According to Wikipedia, themes that make up the basis for RoboCop include media influence, gentrification, corruption, authoritarianism, greed, privatization, capitalism, identity, dystopia and human nature. I’ve watched RoboCop and I’m not even sure it’s one of those things. Paul Verhoeven may well be capable of serious directing, but he’s also capable of being very, very silly, and this is as schlocky as they come. Which isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy myself – to a point. Campy fun has its limitations but it can carry a load, and though an underdeveloped script and ropey special effects might have their say, there’s little campier fun than the titular Cop marching around Detroit delivering his pulpy justice to that theme tune. Serious sci-fi nothing, it’s a B movie.
B