"RoboCop" is a 2014 American science fiction action film directed by José Padilha and written by Joshua Zetumer.
It is a remake of the 1987 film of the same name and stars Joel Kinnaman in the titular role, alongside Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, and Jackie Earle Haley. The film reimagines the original's concept of a cyborg law enforcement officer in a near-future dystopian setting, focusing on contemporary issues such as corporate power, surveillance, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence.
The plot centers on Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman), a dedicated detective in Detroit who is critically injured by a car bomb orchestrated by corrupt officials. OmniCorp, a powerful conglomerate led by CEO Raymond Sellars (Michael Keaton), seizes the opportunity to transform Murphy into RoboCop, a part-man, part-machine police officer designed to revolutionize law enforcement. As RoboCop, Murphy struggles to reconcile his human memories and emotions with his programmed directives. He uncovers the corruption within OmniCorp and fights to bring those responsible to justice, all while grappling with his loss of humanity and identity.
"RoboCop" (2014) received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised the film for its updated special effects, action sequences, and performances—particularly those of Gary Oldman and Michael Keaton—others criticized it for lacking the satirical edge and emotional depth of the original. The remake's approach to the themes of corporate greed, the militarization of police, and ethical dilemmas in technology was noted, but many felt it did not fully capture the provocative nature of its predecessor.
Despite the mixed reception, "RoboCop" (2014) was moderately successful at the box office, grossing over $242 million worldwide. The film's attempt to modernize the RoboCop story for a new generation sparked discussions about the challenges of remaking beloved classics and the evolving landscape of science fiction cinema. While it did not achieve the cult status of the original, the 2014 "RoboCop" stands as an effort to reintroduce a iconic character to contemporary audiences, blending high-tech action with questions about humanity and control in an age of advanced technology.