FIRST REACTION TO THE ROBOCOP REBOOT/SPOILER FREE from CBM:
"From the outset, the trailer that was released should convey that this is a very different Robocop. The set pictures that surfaced online showed the black suit everybody is in an uproar about. First off, theres very little CG in that trailer. What was immediately apparent was that the screens of the suit look different than was reflected in cut we saw. Also in the movie industry, a different person mixes the trailers than the movie. Secondly, nobody stops to think, why did they film those outdoor scenes first? Ill tell you now, there are quite a few surprises in store for you. If you even paid half attention to the trailer that was released, you would see that the original suit makes at the very least a brief cameo (and Im perplexed by the bulkiness of the still they released of the old suit
it didnt look like that in the cut we were screening).
Im writing this to tell you to relax. Seriously, breathe, and stop wanting to hate this movie before you even give it a chance. This film does not have the hyper-violence of the original, nor the comedic quotability of the Verheoven classic. It wont replace the 1989 film, and GUESS WHAT: It doesnt try to. Its a new interpretation of the character that is faithful to the essence of what the original concept of the character was.
This reboot (and I really hate to label this as such) is a sophisticated take on the story of Alex Murphy. What GORE this movie lacks in its PG13-Rating, it more than compensates in substance over style. This is a much, much more psychological version in which emotional acting and intelligent writing takes priority over realistically brutal executions.
Lets discuss whats realistic now in a movie like Robocop (2014) and its original counterpart. We are now a society that holds our police force completely accountable for their decisions and actions. If unnecessary force is taken, we expect those officers to be handed disciplinary action and in some cases be indefinitely suspended and/or resign from duty. Look at Facebook for instance, people freak out about a dog being shot when an officer was simply defending themselves. Whether it was excessive or not is not whats in question, what is in question is: how would you react if that police officer wasnt a man at all, but instead a robot? These are questions the movie asks of the viewer, and not directly, but through subtext. So to answer what Ive seen many people wonder on various sites comment/message boards, there is more subtext in this movie (both socio-political and ethical) than in the original. Even the lack of violence itself serves as commentary. This movie, in that regard, is very realistic.
This movie has something for new and old fans. I (impersonally) guarantee that you get the old Robocop you loved and a new Robocop that can fully be embraced. Some people want an R-rated Robocop film, but R-rated action films are not what people flock to see anymore. Is it more important to see a single film thats violent for no reason, or a sequel to an intelligent action/thriller that doesnt highlight excessive violence but what it takes to use restraint?
I, for one, cant recommend this movie enough to people. I feel confident in verifying that, personally, I think this is a SUPERIOR movie, when you take into account the score, cinematography, action choreography, editing, costuming, makeup, acting, directing and writing.
I can say is that Kinnaman as Murphy provides much more depth and charisma than Weller did with his TJ Lazer impersonation, Samuel L Jackson is the lovable ******* he usually plays SO well, Gary Oldman is
best left unsaid at this point, Keaton makes us wonder why he isnt in more movies, and Cornish makes us feel for the Murphy family. Have faith, this is one reboot done right."