Robocop

Rating:
Summary: Robocop, the way it was meant to be seen
Review: Another fine edition to the Criterion Collection, director Paul Verhoeven's 1987 "Robocop" functions on many different levels, not only as a very entertaining science fiction movie, but also as a piece of social satire. Verhoeven and screenwriters Michael Miner and Edward Neumeier surely had the ability to see into the future, as the world they envisioned has, in many ways, come true.

Old Detroit, the near future. The city is terrorized by a gang of thugs, headed by Clarence Boddicer ("That 70's Show" Kurtwood Smith) and his men. The city has decided to turn over the operation of the police department to the OCP corporation.

Enter cop Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), freshly transferred to the Old Detroit police department. Partnered with Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen), Murphy and Lewis hit the streets.

An encounter with Boddicer and his boys leaves Murphy, well, dead. Enter smarmy OCP executive Bob Morton (Miguel Ferrer), who has been developing a program to create a cyborg cop. Murphy becomes his guinea pig and "Robocop" is born.

Much of the social satire and humor Verhoeven interjects into the movies comes in the form of in-movie television broadcasts, the sort of which are common now, on CNN, MSNBC and the like. Smiling reporters dish out daily doses of sex and violence to the masses.

The story is essentially the robot Murphy's regaining of his humanity. His creators erase his memory, or so they think, until Murphy begins to experience flashbacks from his former life, including memories of his death, which leads him on a search to avenge his death. His search takes him back to OCP as he confronts the man who was responsible for his death.

As submitted to the MPAA, "Robocop" was going to be awarded with the dreaded "X" rating for violence. The Criterion Collection release of "Robocop" restores Verhoeven's original vision, which is a few seconds here and there of blood and gore. While the film is indeed violent, the bloodshed is certainly tame by today's standards -- Verhoeven's "Starship Troopers," released in 1997, is much bloodier and violent than "Robocop" and it received an "R" rating.

The transfer, while non-anamorphic, is still very good; the film is presented in 1.85:1 widescreen. There are two audio tracks, a Dolby Digital 2.0 track and commentary track. The commentary is lifted from the laserdisc edition of "Robocop," and is an entertaining discussion with Verhoeven, his writers, and others involved in the production.

Until "Robocop" gets the special edition DVD treatment, this Criterion version is worth hunting down. "I'd buy that for a dollar!"

Rating:
Summary: Verhoven Rules!
Review: This is the work that introduced most of America to Paul Verhoven. "Flesh and Blood" may have had some sucess but if you quized the average movie watcher, if they've seen the film, they probably don't associate it with Verhoven. Although not for the kids or the easily squeemish, this is a fun movie.

Here, in all it's glory, is the nearly subversive foreigner's view of America. Verhoven's futuristic America is a nation with a tolerance for incredible levels of violence (not at all unlike modern American society.) His American future is ironically set in Detroit, a city that many American's imagine as an urban war-zone already. This future Detroit is also largely a police state that accepts brutal police violence as a part of society. Watching this movie is a glimpse inside the absurdity of American military, gun-laws, drug-culture and popular culture as seen by many Europeans. Not only is the film fine sci-fi adventure but it's also excellent satire.

Basically, the plot is simple. A good Detroit cop (Murphy, played by Paul Weller) is killed (in particularly brutal fashion) on the job right about the same time that OCP, a mega-corporation, is taking over management of the Detroit police force. OCP uses what's left of Murphy's body to create a super "Robocop." The iteresting point is that this cops' weaponry and targeting systems aren't even romotely designed for stopping crime, they're all about killing the perpetrators. This would resonate entirely to well as a Fascist concept in Europe but in America, land of Texas executions and future home to Rodney King beatings, this is acceptable. At the same time as OCP is becoming responsible for law-enforcement one of it's chief executives is using his postition within OCP to consolidate his power in local organized crime.

Verhoven goes after a lot of targets in American culture here. The cut-throat (or in this case blown-up while partying with prostitutes) corporate culture of OCP takes a few hits. Consumerism takes it's lumps. ("I'd buy that for a dollar.") The occasional news reports interspersed throughout the film are particularly funny. He even touches on the global concern of machinery taking over many of the functions of skilled human workers.

None of the satire is very subtile but it's all very effective. Add in some of the most inspired cinematic violence and special effects gore (The guy getting sloshed over the windshield is inspired filmmaking) and this a hugely enjoyable film. But one of the sub-plots is very telling in that while all of the violence is going on around him, Murphy/Robocop is searching to find some link to humanity and his former self.

