The Kickstarter project to get a RoboCop statue in Detroit amused me enough to go back and re-watch the movie. There were some critics when the movie came out who criticized the violence, but that’s missed the forest for the trees. The violence is used in the purpose of the story, not just to have violence. But my favorite story about Robocop is the sequels. After his success in comics, Frank Miller was approached to work on Robocop 2 and (as the rumor goes) his story idea was changed so much before being filmed that he was able to re-use the story proposal for Robocop 3. So, let’s revisit the future Detroit and find out who was RoboCop.

It’s the future in Detroit and the city is dying and filled with crime and violence. Omni Consumer Products has a contract with the city to run the police department. Omni is also working on a long term project to rebuild a “new” Detroit. Leadership is hinging their plan on a new robotic police officer that can help clean up the streets. But when the demo goes horribly, horribly wrong, a junior executive jumps in with his cyborg plan and gets the green light. After Officer Murphy is gunned down, he is connected to a cyborg body and RoboCop is born. The idea is that a human/robot mix will make a much better police officer. When he goes out on his missions, it all starts off well.

Then the memories of Officer Murphy start bubbling up again and causing issue. In addition, a rogue group within Omni is working with the bad guys to enrich themselves. At this time, RoboCop finds out that his three prime directives (a nod to Isaac Asimov) have a hidden fourth directive that prevents RoboCop from arresting anyone working for Omni. RoboCop has to resolve his programming restrictions and his bubbling up memories to save the day and the city.

One of the great parts of RoboCop is its use of media in the movie. Much like the talking heads in Dark Knight Returns, TV news and commercials and game shows are used to accentuate the culture and problems with the city. The movie is a criticism of society and media in society. The violence is well used and the special effects are decent for its time. Overall it’s a fun movie with enough subtext to bring it out to something more. Peter Weller does a great job as the main character and Kurtwood Smith (Red from That 70s Show) chews up a lot of scenery as the head bad guy. Overall it’s a fun ride with a lot more meat to it than anticipated. Recommended.