Director: Paul Verhoeven
Writers: Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner
Stars: Peter Weller, Ronny Cox, Miguel Ferrer, Nancy Allen and Dan O’Herlihy

“Every time the iconic ‘Orion Pictures’ logo graces my screen, my mind races back to the 1987 classic, ‘RoboCop.’ In this enduring tale, Peter Weller takes the lead as Officer Alex J. Murphy, a cop on the brink of death, who returns as the formidable cyborg known as ‘RoboCop,’ haunted by his buried memories.

Set in a near-future Detroit, the omnipotent OCP corporation virtually rules the city and aims to transform it into the visionary ‘Delta City.’ At the helm is “The Old Man,” CEO Dan O’Herlihy, with the brilliant Ronny Cox as his right-hand man, Dick Jones, who’s pioneering the robotic law enforcer ED209. However, Jones’s grand unveiling goes awry when ED209 malfunctions during a trial, leading to a catastrophic incident. Witnessing this is Bob Morton, portrayed by Miguel Ferrer, an ambitious businessman eager to run his own RoboCop program and willing to go to great lengths, including testing it on fallen officers.

This pivotal sequence unveils the corporate ruthlessness at play between OCP’s board members and their relentless aspirations, revealing the dark underbelly of the world depicted in the film. The corporation’s reliance on crime to maintain control becomes palpable, particularly in the sinister connection between Dick Jones and the merciless Clarence J. Boddicker, played by Kurtwood Smith. Boddicker and his gang are responsible for the horrifying execution of Officer Murphy, a scene etched in our memories. Their sadistic act leaves an indelible mark, and it’s only when Boddicker delivers the final blow that Murphy finds a semblance of peace, or so it seems.

Officer Alex J. Murphy’s exemplary record in the force lands him at the top of Bob Morton’s list for the RoboCop program. What’s most intriguing about the RoboCop character is that Murphy’s past memories remain intact, adding depth and humanity to the character. RoboCop, as the poster proclaims, is ‘Half Man, Half Machine, All Cop.’ His internal struggle elicits sympathy and spurs us to rally behind him on his quest for vengeance. The irony is that his very creator becomes the movie’s primary antagonist.

Credit must go to Peter Weller, who brings RoboCop to life. Even when masked for much of the film, his physicality and voice patterns breathe life into the character. The film wisely provides glimpses of Murphy’s life before his tragic transformation, allowing us to understand his relationship with his partner, Officer Anne Lewis, played by Nancy Allen. These glimpses humanize Murphy, turning his quest for revenge into a gripping emotional journey.

Kurtwood Smith’s portrayal of Clarence J. Boddicker is exceptional, leaving an indelible mark on viewers. It’s hard to reconcile this sadistic villain with his later role as the lovable dad in “That ’70s Show.” Smith’s memorable lines, such as ‘Can you fly, Bobby?’ and ‘Guns, guns, guns! C’mon, Sal! The Tigers are playing…tonight. I never miss a game,’ make you appreciate his portrayal of Boddicker, even if you don’t root for the character.

Ronny Cox, especially in his interactions with Miguel Ferrer, shines as Dick Jones. His portrayal of a ruthless, focused businessman stands in stark contrast to his later role as Lt. Bogomil in “Beverly Hills Cop.” His confrontations with Miguel Ferrer’s Bob Morton are intense, showcasing the cutthroat nature of their ambitions and ultimately leading to Morton’s downfall.

Nancy Allen, as Officer Anne Lewis, doesn’t have as much screen time as some of the other actors, but her character’s presence is crucial to the story. Lewis serves as Murphy’s link to his previous life, and Allen effectively conveys the guilt she carries for not being able to protect her partner.

It’s impossible to discuss ‘RoboCop’ without acknowledging the impact of director Paul Verhoeven. His world-building, from the satirical news reports to the zany TV advertisements like ‘I’d Buy That For A Dollar’ and the ‘Nukem’ board game, adds layers to the film, making it unforgettable. ‘RoboCop’ strikes a perfect balance between action, storytelling, and humor, setting the stage for a new era of comic book-inspired cinema.

Visually groundbreaking, the film’s stop-motion animation for ED209, while dated by today’s standards, was realistic and chilling at the time. The design of RoboCop, both with and without his mask, remains impressive. The sound effects that accompany his movements contribute to the belief that he is a machine.

Three decades later, ‘RoboCop’ retains its classic status and offers a rewatchable experience. The performances are top-notch, and director Paul Verhoeven’s pacing and visual style are nothing short of perfection. The iconic theme composed and performed by Basil Poledouris is the cherry on top. If you haven’t watched the 1987 version of ‘RoboCop’ yet, don’t wait any longer – it’s a highly recommended classic.”

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