Summary
A sci-fi franchise misfire is finding a new audience with streaming viewers giving the movie another chance. With plans behind the film to reinvigorate the franchise’s brand in theaters, the 2014 remake ofRoboCopmissed the mark with audiences. The reinterpreted character couldn’t compete with the iteration that fans first fell in love with, leading the movie to flop when it first came out.
However, over a decade later, with the franchise still attempting to find its cinematic footing, thesci-fifilm is sparking interest among viewers on Amazon’s Prime Video. A stellar cast and a sleek new look couldn’t save it upon release, with audience reception putting the final nail in the movie’s coffin.However, it is now jumping out of obscurity and into the Top 10 on the platform. Here’s why the 2014 franchise reboot ofRoboCopis gaining attention.
RoboCopIs A Classic Movie That Continues To Impress Audiences
1987’sRoboCophas become a classic film for numerous reasons.While many watch director Paul Verhoeven’s ultra-violent film as merely an action spectacle, it persists in popular culture and among film critics who point out the movie’s unique commentary.RoboCopfeaturesmessages about corporate greed, class warfare, and even viewers' obsession with violence in a stark juxtaposition, adding a distinct lean for action enthusiasts. Verhoeven also explored similar themes in his 1997 filmStarship Troopers, which were also often misinterpreted.
While there were two sequels to the original hit film, 1990’sRoboCop 2and 1993’sRoboCop 3, the follow-ups failed to continue the original film’s winning formula. Still, the character continued to thrive in comic books and even video games,likeRoboCop: Rogue City, which has a follow-up on the way. There was even a short-lived TV series in 1994, which toned down the violence to appeal to children. However, the series ended after a single season. There was alsoRoboCop: Prime Directivesin 2001, a miniseries that didn’t receive much attention.
In 2014, a feature film reboot was made in an attempt to reinvigorate the flagging franchise. Despite a profitable box office run, it failed to capture audience attention.
The 2014RoboCopReboot Missed The Mark With Fans
The 2014 reboot ofRoboCopsaw Joel Kinnaman taking over the titular role, along with an impressive cast that included Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Keaton. Many aspects of the story remained the same, seeing a human combined with robotic parts, leading to an examination of what it means to be human.The movie also leaned into action spectacle, but unlike 1987’s original, it went for a PG-13 rating, dialing down the intense violence and gore that many fans expected.The rating also caused the movie to play more like the type of film that the commentary of 1987’sRoboCopwas pointing a fingerat. Thus, the over-the-top and ironic nature of the original fell by the wayside in favor of a more serious tone.
Most critics gave the reboot middling reviews, and audiences on the whole found 2014’sRoboCopto be a serious downgrade from the classic film.The movie had a reported budget of $100 million, with a worldwide gross of $242.6 million, making it a profitable endeavor. However, the lukewarm reviews and audience reception put the creators' plans to turn the reboot into a franchise on an indefinite hold. Now, more than a decade after the release of theRoboCopreboot, another film has not materialized.
Streaming Audiences Are Giving 2014’sRoboCopAnother Chance
According toFlixPatrol,2014’s RoboCop is finding new life with Amazon’s Prime Video streaming audiences.The movie has found a cozy place among the Top 10 most-viewed movies on the streaming service, with audiences giving the reboot another chance. Some audiences may also be discovering the movie for the first time.RoboCop’srecent success in video games could have the character on the minds of prospective viewers, and the reboot offers a dose of the complex protagonist for fans to explore.
WithRoboCop: Rogue City - Unfinished Businessbeing released for gamers, allowing them to dive back into the universe, the reboot’s streaming success speaks to the character’s continued popularity. Even if some audiences walk away from 2014’sRoboCopfeeling unsatisfied, it still serves as a unique take on the character that delves into interesting themes about humanity.
The character is also slated to make a return to the small screen, as Amazon is said to bedeveloping aRoboCopseriesfor their streaming platform. The new series is said to adhere more closely to the tone and commentary of the original 1987 film, but it is still in the early stages. While the feature film world ofRoboCophas had its ups and downs, the character continues to persist in pop culture. Fans remain drawn to the human robot hybrid cop who is out for justice, giving RoboCop potential for the future despite lackluster past outings.
