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Review: Robocop 2 (1990)
Peter Weller is back on the beat as a crime-busting cyborg in Robocop 2, which like many a sequel is little more than a retread of the original. Unlike its 1987 predecessor, the rather routine follow-up lacks the fun and intelligence of the Paul Verhoeven effort. Director Irvin Kershner previously brought us one of the few great sequels of all time: The Empire Strikes Back. Robocop 2 is nothing more than your standard actioner that offers some good effects but is chiefly a disappointment.
Despite Robocop’s vigilant efforts in continuing to combat crime, the city faces a serious problem courtes of a potent drug peddled by an eclectic, illicit pill pusher named Cain (Tom Noonan, the serial killer in Michael Mann’s 1986 chiller Manhunter) which has addicted many both young and old. Robocop and partner Lewis (Nancy Allen) manage to terminate the trafficker. An executive (Belinda Bauer) at the corporation which runs the police force has an idea for new automated law enforcer as Robocop is now deemed obsolete by some. The new crime-fighter rather will utilize the brain of Cain in a Goliath chassis that packs formidable firepower.
Weller turns in a decent performance as the armored crime fighter who once again finds himself (or itself) battling a mighty, metal behemoth. Though this time the story makes Weller little more than a joke. Well given that Robocop is not seeking his identity this time—apart from part of the opening—the filmmakers decided to lighten the tone to an extent though the action is intense and some of the violence depicted onscreen is a bit too grisly; particularly when the reborn Cain finds his former cronies and leaves his mark on them. Dan O’Herlihy, the corporate CEO from the first film returns and chews the scenery more.
As is evident by the 1980 Star Wars sequel, Kershner is capable of crafting quality work but Robocop 2 lacks the panache of the 1987 model. Those who might be tempted to head out to catch Robocop 2 or some other summer shoot-em up at the cineplex might do better by renting the first film and maybe Weller’s follow-up to Robocop: Shakedown (1988), or better yet, Kershner’s The Empire Strikes Back.
Robert Baum is Currently a Bryn Mawr, PA-based film afficanado and pop culture junkie.
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