Review of RoboCop 3 (1993) by Steve U — 08 Nov 2009

While it doesn't hold a candle to the original, ROBOCOP 3 is better than it has any right to be, despite its many failings. Its problem is its lack of satire; by this point in the series, Robocop was catering to the teenage demographic.

The result? Robo becomes a cardboard cut-out superhero. Now, in the hands of Paul Verhoeven, this may have been a great send-off to the cyborg cop, but it's so diluted everything comes off half-baked--especially the acting.

ROBOCOP films always have over-the-top, hammy acting, but without an R-rating and the intentionally graphic violence and pointed satire to go along with it, it loses its balance. All ROBOCOP 3 can offer are comic book thrills--and not the good kind.

How else does one explain John Castle, Shakespearean actor from THE LION IN WINTER, being saddled with the lame Disney-style villain McDaggit who, with a darker tone, could have rivaled Kurtwood Smith in the original? Then there's poor Robert John Burke.

As Peter Weller's replacement in the title role, he's actually very good, but this is a thoroughly thankless role. Probably the only thing one will remember after the film's over is Basil Poledouris' score, which still belts out the powerful Robocop Theme with bravado.

Otherwise, the story shows promise, what with its view of urban pacification and forced relocation at the whims of big business. The little girl Nikko also resonates as a foil for Murphy's dormant memories of fatherhood--or would, that is, if they had made her a believable character.

And why, oh why, must we have the cyborg policeman square off against a ninja robot? Shame, because at its core, the film would work, but as for its myriad inconsistencies, they classify this flick as a clearly missed opportunity.

Guess no one should be surprised; it was scripted by Frank "THE SPIRIT" Miller.