wife" of Quaid. She was also one tough customer, battling, in fact, beating up Quaid on occasion.

If you're looking for a violent, Sci-Fi thriller that's a ton of fun, "Total Recall" is probably going to be just the ticket.