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Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week!

RoboCop
Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, and Abbie Cornish
Synopsis: In 1987, “RoboCop” debuted. It was set in the future, forecasting that technology could be used to do something amazing that might make society better. In 2014, it’s been re-made but the world is different. So this “RoboCop” is different. This time the film, from the jump, is more of a political and technological cautionary tale. It’s about greed, corruption and how some might be tempted to over reach. The new film also takes a hard look at the role of the media. So, in short, a popular sci-fi action film has been re-made as a sci-fi action film with a political bent released just in time for Valentine’s Day. This new “RoboCop” is a fascinating film. It’s not clear what the highest priority here is. It works a bit as an action film, and it has some lavish action sequences. But it feels more like a film designed to make a statement about our culture, our media and the future of technology. From the jump, this film takes a hard look at the role of media. Novak’s character, and his show, is influential of public sentiment, politics and public safety. His stringent advocacy of the use of technology to make people safer and the praise of OmniCorp is a key plot point in the film. You get the sense his show is working with Sellars and OmniCorp to manipulate the story and public sentiment. In addition, the film seems to be a cautionary tale about corporate greed and the overreaches of technology. While the original “RoboCop” delved into the ideas of corporate greed, this feels like a more modern spin on the issues of the day. Perhaps the biggest drawback of the film is the relatively flat development of the central villain. Antoine Vallon (Patrick Garrow) is a poorly drawn character, and doesn’t provide a strong foil for RoboCop. In fact, most of the characters are poorly drawn and two-dimensional, including Murphy. That saps some of the dramatic punch from action sequences and climactic moments. There are some strong actors in the film, and all do a decent job in their roles, but there just isn’t a lot of heft to the film. It makes sense, in some ways, to re-make a film like “RoboCop” because of the advances in special effect technology. And the digital effects work in “RoboCop” adds a new dimension to the story. But there is ultimately too much going on here. There are convoluted political messages, flat characters and some action sequences layered on top. In the end, you’re mildly entertained but not drawn into the world or drawn to the characters. The film is serviceable, but that’s it.
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action including frenetic gun violence throughout, brief strong language, sensuality and some drug material.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, February 14 — "A Winter's Tale," "About Last Night," "Endless Love"

Friday, February 21 — "Pompeii," "Three Days to Kill," "Welcome to Yesterday"

Friday, February 28 — "Son of God," "Non-Stop"