RoboCop

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

RoboCop is exemplary primarily in its exceptionally well-executed genre colouring. Few succeed in implementing the darkness of the environment and, above all, the emphasis on blood and brutality in high-tech sci-fi as effectively. Cameron partially achieved that in the Terminator series, and Verhoeven precisely accomplishes it here. Technically skillful, decently acted – the villains in quality supporting roles and the atmosphere are top-notch. But what you appreciate the most is the director, his signature can be seen in every one of his films. This applies one hundred percent to RoboCop. (09.05.2009)

Another sci-fi classic from the 80s. It may be far behind Cameron's Terminator, but Verhoeven shows his flair for the genre introducing a new iconic action hero to the world. In some moments, of course, it's clear that this film is no longer one of the youngest, but the imaginative and typically Verhoeven gory action scenes make up for it. The future is portrayed quite soberly, without flying cars or buildings, which the visual effects crew probably didn't feel like doing anyway. Instead, we see grim streets filled with violence, burglary and rape, the resolution of which is a routine and relaxed affair for RoboCop, much like going number two is for us. This film won't captivate or surprise, but it will always entertain. 75% (06.03.2012)

Another excellent sci-fi thriller which, together with Terminator, was and still belongs to the best of the 80s. It was also the first Paul Verhoeven film I’d seen, and I became an instant fan. RoboCop is literally packed with thrilling action scenes, but it also contains moments that bring you closer to the character of Alex Murphy, mostly focusing on the memories of his family. Fortunately, pre-1990 films didn't use so much of the now typical American melodrama, so these scenes work well. Another big plus is the cast. You’ll hardly find a nastier villain than Kurtwood Smith. (01.08.2016)