RoboCop

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. (12/02/2011)

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. (31/08/2007)

Another excellent sci-fi thriller which, together with Terminator, was and still belongs to the best of the 80s. It was also the first Paul Verhoeven film I’d seen, and I became an instant fan. RoboCop is literally packed with thrilling action scenes, but it also contains moments that bring you closer to the character of Alex Murphy, mostly focusing on the memories of his family. Fortunately, pre-1990 films didn't use so much of the now typical American melodrama, so these scenes work well. Another big plus is the cast. You’ll hardly find a nastier villain than Kurtwood Smith. (01/08/2016)

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. (17/01/2009)

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. (24/07/2008)