Yes, we do live in an era of entertainment where risk averse corporate entertainment conglomerates pillage the most inane properties with the slightest name recognition, or pillaged well-loved heritage properties to try to make a quick buck, with no clue as to what made the original special, much less how to bring a new voice which makes it fresh. But here's the thing. You can get a clue as to what you might expect when you see the names attached to the production.
Joseph Padhila was given the go-ahead on this remake because of the success of his Elite Squad films, hard boiled cop movies that take place in his native Rio de Janeiro. In fact, after being offered a bunch of flicks, according to him, he requested this one. He brought along Pedro Brofman, the composer of the Elite Squad scores, and Mr. Brofman throws in recognizable hooks from the striking Basil Poledouris score from the original.
The new Robocop also tells the tale of a corporation seeking to offer remedies to solve the crime problems of Detroit. But while the original offered a satirical look at technology anxiety, the overreach of corporate power, labor/management issues and some sharp criticism at privatization of public services, this version decides to go entirely into technology anxiety. It heavily delves into automated warfare and the questions of who is in control. It even takes that question internal, examining the nature of consciousness. Is Alex Murphy real? Or was he just a biological mechanism subject to be manipulated and pushed aside by a machine programmed to serve his masters?
Yes, Murphy is again the titular Robocop. Played by Joel Kinnamen, in this case, Omnicorp isn't seeking to hide his humanity and former identity. They want the illusion of humanity, so as to sell automated warfare on the streets of American cities. But they want to be the ones in control. They want a robot with Alex Murphy's face.
The pressure is on to put machines in America's streets. And the hard sell has begun, as the poster boy of the "peace through automation" scenario has been cast in doubt in Omicorp's showcase theater, Tehran, Iran. Patrick "Pat" Novak (Samuel L. Jackson) thunders about the issue on his TV series. Michael Keaton (Raymond Sellars) just wants to sell his product. Rich Mattox (Jackie Earle Hallie) wants to prove that humanity has no place in this automated battlefield. And AI scientist Dr. Dennet Norton finds himself conflicted between his own illusion of control and his actual pulling for his patient/creation, Alex Murphy, who's human "hard problem" defies his ability to control the situation as a robotics engineer.
This movie is less the savagely playful satire that the original Robocop was. Less over the top but even more pointed in some of it's criticism, it doesn't forget that Robocop in concept is just as much about certain questions about the day as well as a futuristic police adventure.
Though it got mixed reviews, the movie cleaned up at the box office. I personally think some of the more negative reviews were less about the virtues or failings of this film and more about the nostalgic attachment to the original. But such are the risks when one is adapting a beloved property. Some can't let go and judge it on its own merits. Know what I mean, Battlestar Galactica?
Me, I enjoyed it.
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