RoboCop
1987
Directed by Paul Verhoeven
Like Mary Poppins, this movie is undeniably iconic and naturally deserves a place on the List. While action isn't my go to genre, it can fit a certain mood, and I certainly appreciate the silliness right now. Although I guess a movie about cops murdering people doesn't provide much escapism in 2020.
Officer Alex Murphy is murdered by a gang leader. He is brought back to be the cyborg RoboCop, built to be the ultimate police officer...whatever that entails. Predictably, it doesn't go as planned.
So this movie pretty much fulfills all its promises: exciting actions scenes, cutting edge special effects (1987 special effects, but still), and recognizable catchphrases. And if you have to force a metaphor out of it, there's that too.
Again, it might hit a little too close to home right now, but if you can get past that, it's a fun movie to watch with somebody and mock mercilessly.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
The RoboCop suit was so hot and heavy that Peter Weller was losing three pounds a day from water loss, until an air conditioner was installed in the costume.
Body count of 34.
We both know I am most scornful of action 'bang crash kaboom' films.. But, at times, I'm prepared to make exceptions. Not so long ago, a female friend who has been working her way through my massive dvd collection, experimenting in just about every genre, director, well know actor etc, to educate herself. Eventually she reluctantly said it was well time she tried an 'out-and-out full blooded 'bloke' movie with lots of action'
ReplyDeleteWell it had to be 'Die Hard' * See foot note.
But.. as usual, Ray is wandering well off topic.
This is an OK film, when taken as a highly critical swipe at society and the corruption of excessive capitalism and corporate evil.
It's worth it for the news reports and adverts just chuntering away in the background...
*Thought about 'Die hard' and the pointless, but endlessly immersive discussion .. " Is Die hard a Christmas move or not?"
Well... Die Hard has our hero alone, in a dark menacing tower avoiding a scary Alan Rickman. That clearly makes it a Harry Potter film. End of.