Someone in Hollywood must have thought remaking the classic Paul Verhoeven movie Robocop was a Great Idea. Sadly, this new version of Robocop offers no new surprises. In a near-future Detroit, crime is out of control. The Omnicorp company makes drones and military robots, but they are banned for use in the United States. The CEO of Omnicorp decides to subvert the laws by rebuilding a damaged policeman (played admirably by Joel Kinnaman–he plays Detective Holder in The Killing). Plenty of CGI special effects follow. The predictable plot, the lack of a compelling villain, and zero suspense sinks this film. GRADE: C
George, I was wondering about this film. Now I think I’ll catch it on cable. I liked Paul Verhoeven’s “Robocop” too but not the second and third in the series. Ditto for Stallone’s “Judge Dredd” which was far better than the latest version.
Prashant, the audience for ROBOCOP has watched the IRON MAN movies. To have a cyborg that just has a Super-Taser and a machine pistol comes off as lame. Samuel L. Jackson is wasted in ROBOCOP as a future TV news host. He could have been a great villain if cast in a different role. This movie disappointed me (and there was a lot of grumbling by the audience as we walked out of the theater at the end of the movie). You’re wise to wait for it on cable.
Too bad but not really surprising. At least Holder got a big job after THE KILLING was canceled.
It is definitely “80s Remake Month” in Hollywood, what with the black remake of ABOUT LAST NIGHT opening tomorrow.
Jeff, believe it or not NetFlix is filming a fourth season of THE KILLING. It will be released this summer and I’ll watch it.
I knew there was another one: ENDLESS LOVE is also opening tomorrow.
Jeff, Diane wants me to take her to see THE LEGO MOVIE for Valentine’s Day! A dinner at a swanky restaurant will follow.
Yeah, I was hoping that Holder would have the great movie he deserves. A remake of a bad movie-ENDLESS LOVE. The book was terrific but I have no faith this will be any better than the Brooke Shields version.
Patti, I avoided seeing the Brooke Shields version of ENDLESS LOVE. I’ll probably skip the new remake, too.
I hope you had a free ticket.
Rick, you know me too well! One of my Christmas presents was an AMC gift card. So, yes, I saw ROBOCOP for free.
Patti, you’re right. The Brooke Shields version ranks right down there with BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES on the “worst adaptation of a good book” list.
For a better movie with Joel Kinnaman check out Easy Money a Swedish film. It’s available thru Netflixs.
Steve, I’ll check EASY MONEY out. I’m a fan of Joel Kinnaman. Sadly, he was largely wasted in ROBOCOP.
Anyone looking forward to Winter’s Tale?
No.
The only EASY MONEY I’ve heard of was the one with Rodney Dangerfield.
I checked – Kinnaman was also the star of the sequels EASY MONEY II and III. Or you might want to wait for the American version with – you’ll never guess in a million years – Zac Efron starring.
Check please!
Kinnaman actually is Swedish. His father was American and his mother Swedish. He was born and raised in Stockholm.
I did not know that.