Review of RoboCop (1987) by Alex R — 12 Apr 2013

This is a review of the unrated, extended cut of Robocop.

This is a review of the unrated, extended cut of Robocop.

The original Robocop is one of the best action films of the 1980's. Paul Verhoeven's original cut, which was trimmed to avoid the dreaded X rating by the MPAA, is the definitive version of this classic film. This is the version to watch and I personally feel this was the version that Verhoeven intended the audience to watch. What makes this film standout are the stellar special effects, a memorable villain and a great story. Also the extended scenes add so much to the film and in many ways improves on the theatrical cut. This, for me anyways is the version that I preferred and it is how Verhoeven intended his picture to look like. Robocop also has some terrific performances, especially one from Kurtwood Smith as Clarence Boddicker, the villain of the film. If you wanted more out of Robocop, then hunt down a copy of the unrated cut, I found it to be a much rounded out movie with the excessive violence left intact as Verhoeven's films are always bloody and violent, and it is one of his trademarks in terms of directing style. The film has a simple story, but stands out due to its satire elements and memorable action sequences. Action film fans will surely enjoy the film, and you can admire the craft that went into making such a picture. As a diehard fan of the film, I believe that you owe it to yourself to check out the unrated version because it was how it was the way it was meant to be seen. With extended scenes that go into violence overkill, you get to see some more in depth gross out effects that are very well done. The scenes with added content are the scene with ED-209, the death of officer Murphy, which excessively graphic and other surprises which I won't spoil. Robocop along with The Terminator were the two cyborg films of the 80's that used simple ideas with great effects. I adored both films and I can't decide which is my favorite. For me, they are both equal. However no matter what your feelings are on either film, both have a secured place in 80's action cinema, and they each bring something great to the screen. Robocop is a stellar picture and like Terminator is still exciting even for today's standards. Hunt down the extended cut of Robocop if you want to experience the film the way it was meant to be seen.