RoboCop

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. (2009-05-08)

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. (2007-08-31)

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. (2011-02-12)

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. (2009-01-17)

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. (2008-07-24)