Reviewing the New Robocop Movie

1987's "Robocop" starring Peter Weller is an 80's classic. From gratuitous violence, to corny dialogue and cheesy at best special effects, it became an instant classic. So does 2014's reboot hold up to the original? I checked it out this past weekend to find out.

First, I think the filmmakers made a great choice by making the title character a less known actor (Joel Kinnaman). I think if it had been someone instantly recognizable, it would have distracted from the story, much like 2012's remake of another 80's classic - "Total Recall", starring Colin Farrell.

I also liked the fact that the story wasn't a simple rehash of the 1987 story. In fact, the only similarity was the very core character story - a grievously injured cop turned cyborg by a mega-corporation with questionable ethics.

Speaking of the 1980's, Michael Keaton is back as the evil CEO of the defense contractor who's company creates Robocop. He does a good job as someone who makes you wonder exactly where their goals lie - to truly better society, or to pad his pocketbook? A few times, you get the signature Michael Keaton over acting moments.

What can I say about Gary Oldman as the doctor who creates cyborg limbs for war amputees and, eventually, creates Robocop? I love Gary Oldman. I'm biased. Gary Oldman is awesome.

There are even a few clever winks to the original - OmniCorp's "ED209" security drone is almost an exact recreation of 1987's ill fated mega-robot.

And, of course, you have to have Robocop's signature line.

So, all in all, I enjoyed 2014's "Robocop" reboot. I call it a reboot instead of a remake because, as I said, the story line is totally different, with the exception of the skeleton points of the overall story.

If you remember the 1987 flick well, you'll enjoy the references, but you don't have to be a fan of the original to enjoy the new film. That being said, I also don't think that the new version does any disrespect to the original.

Have you seen the new "Robocop" yet? What did you think?