Robocop

Rating : 7/10
Release Date : 14th February, 2014
Time : 118 minutes
Director : Jose Padilha; Writer : Joshua Zetumer based on the ’87 screenplay by Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner; Music : Pedro Bromfman
Starring : Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael K Williams, Jennifer Ehle, Jay Baruchel, Samuel L Jackson, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, John Paul Ruttan, Aimee Garcia, Zach Grenier, Patrick Garrow



For those, who like me, loved / grew up with the ’87 original, there is considerably less soul and lots more techie stuff in this one. The lead character is a lot less likeable too. But, the film makers here, have charted quite a different course here and seem to have set things up quite nicely for a sequel – which should work quite well, given that a lot of the technical details are now out of the way

Most of the narrative coming from a belligerent news show host, Samuel L Jackson, who points out how robots are used increasingly by USA abroad but thanks to an obdurate senator, Zach, they aren’t allowed on home soil. And the Michael Keaton led Omnicorp obviously suffers as a result. After yet another face-off between the Zach and Keaton, the latter is convinced the only way out is to put a man in a suit (why does he have to be injured though is something not quite answered). And when Joel is taken down trying to chase down a known criminal, Patrick, Keaton calls upon a doctor, Gary Oldman. And Robocop happens. In a significant variance from the earlier film, the wife (well played by Abbie Cornish) and son (John Paul) have a prominent role too

There is too much time spent on the mechanics, on the how, the construction of the suit…the fun really begins when the Robocop hits the streets…and there are glitches…and to keep things interesting, there is a key employee at Omnicorp, Jackie Earle, who cant wait to shut down this experiment.

The moments between the wife, son and Robocop, also the relationship between Gary Oldman with the Robocop & Keaton – the doctor trying to do the right thing by his patient and the family, while Keaton, representing the ugly side of capitalism, trying to move ahead for profits - provide some of the human angle to the whole thing. The action is good, slick, everything you would expect from a major Hollywood production. It makes for engaging viewing, and things heat up nicely in the second half…there are enough changes vs the original to keep you hooked…all in all, a nice watch and a nice way to spend an afternoon…