Paul Verhoeven’s Robocop is my favorite film of all time.* It’s tight, subversive script, disciplined usage of practical FX and sweeping score help make it a film that’s owned me since a very young age. That said, I’m not defensive of commercial properties. And after two theatrical sequels, a failed live action television show, two cartoons and whatever the hell Canada’s Faux-bocop: Prime Directives films were trying to accomplish – I’m pretty sure nothing is going to sully the enjoyment of Verhoeven’s 1987 work of excellence.
Which is why I’m not up in arms about Sony’s announcement that director Jose Padilha’s rebooted Robocop will debut in theaters August 9th, 2013 (with The Killing’s Joel Kinnaman behind the visor). For all of Robocop’s exposure, the character really only has one great film under his belt. And I’ve long held the belief that you’d have to gut a lot of what made the ’87 Robocop work (the intense violence, 80s Reaganism critiquing, Kurtwood Smith) to even consider bringing the property into modern mainstream cinema. So consider mine a perverse curiosity.
I know very little about Padilha aside from the fact that everyone who’s seen Elite Squad seemingly enjoyed it. So even though my reboot fatigue is holding sway here, maybe we’ll still get a solid actioner out of this. Here’s to deflated optimism!
*I think there’s an important distinction between one’s favorite films and what one believes to be the greatest films ever made. I’m cognizant of the fact that while Robocop is an absolute classic that deserves my undying love, it’s also not a Citizen Kane or The Godfather, Part II.
24 comments
Praying that it at least stay’s true to the idea of Robocop…
I’m trying not to get too excited about it, but it’s hard not to. I just don’t want to be disappointed, so my hopes are not too high. However, Padilha did some really good work of Elite Squad, so that’s why it’s tough not to get too ampled for it.
As always Tim, thanks for keeping me in the loop with all this info. I’m interested to see how this project will develop.
I like the idea of padhilla, I would have prefered Aronofsky,but, this could work. But, your right…without the satirical violence and corporate critiqueing how will this work? Hopefully, it is not some Marvel superhero type film-that maybe the reason why Aronofsky bailed.
I’m curious if it’ll be violent as well. Also about what robocop would shoot. In the originals he commands from OCP that he could not violate and needed sometimes a direct plug to interface with other machines.
Perhaps he’ll just wisecrack everyone. Connected to porno servers and court records he could broadcast. And instead of going hunting criminals he could be saying “on the tv, alive come and meet me”.
He would hang out in real brothels and casinos saying “cheat me, and mess with my instructions i will eat steak, or you’ll be baby food”
Eh. I dunno. I’m as curious as the next guy as to what all this will be.
typo
*he has
Why does no-one ever name-check Ed Neumeier? Was the TV Series that bad? (I never watched it – but it looks like he worked on it as well as the first movie)
For all of Robocop’s exposure, the character really only has one great film under his belt.
Baloney. Robocop 2 is great and grand. An underrated gem. Doesn’t hold a candle to the original, obviously, but it’s a completely different type of movie.
Give it another shot.
They should make it topical. Have him play a soldier who gets blown to shit in Iraq or Afghanistan, then turned into Robocop. Or better yet, ditch this utterly pointless reboot/remake.
The answer to your question is Starship Troopers 3.
It has its moments. The evil kid was a highpoint. And Tom Noonan is doin’ work as always. But it commits the cardinal sin of taking your character’s growth 10 steps back before the film even begins. The Robocops at the end of 1 and beginning of 2 don’t jibe and it’s absolutely grating. Ghostbusters 2 Syndrome.
Cognicent?
Fixed. Do something more meaningful with your life.
Making new web writers get all pissy seems to be a perfectly cromulent distraction from the other 99.9999999% of my life that you know nothing about.
You’re right, we should all count our blessings we’re only exposed to that tiny fraction of you. I’m sure the alternative is depressing.
I apologize that you publicly showed a lack of mastery of the fundamental tools of your chosen profession. I’m equally sorry that you showed further poor judgment by starting a flame war over minor snark. Don’t worry, though. Your skills and professionalism will develop with time and effort, and one day you’ll be a real boy.
I’m sorry, I just get my rocks off by exposing people who feel so tiny and insignificant in their real lives that this becomes the only way they’re able to derive any sort of satisfaction. So please carry on. I know you need this.
Three Oranges you are the epitome of the sentence “Typical AMC”.
Damn right I do.
Did I just have a “dog pussy”?
And if so, can I have another?
Impressive! Most depressing.
0.01 seconds
More window shopping for you!
Moreover, no-one likes a comment on movie-pooper.com. We know.
If I might enquire, how do you furnish “dog pussy?” Is it colour coded? Or do you just pretend to like oranges?
If i was an insurance salesman, I would want a more blue decor. Or otherwise move out of town.
Maybe if i painted my nose red we’d have a merry easter. At dinner time.
More you say? I shall enquire about exchange rates.
More pounds. Anchovies are OUT!
Invent another character. I’ve had enough of Leonardo.
Shredder is pretty cool. And that tetsu guy. He knew how to roll a disciple good!
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