Taking Robocop as a work of science fiction means that it should be interpreted not only as a warning sign of things to come, but as an an allegory of what is happening right now. In this reading, the figure of Alex Murphy as an individual collects together our fears of what we've become collectively: dependent of and controlled by the intricacies of the systems we've created. To this end, the setting up of the movie works well and picks up themes not present in the original. It is chilling to see Murphy in his condition, and think "that's us".
However, from here on the directions taken are less than satisfactory. Robocop does not seem to say anything really new or insightful about this human condition. The message is that we can go far, but should not go "too far": a science-fiction cliché. Most of the opportunities for true commentary are missed. The irreverent humour of the original is missing, replaced with a tired critique of USA as the world police something-something. Surely an acceptable target by now. Any real religious, philosophical and societal issues that might emerge are instead tactfully ignored or merely hinted at.
I did find Robocop to be an enjoyable ride on the whole, but it could have been more. It is hardly the turkey some reviewers have made it seem, though.
However, from here on the directions taken are less than satisfactory. Robocop does not seem to say anything really new or insightful about this human condition. The message is that we can go far, but should not go "too far": a science-fiction cliché. Most of the opportunities for true commentary are missed. The irreverent humour of the original is missing, replaced with a tired critique of USA as the world police something-something. Surely an acceptable target by now. Any real religious, philosophical and societal issues that might emerge are instead tactfully ignored or merely hinted at.
I did find Robocop to be an enjoyable ride on the whole, but it could have been more. It is hardly the turkey some reviewers have made it seem, though.