Some other Verhoven films that also take a crack at American values are "Starship Toopers" (Not a film I would necessarily recommend but it's hard not to be amused by "Doogie Howser" running around in his little Nazi uniform) and "Total Recall" (Elected government has been replaced by Corporate state.) Then there's the so amazingly bad it's actually enjoyable "Showgirls." I have a lot of respect for Verhoven in that, for "Showgirls," he is the only director ever to show up for and give an acceptance speech at the "Razzie Awards," held every year a week before the Oscars in order to honor the worst films of the year.

Rating:
Summary: A good but violent film.
Review: This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD release of the film.

The plot is original for the time also.

After being killed, a police officer is brought back to life as a robot with superhuman strength.

This film is an interesting look at human memory and emotions as well as the idea on law enforcement of the future. The film is the unrated director's cut and includes violent scenes which were cut to avoid an MPAA X-rating. Though compared to the violence in today's films, it is not that graphic.

It is also an interesting look at large corporations and their potential to become corrupt, a bit ahead of its time but now apparent with the many reports in the news nowadays.

The death of officer Murphy and his 'rebirth' as a robot have been compared to the crucifixion and ressurrection of Jesus, by director Paul Verhoeven. He stated that he wanted the death scene to be as graphic as possible so the audience would have sympathy for him and not just think of him as a robot after his 'rebirth'
The scene where he discovers his old home, abandned by his widow and children is also touching and really is well written.

The DVD has excellent audio commentary by the director other crew. It also has storyboard/film comparisons. it has the teaser and theatcical trailers and an interactive essay that was origianlly in a film magazine.

This DVd remains out of print and is worth the $50 dollars it currently sells at for those who are fan of the movie.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: Robocop is not to be taken too seriously. I have read a good number of the online reviews and have to object to the majority of posts that claim the Criterion Collection is not worth it.

There are essentially two scenes of extra footage which includes extra carnage (the only two scenes of bonus material). ED209 implants about twenty more rounds of gunfire into Kenny's body during it's initial demonstration and Murphy's original death scene is even more graphic, but at least coherent, in this version.

If you watch the original release, after Weller is shot the first time, they cut to a full shot where his arm is missing. I'm not necessarily saying that this is great because we actually see him lose the arm, but this is the way Verhoeven intended the film to be, so pay the extra $5 and get it.

The picture quality and sound are fantastic. The special features include a storyboard to film comparison which is a feature I would love to see more DVD releases include. Most importantly, there is an audio commentary by Paul Verhoeven himself, which makes it worth the purchase right there.

Rating:
Summary: Extra Violence Ain't No Biggie
Review: This DVD showcases the original cut of ROBOCOP, the one that had a couple o' really fun scenes of tasty mayhem that got the MPAA worked up, threatening the film's wider demographic possibilities with an 'X' rating. As a result, parts of these precious moments were cut for the theatrical release. But, the moviegoing public being the curious folks they are, Criterion saw a good thing when it decided to release the original cut on DVD. And, as usual, they put out a pretty good presentation. Trailers, articles on the production of the flick, a running commentary track and storyboards of unfilmed sequences are among the extras as well as the restored controversial footage. There's no shortage of stuff to keep the average action/sci-fi film buff occupied for a while... well, besides actually watching the movie, that is!

Actually, I don't consider the extra several seconds of visceral imagery to be that big a deal. Murphy's arm gets blown off some more, and that unfortunate exec gets filled with even MORE lead from the ED-209. Compared to the over-the-top ultraviolence of subsequent Verhoeven-directed fare as 'Total Recall' and 'Starship Troopers', these scene extensions are practically feel-good family viewing. Besides, I find 'The Amazing Disintegrating Toxic Man' sequence & 'Robo opening an artery' to be the film's most disturbingly memorable moments.

Speaking of the director, I do find it a hoot listening to the commentary track, featuring Verhoeven and wo-writer Ed Neumeier. I especially love the part where, when they come to the slaying of Murphy, they relate it to the death and resurrection of Christ. In the words of the Benny Hill of the RoboCop world, I'd buy THAT for a dollar! It's also revealed that a lot of the location filming was actually done in *GASP* Dallas, rather than Detroit! Of course, if you've never been to either city, it's not like there's that much of a diff anyway...

In conclusion: if you're planning to view this cut of RoboCop to be startled and disturbed by the extra gory cutting-room bits, you'll likely be in for a bit of a disappointment. However, if you're looking for a futuristic shoot-em-up actioner that's both fun and kinda scary, this bad-boy's worth at least a rent!

