‘RoboCop’: a remake with up-to-date technology
How would you feel if robots patrolled the streets instead of human police officers?
While investigating the theft of police-confiscated rifles, Officer Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) is critically injured from a car bomb and is recreated as “RoboCop.” He’s physically more machine than man, but he still holds on to his emotions, creating for an interesting dichotomy.
“RoboCop” is a reboot based on the 1987 movie of the same name. It takes place in the near future. It’s not as bad as many people have said. Nostalgia is a powerful lens that can unfairly skew opinions. It’s not worse than the original, but it’s not much better.
In some ways, the movie was a commentary on robots and humans. It explored questions about humanity, control, robophobia, technology and ethics.
I was a bit surprised the movie retained its original location of Detroit, Mich., with the city declaring bankruptcy last year, although it’s a logical choice, as the troubled state makes for criminal feeding grounds.
One of my favorite parts of the whole movie was the technology. The technology was much more sophisticated and realistic and was examined much closer than in the original “RoboCop.” Obviously technology has advanced in the last 27 years since the first “RoboCop,” and it’s nice to see an adjustment in line with advances being made in the present. There were large two-legged walkers, human-sized robots and exoskeletons. It was a marvel to behold.
Technology by itself does not create a movie, and this would have been a dull experience if the technology and story had not been supported by an all-star cast. The cast brought life to the one-dimensional story. Each person had a different point of view, allowing the audience to examine robots, Alex Murphy and RoboCop from different angles.
Pat Novak (Samuel L. Jackson) is the host of The Novak Show. He drives much of the political aspects of the film and also poses many thought provoking pro-robot questions. You can’t beat Jackson, and it was awesome to see him in the movie.
Michael Keaton’s character moves the story forward with his plans to expand OmniCorp. He effectively demonstrates the delicate balance between human and machine.
He is moderated by Gary Oldman, who holds the entire movie together. Many of the issues and questions come through Oldman’s character, Dr. Norton. His role is just as big as RoboCop’s.
Abbie Cornish brings a continued emotional element to the film as Alex’s wife who has to cope with the many dramatic changes to her husband and the consequences that follow.
Jackie Earle Haley took on one of his most normal roles, compared to “Shutter Island,” “Watchmen” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” He did a great job as a military based, pro-robot, anti-RoboCop leader.
If “RoboCop” was headed by less talented actors, a weaker movie would be in theaters now.
The original theme song was preserved, which is something I always listen for in reboots and remakes. The music, composed by Pedro Bromfman, was well played. The emotional and softer moments were dominated by piano segments, and the heavier action sequences blended orchestral and techno.
“RoboCop” is fun enough to check out, but you may want to wait and rent it. If you need to spend money at the movie theater, go see “The Lego Movie.”
– Spencer Palmer is a graduate student working toward an MBA with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. Email him at spencer.palmer@aggiemail.usu.edu or visit his website, themovieknight.wordpress.com.