Robocop

Release Date: Feb 12, 2014 
Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min. 
Director: José Padilha 
Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, Michael Keaton, Jackie Earle Haley, Jay Baruchel, Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

The 1980's were an emblem of cutting-edge science fiction – with films such as "The Terminator," "Blade Runner," and of course the mentionable "Robocop." And with all of our modern day updates it was only a matter of time, before another resurrection occurred for a new generation. Enter 2014's next line of defense: armed, locked and loaded...and painted in black. Joel Kinnaman steps into the role made famous by Peter Weller – part human, part machine as the purveyor of justice. As with all bold remakes, comparisons are inescapable, but a willingness to succeed is a progress in itself. José Padilha attempts to do so with his contemporary interpretation: a sleeker, more mobile military machine. Far agile and futuristic than its bulky predecessor, it adheres to Murphy better as a bodily entity. Abundant time is spent on setting up this premise, as he transitions from one physical outlet to another. But as a result, it takes time away from the original objective of the film, carrying out the law instead of confined to a laboratory. With that, it becomes an origin story by default, but a mundane and lethargic one at that. The editing is a drawback to the efficacy of the film, composing of awkward transitions and shaky camera movements. It doesn't help that Kinnaman is stoic as a human as he is a robot, lacking the emotional justification of Murphy/Robocop's actions. Thankfully Oldman and Keaton bring a nice balance to the mix, each with opposing views on morality. And then there's Samuel L. Jackson with his incessant yelling, always tried and true. Though this "Robocop" will ever be deemed a remake, at the end of the day it's about the individuality of the film and its ability to withstand the present. Whether it's new and improved will be anybody's call.

Rating: 3 stars