'Late

Rating:
Summary: Rent the first movie now!!
Review: Absolutely incredible! I liked peter weller as Robocop,mainly because his voice was a little quiet,wich I admire. I just love watching Robocop cream all the gang members and I never get bored of it,and the toxic waste guy.a perfect idea for the movie! I was home alone just flipping around the channels and I found the word robocop on the screen.I went ahead and checked it out,I had heard people say how violent it was and im only 13(so I was prepared..) I dropped in when the cops are first chaseing after the gang,and when they got to the gangs hide out where murphys hand like explodes from a little pistol,AS IF.Although it was still wheerdly entertaining,still I was suprised at how good it the movie was.one of the best of the 80's,rent the movie you will like it,I sware.

Rating:
Summary: Classic from the '80s
Review: Starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen. Directed by Paul Verhoeven. 1987. Rated R (for violence, nudity and language.)

The man has such a fragile body. And it can be ripped apart, very easily, brutally and grotesquely. And when it comes to man showing us how brutal man can be injured, Paul Verhoeven is as good as they come.

Paul Verhoeven shows us what bullets can do to the body. But that's not all he can deliver in his worlds. Robocop is one of my favorite movies ever. It's incredibly funny with it's often black humor and action-packed...and don't forget about the strong and classical sci-fi elements. Then again, the humor and action and all the other elements of the film all meet classical depths. It's been called one of the best action films of all time, for example. Another example is that some may call it the best sci-fi film of all time.

Robocop of course starts off with hilarious aspects and such, and then a few minutes pass, and we get to one of the most disturbing parts in movie history, as far as I'm concerned. Murphy's death. The villains in this movie deserve to be called, some of the most brutal and cold-blooded in cinematic history. They are indeed very evil individuals.

After we've seen the film, we look back on it. We met un-predictable moments, disturbing moments, hilarious moments, and poignant moments.

It's one of the best 'revenge' movies ever made in my mind, from what I've seen. And if I've seen everything than it's probably still one of the best 'revenge' flicks ever made.

I saw this flick when I was 4 years old with my fellow-4 year old brother and our father. And I was captivated by seeing Robo kick butt then...I still do...and always will.

Rating:
Summary: A Sci-Fi Classic
Review: Back in 1987 RoboCop was the sleeper hit of the summer. I had read a little about the film prior to its release, but after I saw the trailer, I knew it was gonna be awesome. I saw the sneak preview a week belore the film's actual release, I was simply floored. I saw it 4 or 5 times during it's release. In the sneak preview I saw, the cut footage was still intact.

Peter Weller is terrific as the ill-fated cop who is brought back to life as the virtually indestructable cyborg. Nancy Allen plays his partner who helps him rediscover his old identity. Kurtwood Smith is a real stand-out as the nerdy looking yet appaulingly sadistic cop killer Clarence Boddicker. Ronny Cox and Miguel Ferrer are terrific as the corporate suits that battle over Robocop.

The story is filled with violence and a biting sense of humor. Writers Ed Neumeier and Michael Minor create both a super and tragic hero. Both a live action Comic Book film and a contemporary satire. Dutch director Paul Verhoeven made his American film debut here and pulled no punches. Rob Bottin's RoboCop suit and makeup work is first rate and highly unique. Basil Poledouris's highly charged music score is terrific.

There are two DVD releases, a standard widescreen release and the Criterion Collection. The later one has some very nice extra features. While both are widescreen, neither are anamorphic editions, I imagine one will be released sometime in the future. Despite this overlooked feature. RoboCop is must have for Sci-Fi/Action film fans. Definately NOT a film for the kids.

Rating:
Summary: Great movie....And Great DVD!
Review: Robocop is deff. one of the most underated sci-fi movies out there. Being under the shadow of terminator it never got the respect it derserved. The criterion dvd is also amazing, robocop fans like myslef finally get to see the directors cut. The extra violent shots taken are out are pretty interesting and the commentary is also very good. This verison is currently out of print, but if you can get your hands on it, its worth every penny. It is rumored that MGM studios is re-releasing a robocop special edition, but I can assure robocop fans that it will not have the unrated director's cut, or commentary. In other words stick with the criterion version, Thier line of dvd's are amazing, and well worth the extra money.

