RoboCop Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop gets murdered, turned into a robot, and then sues his murderers for emotional distress, all while working for a corporation that’s basically evil Walmart.

🍿 RoboCop: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Detroit’s Descent into Chaos

In a near-future Detroit overwhelmed by crime, Omni Consumer Products (OCP) secures a contract to manage the police force. OCP plans to replace ‘Old Detroit’ with a utopian ‘Delta City,’ leading to the development of robotic law enforcement solutions. This sets the stage for a confrontation between corporate ambition and urban decay.

Murphy’s Tragic Transformation

Officer Alex Murphy, partnered with Anne Lewis, faces the brutal realities of Detroit’s criminal underworld. During a pursuit, Murphy is ambushed and violently killed by Clarence Boddicker’s gang. OCP seizes the opportunity, transforming Murphy’s remains into RoboCop, a cyborg programmed with three prime directives.

RoboCop’s Rise and Internal Conflict

RoboCop efficiently combats crime, sparking concerns among the police force and OCP executives. However, fragments of Murphy’s memories resurface, hinting at his past life and the violence he endured. This internal conflict begins to challenge RoboCop’s programming and his role as a corporate tool.

Corporate Corruption and Betrayal

Bob Morton, the executive behind the RoboCop program, is eliminated by Dick Jones, who is secretly working with Boddicker. RoboCop investigates, but his programming includes a fourth, hidden directive: he cannot arrest or harm OCP executives. This limitation exposes the depth of OCP’s corruption and RoboCop’s vulnerability.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Alex Murphy/RoboCop (Peter Weller): A dedicated police officer brutally murdered and resurrected as a cyborg law enforcer struggling with fragmented memories of his past life.
• Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen): Murphy’s courageous partner who recognizes his humanity within RoboCop and aids him in his quest for justice.
• Dick Jones (Ronny Cox): The ruthless OCP senior president who orchestrates criminal activities to promote his own agenda and robotic enforcements.
• Clarence Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith): The psychopathic crime lord responsible for Murphy’s death, operating under Jones’s protection to destabilize Detroit.
• Bob Morton (Miguel Ferrer): The ambitious OCP executive who initiates the RoboCop program but becomes a target of corporate intrigue.
• The Old Man (Dan O’Herlihy): The chairman of OCP, representing corporate authority while remaining somewhat detached from the company’s corrupt practices.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• RoboCop: “Dead or alive, you’re coming with me!” – RoboCop’s iconic declaration when apprehending criminals, showcasing his unwavering commitment to law enforcement.
• Clarence Boddicker: “Bitches, leave!” – Uttered with disdain and authority by Clarence Boddicker to his accomplices as he orchestrates a violent crime.
• Bixby Snyder: “I’d buy that for a dollar!” – A catchphrase from a commercial within the movie, satirizing consumerism and now widely used to express ironic approval.
• RoboCop: “Your move, creep.” – A taunt to Clarence Boddicker, blending RoboCop’s robotic persona with Murphy’s lingering humanity and desire for justice.
• The Old Man: “Good job, son. What’s your name?” – The OCP Chairman congratulates RoboCop who replies ‘Murphy’, reclaiming his humanity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $53,424,681
• Worldwide Gross: $53,429,250

💥 RoboCop Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I saw this movie way too young, but it totally blew my mind. The scene where Murphy gets ambushed? I literally had nightmares! But the way he comes back as RoboCop, all shiny and robotic, kicking butt and taking names? So awesome! I love the one-liners and the over-the-top violence. Definitely a classic!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of science fiction and action movies”
  • “Viewers interested in satirical social commentary”
  • “Those who appreciate practical effects and 1980s filmmaking”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Implied sexual assault”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A darkly comic and ultraviolent satire of corporate greed and urban decay, RoboCop transcends its genre roots to offer a chillingly prescient vision of the future. Verhoeven’s masterful direction and Weller’s iconic performance create a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
• Variety: “RoboCop is a must for genre fans. The combination of science fiction and ultra-violent action results in an exciting movie experience with strong production value. The performances are solid, and the satire gives an extra layer.

Audience Reactions

The action sequences are amazing and very memorable.: Most people agree that the action is a major highlight of the film.

The satire of corporate greed is brilliant and feels relevant even today.: Many viewers appreciate the film’s sharp social commentary.

Overall Consensus: RoboCop is widely regarded as a classic science fiction action film, praised for its groundbreaking special effects, sharp satire, and memorable performances. Although its violence may be off-putting to some, its enduring appeal lies in its intelligent exploration of humanity, technology, and corporate power.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Special Achievement Award for Sound Effects Editing)- 1988

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The RoboCop suit was notoriously uncomfortable for Peter Weller. It caused him to lose a significant amount of weight during filming due to sweating and difficulty staying hydrated.”
• “Director Paul Verhoeven initially threw the script away, finding it too simplistic. His wife, Martine Tours, read it and convinced him of its satirical potential, leading him to reconsider the project.”
• “The ED-209 stop-motion animation, while groundbreaking for its time, was partially inspired by Verhoeven’s childhood memory of Nazi tanks rolling through his hometown in the Netherlands.”
• “Kurtwood Smith, who played Clarence Boddicker, was initially concerned about being typecast as a villain after the film’s success. He actively sought roles that would showcase his versatility as an actor.”

🖥️ How to Watch RoboCop?

RoboCop (1987) is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video (for rent or purchase), Apple TV (for rent or purchase), and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) are also available from major retailers and online marketplaces, like Amazon, offering superior picture and sound quality.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed RoboCop, you might like these similar films:

• The Terminator (1984): Features a relentless cyborg assassin and explores themes of technology versus humanity.
• Judge Dredd (1995): Another violent, futuristic action film about a law enforcer in a dystopian society.
• Blade Runner (1982): Explores complex themes of humanity, identity, and corporate control in a dystopian future setting.
• Dredd (2012): A modern, gritty take on the Judge Dredd character with intense action and dystopian themes.
• Total Recall (1990): Directed by Paul Verhoeven, known for its violence, satire, and commentary on media and manipulation.

🛒 RoboCop Related Products

• RoboCop: The Definitive History: A comprehensive and visually stunning book detailing the making of the film with behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, and concept art.
• RoboCop (1987) [Blu-ray]: Experience RoboCop in stunning high definition with bonus features including director’s commentary, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes documentaries.
• NECA RoboCop (1987) Action Figure: A highly detailed and articulated action figure featuring RoboCop with interchangeable hands, weapons, and battle-damaged parts.
• RoboCop: Rogue City (Video Game): Step into the metal boots of RoboCop in this action-packed video game where you patrol the streets of Old Detroit, uphold the law, and uncover a sinister conspiracy.

🎧 Soundtrack

RoboCop features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Theme” – performed by Basil Poledouris
• “Rock Shop” – performed by Basil Poledouris

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Robocop on set and getting suited up for the 1987 film.

If you are interested in the making of the Robocop suit, watch this video. It covers how the suit was made and features commentary from the crew.

ROBOCOP (1987) STORY + CYBORG Explained

Do you know the story behind Robocop? This video gives a detailed explanation of the film, including the cyborg aspects of the movie and how it all came together.

Terminator vs Robocop. Epic Rap Battles of History

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Robocop and the Terminator had a rap battle? This video answers that question with an epic battle of wits.

RoboCop – Cinemassacre Movie Review

Here’s a review of the Robocop movie by the popular YouTube channel, Cinemassacre. They give their thoughts on the film, its characters, and its impact on pop culture.

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