Robocop (1987) Movie Review

Of all the science fiction films to be released in the 80s, Robocop stands as one of the most treasured and well remembered, in addition to being one of Paul Verhoeven’s best films. Now with the remake coming out this year, it’s fitting to look back at the original.

Robocop is set in the not-too-distant future in Detroit, where crime has all but consumed the city and the police forces, led by the OCP (Omni-Consumer Products) struggle to get a handle on the madness. From this setting we’re introduced to Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), a police officer who is sadistically executed by the ruthless Clarence Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith) in the line of duty. His remains are transformed into the cyborg law enforcer named Robocop who sets about cleaning up the streets and eventually unraveling the truth about OCP and who he once was. It’s a simple and straightforward plot but like many Verhoeven films it goes much further than that; the film explores (and satirizes) many themes including artificial intelligence, the relationship between media, law and society as well as human nature in relation to life, death and business. There’s a good mix of action and mild comedy but then you have scenes that are surprisingly heartfelt, such as when Robocop experiences flash backs to the life he once had. This scene along with the titular character’s ‘’prime directives’’ gives the film the feel of a superhero flick at times; Robocop even has his own theme song when he’s sent out on the beat. The plot also moves along at a solid rate, never stopping for too long and is always ready to throw another memorable scene at you. The only issue I had with the plot was that the climax wasn’t really a climax at all, just a routine shooting gallery that Robocop easily breezes through.

Robocop keeps it strong and simple when it comes to characterization. Peter Weller is capably versatile as both Alex Murphy and Robocop; in fact, the greatest strength of the cast is the way they bring a sense of duality most of the roles. Officer Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen) is Robocop’s closest ally, holding the most sympathy for him but she’s also a tough, no nonsense member of the force who is more than able to hold her own. Dick Jones (Ronny Cox); the senior president of the OCP is bent on cleaning up crime in Detroit but at the same time is willing to tread on anyone in his way to reach the top. Likewise Bob Morton (Miguel Ferrer) is more ethical when it comes to law enforcement but he also seeks to control Robocop at all times, seeing him as a product rather than a human being brought back from the dead. But by far the best of them all is Kurtwood Smith as Clarence Boddicker, one of the best human villains ever made; the man is filled with so much evil and cruelty that you’ll be cheering when he at last gets his due. Although there are some characters that are underplayed such as the disgruntled Sergeant Reed (Robert DoQui), the cast of Robocop nonetheless delivers where it counts with thoroughly well-rounded characters.

The practical effects used in Robocop are varied, interesting and often very well done. The suit designs by Rob Bottin are highly detailed showing off the punishment Robocop goes through while also putting across an imposing image for the law enforcer. The gore is often horrifically gruesome and over the top, fitting into the brutality of crime in Detroit while also staying true to Verhoeven’s style. Even the stop-motion effect on ED-209 works well because it distinguishes itself from all the modern films filled with CGI; this robot is real and was made to perform in front of the camera. The action scenes are frequently thrilling, thanks to some superb editing. The scene where Robocop breaks into a cocaine factory to take on an entire criminal cartel is filled with quick cuts between each of the gang members and more wide views to get a feel for the carnage going on. The futuristic setting portrayed is also very interesting in the way it creatively fiddles with the idea American consumerism and the decaying of the old in the transition to new ideals. The presentation of Robocop, like many other aspects of the film proves that it can still stand up today.

RoboCop was one of the best movies of the eighties but it really shouldn’t be confined to that time period; it continues to be cherished as a science fiction cult classic and having inspired many other works of fiction of film and video games it’s as timeless as ever.

Rating: 4/5 Stars