If you saw my post last week you’ll know that I launched a new feature called Original vs Remake. The first one we looked at was Total Recall (2012).
This week we’re looking at the 2014 remake of RoboCop (1987).
I’ll say this right at the start: I didn’t really enjoy this film, and like with most remakes I didn’t feel it was needed. Sure the effects we have today are better than they were years ago, but what good are they when the story (which is the important part) is absolute pants?!
Of course, it doesn’t help that the original (in my opinion) is hard to improve on. It has excessive violence, a relatable protagonist, classic lines like “Dead or alive you’re coming with me”, a despicable bad guy, an excellent theme tune and a guy who gets melted by toxic waste! What’s not to like?!
The remake however had none of these things.
Instead of going right into detail I’ll just list my main problems with the 2014 version.
* Not very likeable main character
* No real villain
* Bad storyline
* Overly political
* No Clarence Boddicker
* No toxic waste (that I remember)
To be fair I haven’t seen this movie since the first time I watched it so maybe I’m being unfair and perhaps it deserves another chance.
I will say that I remember Michael Keaton and Gary Oldman being good in it (Keaton especially) but unfortunately their performances weren’t enough to rescue the rest of the movie for me. The original is just too good.
Overall verdict: The original can’t be improved on and it should’ve been left alone. This remake is a one-watcher at best, and if it had to be remade I think it was a wasted opportunity to do it well.
Seen it? What do you think?
Let me know in the comments.