A bit better than I expected, but doesn’t measure up very well with the original “Robocop.” Standing on its own merits, it’s an OK film. There are a couple good action sequences, but nothing that’s very memorable. The plot seems to lose direction late in the film and quickly heads for a subpar conclusion. Gary Oldman has a strong performance as the doctor who helps Alex Murphy transition from man to machine, while Samuel L. Jackson is a bit wasted in his role as a television host, who’s best moment is bleeped out thanks the movie’s PG-13 rating. Where this remake truly fails is how it doesn’t have the same impact as the original. The social satire, dark humor and over the top violence gave the original film character. The newer version is like somebody attempting to retell a raunchy joke and censoring it to the point where it loses its punch. Other thematic elements, such as the sadistic crime boss, murderously corrupt CEO and three “prime directives,” are replaced by a fairly standard crime boss, mildly corrupt CEO and “red asset” wrist bands. Even the fan favorite ED-209 is more a background character. This leads to a less then satisfying climax as the hero isn’t defined by great villains.
**1/2 out of *****