Directed by:
Paul VerhoevenCinematography:
Jost VacanoComposer:
Basil PoledourisCast:
Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Ronny Cox, Kurtwood Smith, Miguel Ferrer, Robert DoQui, Ray Wise, Felton Perry, Paul McCrane, Calvin Jung (more)VOD (5)
Plots(1)
When an honest cop (Peter Weller) is killed in the line of duty, the embattled Detroit Police Department of the future brings him back to life as RoboCop, the latest in cyborg technology. Programmed to be the ultimate law enforcer, RoboCop's not supposed to remember his human past - but memories of life, love and family are flooding in, blurring the line between man and machine, even as RoboCop sweeps the streets of "scum." (Showtime)
(more)Videos (2)
Reviews (8)
RoboCop is exemplary primarily in its exceptionally well-executed genre colouring. Few succeed in implementing the darkness of the environment and, above all, the emphasis on blood and brutality in high-tech sci-fi as effectively. Cameron partially achieved that in the Terminator series, and Verhoeven precisely accomplishes it here. Technically skillful, decently acted – the villains in quality supporting roles and the atmosphere are top-notch. But what you appreciate the most is the director, his signature can be seen in every one of his films. This applies one hundred percent to RoboCop.
()
In Verhoeven’s hands, a B-movie premise turned into a not entirely B-movie result, with some satire popping up here and there, but I still can’t decide whether I liked RoboCop or not. I think it could be done a lot better and smarter. I would love to see that remake from Aronofsky that people were talking about at some point.
()
Another sci-fi classic from the 80s. It may be far behind Cameron's Terminator, but Verhoeven shows his flair for the genre introducing a new iconic action hero to the world. In some moments, of course, it's clear that this film is no longer one of the youngest, but the imaginative and typically Verhoeven gory action scenes make up for it. The future is portrayed quite soberly, without flying cars or buildings, which the visual effects crew probably didn't feel like doing anyway. Instead, we see grim streets filled with violence, burglary and rape, the resolution of which is a routine and relaxed affair for RoboCop, much like going number two is for us. This film won't captivate or surprise, but it will always entertain. 75%
()
Cleverly humorous, 80s-style simple, one-sided in tone, markedly satirical, and excessively over-the-top in Paul Verhoeven fashion. And yet, despite all that, it is somehow irresistible. The idea of an almost unbeatable police officer, whom the viewer will passionately support, is surprisingly well-executed, aided most by Peter Weller's perfectly grim expression and the brilliantly straightforward heroic musical theme. And it is exactly the exaggerated social satire that gives all the action a slightly higher dimension.
()
Admittedly, I would have preferred to see this in the hands of James Cameron, but then RoboCop would have lost its unique atmosphere that only this Dutch pervert can evoke. The plot fills the traditional B-movie template of the 1980s, but Verhoeven's sense of characters, relationships, healthy (almost comic book) exaggeration, and brisk pacing elevate this film fully into the A category. Even though the special effects have aged, viewers don't have to hide their smiles indulgently at the crucial moments (the action, the atmosphere), but instead still fully enjoy this unique spectacle.
()
Gallery (118)
Photo © Orion Pictures Corporation
![RoboCop - Photos](http://image.pmgstatic.com/cache/resized/w663/files/images/film/photos/159/717/159717161_4b6318.jpg)
Ads