Robocop (2014)

Let’s face it.  Remakes are going to be part of our lives.  Organisations have rights to the movies and they are bound to maximize the opportunity.  After all, the fact that a movie is being remade is proof that it was good in the first place.  I for one, have been a huge fan of remakes.  The secret, I have found, albeit a very difficult one, is to try and purge your mind of any memories of the original.

In this case, it was easy because my limited knowledge of downloads prevented me from watching the 1987 blockbuster that starred Peter Weller, Nancy Allen and was directed by Dutchman Paul Verhoeven (Total Recall, Starship Troopers, Basic Instinct).  youtube was also not kind enough because they had some TV versions but not THE one I was looking for.

Building up to the preview show earlier this week, I was subjected to several, “10 reasons why Robocop original is better than the sequel” write ups - each one giving their own perspective.  I am going to try and give you some points on why I believed that the new one was as good, if not better.

First of all, Joshua Zetumer (Screenplay) and José Padilha (director) have rightfully paid more attention to the build-up into RoboCop.  There is a distinct change in pace of narration with Padilha choosing the go the slow way – like the lull before the storm.  There is an effort to build Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) as a family man, close to his wife Clara (Abbie Cornish) and son David (John Paul Ruttan).

Padilha also clearly shows how Murphy is an upright cop, willing to go beyond the line of duty to bring gun runners like Antoine Vallon (Patrick Garrow) to justice.  Also shown, is his remorse for his partner Jack Lewis (Michael K Williams) taking a bullet.  Most aspects that are required for the RoboCop Programme of OmniCorp are clearly shown as being fulfilled.  For that, Padilha deserves a compliment.

The new Robocop is far leaner and meaner as compared to the original one.  Another aspect that drew a lot of flack from the traditional fans.  To them I say, “Grow Up”!!! It is 2014!!! Bulky and Beefy are out.  Muscular but Lean is totally in.  The new black costume with the Red line through the helmet is simply stunning!!! It has to be a rage amongst the younger lot of today.

Another plus comes from casting correctly.  Michael Keaton as the semi-evil (because there is a lot of grey but the intent is not really ill placed) head of Omni Corp, Raymod Sellars is an absolute hit.  Ditto for Gary Oldman as Dr. Dennett Norton – the man who gets RoboCop to life.  Of course, one Samuel L Jackson as presenter Pat Novak provides a good bit of entertainment but I am not sure whether he was absolutely necessary.

There is one aspect that continues to bother me though.  The transition of RoboCop from part man part machine to only machine was understood and clarified.  But the transition back to root state was totally overlooked.  Considering that it was integral to the plot, I would have hoped to see some indication of why it happened.  Also, the random use of machine gun fire ala Terminator and Predator could have been improved upon.

Overall, RoboCop is reasonably entertaining.  It could have been much better – like most movies can.  I would give it a 6.5 on 10 for an effort that is in with the times.  The special effects would be best seen on the big screen.  Give this a shot.  I know it is Valentine’s weekend and you would want something soppier but what the heck – Action geeks go for it!!!

Watch the trailer on http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2351343641/?ref_=tt_ov_vi