RoboCop

Der Klassiker in Sachen Fleisch- und Metall. Verhoeven hat diesen guten Actionfilm mit der aufgemotzten Blechdose mit seinen beliebtesten Newsshots gebackupt, die zwar aus dem Blickwinkel des großen Ganzen eigentlich vollkommen unnötig sind, jedoch außer dem klassischen Spektakel für einen eher beunruhigenden Handlungsstrang der zusammenbrechenden Welt der Zukunft sorgen. Motive wie der Missbrauch der Polizei durch den privaten Sektor oder Spannungen zwischen Eigentümern und Gewerkschaften werden zwar in den Hintergrund gedrängt, vervollkommen jedoch funktional gesehen die Atmosphäre. Das ganze ist geradlinig und gleichzeitig geht es mit seiner Brutalität und Weitsicht so derart unter die Haut, dass man immer noch die leichten Vibrationen im Magen aus der Zeit wahrnimmt, als man sich solche Sachen wie ein Kind und stillen Erstaunens reinzog. (05.02.2014)

Admittedly, I would have preferred to see this in the hands of James Cameron, but then RoboCop would have lost its unique atmosphere that only this Dutch pervert can evoke. The plot fills the traditional B-movie template of the 1980s, but Verhoeven's sense of characters, relationships, healthy (almost comic book) exaggeration, and brisk pacing elevate this film fully into the A category. Even though the special effects have aged, viewers don't have to hide their smiles indulgently at the crucial moments (the action, the atmosphere), but instead still fully enjoy this unique spectacle. (25.07.2008)

In Verhoeven’s hands, a B-movie premise turned into a not entirely B-movie result, with some satire popping up here and there, but I still can’t decide whether I liked RoboCop or not. I think it could be done a lot better and smarter. I would love to see that remake from Aronofsky that people were talking about at some point. (12.02.2011)

RoboCop is a movie for fans of the action genre and a bloody spectacle without much appeal for other viewers. Craftsmanship-wise, it is decently executed, which is expected from Paul Verhoeven, who is experienced and skilled. In some moments, it has a slightly cheesy tone, but again, that is not surprising from Verhoeven. Overall impression: 40%. A film that draws on nostalgia and a teenage audience's perspective. (17.01.2009)

Cleverly humorous, 80s-style simple, one-sided in tone, significantly satirical and excessively over-the-top in the Verhoeven fashion. And yet, despite all that, it is somehow irresistible. The idea of an almost unbeatable police officer, whom the viewer will passionately support, is surprisingly well-executed, and is most aided by Peter Weller's perfectly grim expression and brilliantly straightforward heroic musical theme. And it is precisely this exaggerated social satire that gives the entire action a slightly higher dimension. (31.08.2007)