*Note* I meant to post this review a month ago, hence the first paragraph. Yeah, I’m that lazy. End Note*
Now I know there is a new movie out there called RoboCop and the general consensus seems to be that it’s okay. I’m not one to immediately drive to my nearest theater and watch new movies, instead, I like to sit back and bask in the glory days of cinema, hence my reasoning behind watching the always classic RoboCop, from the good ol’ days of the 80s. I could probably just go ahead and stop this “review”, but why don’t we talk a little bit about what makes Paul Verhoeven’s bloody movie, about a part man, part robot, all cop, such a blast to sit through.
Release: July 17th, 1987
Short nitty-gritty plot description from IMDb is as follows: In a dystopic and crime-ridden Detroit, a terminally wounded cop returns to the force as a powerful cyborg haunted by submerged memories.
Tatlock’s Quick ‘n Dirty Recap: Police Officer Alex Murphy, played by Peter Weller, get’s blown to bloody bits in a gory scene that is sure to stick with you forever. On death’s door, Omni Consumer Products (OCP), who practically own the entire police department, turn Murphy’s remains into a force to be reckoned with, known as RoboCop. However, all plans to wipe Murphy’s memory don’t quite succeed and thanks to his former partner, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen), RoboCop starts to remember his past and who put him in this situation in the first place. RoboCop decides to go on a personal vendetta, which leads to revealing higher ups in OCP, as having more than just a hand in helping the criminal organizations.
Tatlock’s Opinion: RoboCop is a classic through and through. Pop in it tonight and besides a little wonky stop motion animation (still better than CGI in my useless opinion), you’ll completely forget it’s a movie from the 80s. It’s as good now, as it was back then. The idea of a remake seems nonsensical when you think about it, especially a PG-13 one. Paul Verhoeven has always been known for his violence (Total Recall, Starship Troopers) and his always present satirical take on society and consumerism, something I feel the remake is probably missing and putting out a movie that PG-13 is certainly going to be missing that something special feeling. (Correct me if I’m wrong in the comments section below, as I haven’t seen it yet.)
However, RoboCop isn’t all blood, guts and humor. No, it’s also a tale of a man who has lost everything he loves and has to come to terms with the fact his life will never be the same. It’s a sad story and one that has you feeling for the sad soul behind the metal. Peter Weller does a fantastic job as both the short lived Alex Murphy and the immortal RoboCop. His mannerisms when he dons the suit is perfectly cybernetic, going along with his slightly robotic voice. No one and I mean no one could portray RoboCop any better and trust me, they’ve tried.
The movie isn’t all just Peter Weller though, as we have several other contenders in line, with Kurtwood Smith as Clarence Boddicker, the evil crime boss, who doesn’t mind blasting away a few cops if they get in the way. Smith plays the cocky killer with some true style. You also can’t forget about the slimy dick known as Dick Jones (Ronny Cox), VP of OCP, the man who seems to be running everything behind the scenes, even if his ED-209 project always seems to be backfiring at the wrong moment.
Verdict: I’m going to give RoboCop a perfect 5 out of 5 based solely on the fact that this movie is magnificent and holds up to this very day. The music is memorable, the gore is unforgettable and the performances highly recommendable. If you happen to be someone who hasn’t seen RoboCop, then by all means stop reading this review and watch it right now and see if you don’t agree with me. If you for some bizarre reason don’t agree with this beautifully written review, then please comment below and tell me why, so I can chastise you on the internet for an eternity.
Rating:
