RoboCop

RoboCop is exemplary primarily in its exceptionally well-executed genre colouring. Few succeed in implementing the darkness of the environment and, above all, the emphasis on blood and brutality in high-tech sci-fi as effectively. Cameron partially achieved that in the Terminator series, and Verhoeven precisely accomplishes it here. Technically skillful, decently acted – the villains in quality supporting roles and the atmosphere are top-notch. But what you appreciate the most is the director, his signature can be seen in every one of his films. This applies one hundred percent to RoboCop. (2009-05-08)

Another excellent sci-fi thriller which, together with Terminator, was and still belongs to the best of the 80s. It was also the first Paul Verhoeven film I’d seen, and I became an instant fan. RoboCop is literally packed with thrilling action scenes, but it also contains moments that bring you closer to the character of Alex Murphy, mostly focusing on the memories of his family. Fortunately, pre-1990 films didn't use so much of the now typical American melodrama, so these scenes work well. Another big plus is the cast. You’ll hardly find a nastier villain than Kurtwood Smith. (2016-08-01)

In Verhoeven’s hands, a B-movie premise turned into a not entirely B-movie result, with some satire popping up here and there, but I still can’t decide whether I liked RoboCop or not. I think it could be done a lot better and smarter. I would love to see that remake from Aronofsky that people were talking about at some point. (2011-02-12)

Cleverly humorous, 80s-style simple, one-sided in tone, markedly satirical, and excessively over-the-top in Paul Verhoeven fashion. And yet, despite all that, it is somehow irresistible. The idea of an almost unbeatable police officer, whom the viewer will passionately support, is surprisingly well-executed, aided most by Peter Weller's perfectly grim expression and the brilliantly straightforward heroic musical theme. And it is exactly the exaggerated social satire that gives all the action a slightly higher dimension. (2007-08-31)

RoboCop is a legend that I unfortunately didn't get to until much later than I probably should have. And when nostalgia doesn't work, it's a problem, because one notices mistakes and shortcomings, especially in the technical processing, of course. Nevertheless, I must say that even though it is a film from 1987, the RoboCop character still looks just as tough, and the only thing that may seem funny from today's perspective to the unbiased is the robot ED 209, which simply couldn't move any other way back then than digitally. What I appreciate is the fact that even in today's pre-digitalized era, Peter Weller managed to make an impact in his most famous role and even amuse me at times. Thankfully, we will see a remake that may bring back memories for my generation... 80% (2014-01-26)