The original 1987 Robocop became a cult hit; the movie was hailed for its graphic violence and tongue in cheek dialogue. Robocop was the reason that everybody roaming the earth in the late 80’s wanted to be a crime fighting, steel reinforced robot. Even Steven Seagull was jealous of how bad-ass Robocop was-Although he will never admit it.
If you have seen the original movie, you would be inclined to label the idea of remaking Robocop infuriating, impossible but sadly inevitable. However, I’ve got some good news for you…While it is not nearly as gory or funny as the original, the PG-13 reboot of Robocop continues its bold socio-political commentary, addressing new issues the United States of Amerika (‘Murika for short) will surely struggle with in the not too distant future. The remake has less to say than the original and, which is a bit of a bummer…It’s not as funny. It is however far (and I mean country-mile far) better than Robocop 3, but I am sure you know that anything would be better than Robocop 3.
The basic premise of the film remains the same but the makers of the new Robocop gave themselves some freedom by adding major characters like the inherently good, but conflicted chief scientist heading up the RoboCop project (played by Gary Oldman) and Murphy’s wife (played by Abbie Cornish) who spends the entire movie in tatters. The new suit is mind blowing, much more moveable (and believe it or not he can actually run).
There are a lot of other ways the new RoboCop differs from the original, incl the fact that Murphy never has his memory erased. The rebellious humor and social commentary that featured in the original Robocop is sorely missed. Fans of the original will find a lot to like about 2014’s Robocop, which pays homage to the original while making enough changes so it feels like it was worth making.
Shoot first and ask questions never.