Rating:
Summary: Go get 'em, Robo!
Review: Before director Paul Verhoeven gave us the ultra gory and special effects laden "Starship Troopers" in the 1990s, he lensed the gritty 1987 movie "Robocop." Verhoeven, of course, never limited himself to producing science fiction gorefests; he also made the controversial "Basic Instinct" and, more importantly, carries most of the blame for "Showgirls." The latter film would have permanently ended a lesser director's career, but not Verhoeven. He's still gamely making interesting pictures. "Robocop" may have been his first real success story; fans love the first film, many critics adored it when it came out, and no less of a company than Criterion decided to give it a spectacular release on DVD. Sadly, I did not get a chance to view the Criterion disc; I had to settle instead for the lesser MGM treatment. If you want to see "Robocop" with all the trimmings, seek out the Criterion Collection DVD. It has tons of extras including most of the footage originally cut from the theatrical release in order to avoid the notorious 'X' rating for violence. Still, if you cannot find a Criterion disc, go ahead and check out the MGM one anyway. "Robocop" is such a fun movie, such a hilarious social satire about the greed of the 1980s, that even watching it on television is preferable to not seeing it at all.

Verhoeven sets his film in a disturbing near future Detroit where corporations have assumed most of the functions of civil society. Big business runs, for example, city police departments. The suits on the top floors fund crime prevention measures at the same time they market new products. One corporation in Detroit called OCP, sick of rampant crime and looking for a way to level a large part of the city in order to build a huge complex of buildings, starts researching new and innovative weapons to battle the anarchy rapidly taking over the city. One way to accomplish this feat is to remove human beings from patrol duty. Who wants to explain why dozens of cops die every week in violent shootouts with criminal gangs? Who needs the bad PR from such unseemly events? Not OCP. If the company can develop a robot to do the dirty work, costs will drop, profits will go up, and everyone will bask in the glow of a job well done. There is one big problem with the new programs--they don't work. Try as they might, the company keeps coming up with one expensive failure after another. After the latest model turns one of the corporation's executives into swiss cheese in the boardroom, an up and coming suit gets his big break from the boss. Fortunately for this greedy little runt, Officer Alex Murphy happens to die in the line of duty while trying to bring down one of the biggest crime bosses in the city.

"Robocop" takes off from this point, as the corporation turns Murphy into a mean looking cyborg, an armor plated automaton capable of blowing off the bad guys' heads as easily as he can create good PR for the company by making televised appearances at local schools. Heck, this huge mechanized cop can even drive a car, speak to people, and survive withering gunfire. Problems emerge when Robocop starts to regain memories of his former life, recollections of his wife and child, his female partner, and the bad guys who blew him away. When the cyborg launches a campaign to bring his killers to justice, the corporation that created him turns ugly. It seems a few suits have a several nasty secrets better left hidden, and Robocop's quest for justice threatens to bring to light things that could ruin careers. Soon the cops and the criminals are gunning for the confused cyborg in a series of chases and shootouts loaded with over the top violence and extreme gore. Will Robocop get his man in the end? Will he reconcile his human memories with his robotic exterior? Who knows, but finding out is a lot of fun.

One thing you might notice about "Robocop" is Verhoeven's vision about corporation politics. His take on big business in the 1980s is uniformly cynical as he constructs a world where the boardroom is no better than the conflicts taking place outside on the mean streets. The top floors of OCP seethe with violent conflicts as department heads jockey for position with the boss in order to promote their own agendas. Murder, conspiracy, drug use, and a host of other anti-social behaviors inform the daily activities of the company's managing elite. Is "Robocop" Verhoeven's way of taking a slap at the lack of business ethics in the 1980s? Of course! If a commentary on how to run an evil corporation leaves you cold, however, you can always enjoy the great performances. Miguel Ferrar conveys sleazy here like no one else in the movie world. Ronny Cox, when summoned to play a baddie, rarely fails to deliver a memorable turn. Peter Weller does Murphy/Robocop in a way that draws real emotion. Nancy Allen takes her role as Murphy's caring partner seriously even though the film doesn't really do much with her. One of my favorites, Kurtwood Smith, plays the slimy crime boss Clarence Boddicker with enthusiastic gusto.

I hate to harp, but you really should try to find the Criterion DVD version of this film. That disc has a commentary from Verhoeven and a bunch of other interesting stuff. The MGM release pales in comparison, as anyone who has ever viewed a MGM disc knows anyway. Still, you do get most of the super gory scenes--Murphy's death sequence, the toxic sludge bath, and the arterial puncture scene--in their partial glory. If you liked "Starship Troopers" and you haven't watched "Robocop" yet, now is the time to get moving.