Robocop (2014)

Remakes, reboots, and re-imaginings have long been a hot topic, and the flames will be fanned once more with the recent release of RoboCop.  Starring Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton and Samuel L. Jackson, this is a remake of the 1987 film of the same name.

It's safe to say that your opinion of this film will be greatly influenced by whether or not you were around for the original.  I was, and when I first saw and heard that a remake was in development and being filmed, I was dismayed.  The original RoboCop was simple, and brilliant.  Even a massively troubled production and the compromises made to even receive an R rating in the States didn't stop it.  The original film was heavily cut for both film and television, if you watch the director's cut you will get a real taste of Verhoeven's vision.

For those not familiar with the RoboCop story, the main element remains unchanged.  Detective Alex Murphy is mortally wounded and brought back as our metallic titular character.

The Man vs. Machine element is obviously still present.  It would be impossible for it not to be, this is RoboCop after all.  This time around however, it has a more global feel.  Unmanned drones are being used to bring an American brand of peace to the Middle East, but the idea of unmanned drones on American soil is one the public and politicians are not keen on.

We still have to massive corporation in the form of OmniCorp, with an OCP name drop towards the end to hint at further franchise action.  They're still as corrupt, and it's still left to RoboCop to sort things out.  The difference being that Murphy is aware of who he is.  He is still very much controlled by OmniCorp, but his humanity is something they are using to further their agenda with integrating unmanned drones into the U.S.

Elements like Murphy's awareness, and OmniCorp's global reach are nice refreshing changes.  It's nice to see that they've put a stamp of their own on this remake.  Modernising and making it relevant to audiences today, the media spinning and cover ups being a very topical theme.  All whilst keeping the core elements of the original.  There are several places where new pays respect to old ("I wouldn't buy that for a dollar"), which certainly made me very happy.

Two very special mentions to Samuel L. Jackson and Hocus Pocus by Focus.  Firstly, Jackson's character Pat Novak.  Novak is a talk show host who has the opening and closing scenes of the film.  His commentary throughout the film is, for me, what gives a satirical edge very similar to that of the original.  It almost seems like Novak's journey through the film is a little poke of fun at some of the more Republican views of the U.S.

Secondly, the use of Hocus Pocus during a great action sequence, during which RoboCop is given a final test against a great many drones is just genius.

Overall, I have to say that RoboCop has to be one of the best remakes I have seen to date.  One to watch whether you were around for the original or not.

Is anything sacred in Hollywood?

With the number of franchises growing all the time, and remakes and reboots coming at us from every angle.  The question is, is anything sacred?  Will anything ever be spared the sequel, prequel, remake, reboot, re-imagination treatment?  If so, why?

That was the question that was discussed between myself and a friend after the release of the latest trailer for the Robocop reboot, due in February 2014:

Initially we were both very much against the idea of a Robocop reboot.  The original is without doubt a classic.  A film I could sit down and watch right now without thinking, "if only they were able to do this, or change that?".
Having seen the second trailer I'm warming slightly to the idea of a new Robocop.  Why?  It's becoming clear from Samuel L. Jackson's character's speech that the angle will be global unmanned warfare/policing.  This has grabbed my interest, and I would like to see where they go with it.  This 'finger on the button' style of disassociated warfare isn't new.  Whether it's warfare or just everyday living we've explored the idea of removing the human element.  We only have to look to Surrogates or I, Robot as examples here.  What I hope it adds to the Robocop reboot is a broadened horizon.  A more globalised element to the narrative that can only mean one thing, more spectacle.  For me, the simplicity of the story is what gives Robocop it's timeless quality.  So a global, 21st century facelift gives them somewhere to go with the reboot without having to tinker with the winning formula of the original.

When it comes to the question of what makes anything sacred?  Who knows.  In a time when we see Total Recall remade with nobody going to Mars, it's looking more and more like the answer is nothing.