Robocop (2014)

Robocop (2014)

6/10

Starring

Joel Kinnaman

Gary Oldman

Michael Keaton

Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by José Padilha

Robocop (2014)—I’ve finally seen the PG version of what’s likely the first in a series of Robocop reboots. The truth is, the movie is okay. It adds more depth to Alex Murphy’s life, something the original lacked, but that doesn’t help it top the original. In the end, I felt the movie was decent but too long, with too much unnecessary drama. It tried to outdo the original (and failed) instead of carving out its own identity. I think it would’ve done better with a shorter runtime and a tougher villain.

The plot goes like this: Alex Murphy is nearly killed by a gang he’s trying to take down. In critical condition, his wife agrees to let him be experimented on, turning him into a cyborg—a police officer cyborg who’s practically unstoppable.

Another thing that didn’t sit well with me was the E-209. In the first Robocop, they were so lethal that he had to flee from one. Here, he takes them on head-to-head. I’ll let you see that for yourself.

There are some significant changes in this reboot. For example, Lewis is now African-American and male, unlike the 1987 version where Lewis was a white female. In the original, Murphy and Lewis were partners for a short time before Murphy was brutally murdered. Here, they’ve been partners for a long time, and Murphy isn’t killed in a gunfight but by a car bomb.

I think the most significant change is the role of Murphy’s wife. In the original, she was just a memory, but here she plays a key role in the creation of Robocop and the outcome of events.

The big question on everyone’s mind is: Is this movie as good as the 1987 version?
The answer is… NO!!!

It’s good on its own terms, but the original’s R-rating made it more engaging and overall more interesting. This movie, on the other hand, delivers strong performances from its cast. It also changes the motives of some characters. In the old Robocop movies, everyone was in it for themselves. Here, the “naughty professor” who creates Robocop actually has a heart. He wants the best for his creation and is willing to risk his life to ensure Alex/Robocop isn’t destroyed.

Another comparison: Is the new Murphy better than the old Murphy?
NO!!!
Peter Weller was a one-of-a-kind Robocop, and Joel Kinnaman has a lot to do to make old-school fans like me forget about Weller.

The new suit, though, is off the chain, and this Robocop uses a bike instead of the iconic car from the original. The story remains largely the same, and the classic line, “Dead or alive, you’re coming with me,” makes an appearance.

The idea behind this reboot was likely to launch a new series of sequels, but I wonder if the underwhelming box-office performance and mixed reviews will put those plans on hold.