Sunday, February 16, 2014

Robocop 2014 Review


(published but not yet edited)

I wont delve to much into why remakes draw negative criticism and often terrible reviews.
Say what you want about this remake, the one thing that is undeniable is that it stands as a rare remake that really sticks to the story of its 1987 original.
If you didn't care for the 1987 version, you probably will not enjoy this 2014 adaptation.
Keeping with the same theme of capitalism, social integrity vs. corporate greed and corporate agendas Robocop 2014 wont win any Oscars but it is definitely entertaining.
In both versions Robocop takes place in a near future, crime ridden Detroit city (eerie 1987 prediction of how things turned out for motor city).
Same as the original version, Robocop asks viewers if we are ready to live in a society where we can entrust robots to make lawful decisions. Forget the crime fighting robots and crazy special effects, Robocop is a sci-fi film that asks important real questions, 'what if' with real plausible answers 'let's hope the f not'.
 
Despite the script being slightly thin, the acting is good, but this is expected of course from Samuel L Jackson and especially Gary Oldman. Michael Keaton is always underrated and plays his character well. Joel Kinnaman fares decently as the lead Alex Murphy/Robocop.
The film does have a huge not so hidden message about corporate America and how far will people go to push an agenda over any moralities... this message is however nearly missed due to the action taking away from what could have been a real interestingly smart remake.
It does turn out mindless, despite having a great story, Robocop 2014 simply remains an action packed empty hearted sci-fi flick.
It is mindless entertainment but could have been so much more.
A big missed opportunity in my opinion.
5/10


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