As a child who grew up in the '80s, I had a particular fondness for the dynamic action films that came onto the big screen during that decade. One in particular that stood out was the original "Robocop," released in 1987. I was only six years old when it premiered, but I remember the excitement I felt watching it on the big screen with my father, who had taken me and made me promise not to tell my mother about watching a very violent movie. The action of the film made me feel exhilarated and captured my young imagination, which left a lasting impression to this day.

As I grew older, my appreciation for "Robocop" deepened beyond its sci-fi action and dark humor in my pursuit of understanding the dynamics of storytelling in the entertainment and media industry. Along with lessons on script writing and development and just being a fan of classic cinema, it made me realize that behind the action, this was more than just a gun-slinging action movie.

Fast forward to 2014, and the news of a new “Robocop" remake stirred a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was eager to revisit the world I had loved as a child, updated for the modern era. Yet, upon viewing, I was left with a sense of longing for the "magic" that had so captivated me in the original. At the time, I couldn't quite articulate why the new film didn't stir the same emotions.

Now, with a blend of nostalgia and a critical eye, I've decided to revisit both films. It's time to unpack my feelings toward the remake and explore what made the 1987 "Robocop" such an iconic piece of cinema. So, before we delve into a detailed comparison, let's set the stage by looking at both films side by side – examining what each brought to the table and how they stand up against each other in the grand scheme of film and culture.

Directed by the visionary Paul Verhoeven and penned by the dynamic duo Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner, the original "Robocop" borrows a pinch of inspiration from the British comic stalwart Judge Dredd, with a dash of Marvel’s Rom space knight – because who wouldn’t want a crime-fighting robot with a badge?

The story revolves around Alex Murphy, our fearless protagonist, portrayed by Peter Weller. He finds himself patrolling the streets of Detroit that's seen better days – and that's saying something, given its Detroit. Paired with Officer Anne Lewis, played by the indomitable Nancy Allen, unless she decides to peek at someone’s fly. Plays the role of the supporting actor as Lewis and Murphy team up and patrol the streets of the dystopian city of Detroit.

Their introduction to us is short-lived when they encounter the Boddicker gang, led by none other than Kurtwood Smith, who we all know as the dad from "That '70s Show," who's perpetually one insult away from grounding someone for life. Unfortunately for Murphy, this gang doesn't just ground you – they go for a more permanent solution.

Murphy’s world is flipped upside down as he is pushed through the threshold of his known world and into the beginning of a new transformation. Thanks to the good folks at Omni Consumer Products (OCP), he's brought back as a cyborg and programmed for the purpose of upholding the law. As Robocop, he’s the hybrid of corporate fantasy and law enforcement efficiency – a walking, talking, crime-fighting machine with a badge who does not need to sit for four hours writing reports. 

Fast-forward to 2014, and "Robocop" gets a fresh coat of paint with director José Padilha at the helm with the original writers Edward Neumeier, Michael Miner, and newcomer Joshua Zetumer armed with a thesaurus, a new vision for the franchise, and a one-hundred-million-dollar budget.

Joel Kinnaman steps into the metallic shoes of Alex Murphy, bringing a more brooding take on the role. He’s still a Detroit police officer but plays a role as a detective who could've used a better day planner – his schedule goes from undercover cops to full-time cyborg without even a coffee break in between.

The premise remains the same: Murphy meets his makers in a less-than-pleasant fashion and is given a second chance as a tin man with a lot more firepower. But the question looms: Can this new "Robocop" capture the essence of the original, or does it fall short like the launch of the Segway?

So, let's break it down, shall we? Let’s compare the nuts and bolts of both films. 

Let's face it: the original "Robocop" has its quirks – charming as they may be. Take the introduction of ED-209, OCP's formidable yet somehow endearingly clunky law enforcement droid. This seven-foot-tall mountain of guns (seriously, it's like someone emptied an entire weapons catalog into this thing) might have benefited from a crash course in conflict resolution. If it had, maybe that unfortunate extra in the boardroom scene would've made it out in one piece. For those unfamiliar with ED-209's less-than-graceful handling of corporate disputes, I recommend pausing here and diving into the 1987 classic.

Now, about the animation. There's a certain charm to ED-209's slightly claymation-esque movements – it’s part of the movie's retro allure. But then we get to the finale with Dick Jones (portrayed by the ever-compelling Ronny Cox) turning into something resembling a Stretch Armstrong toy. Let's just say the effects were more... experimental than exemplary.

Flash forward to the 2014 "Robocop," and it's clear we've leaped light years ahead in terms of animation and visual effects. The opening scenes in Tehran with the new and improved ED-209s are a testament to this progress. They're sleeker, more menacing, and definitely wouldn't be mistaken for a stop-motion project from the '80s.

As we approach 2024, it's evident that animation technology has continued its upward trajectory – with a few exceptions (I'm looking at you, recent Disney-Marvel productions, but that's a rant for another day).

While the latest "Robocop" iteration undoubtedly wins in the animation department, boasting a sheen and polish that the 1987 version couldn't dream of, it's a different story when we shift our focus to the narrative. Here, the modern film's sleek exterior starts to reveal some cracks...

As a child of the '80s, "Robocop" was the epitome of cool—an action-packed thriller where the good guys triumphed, and the bad guys were unmistakably bad. It was a film that not only lit up my world with its thrilling scenes but also played a part in steering me toward a career in law enforcement. However, viewing it now, at forty and through the more discerning eyes of adulthood (and yes, with the aid of prescription glasses), my perception of the movie has evolved significantly. "Robocop" isn't just a movie about dark humor and action; it's a profound narrative about a man's journey to reclaim his humanity.

This more resounding theme resonates strongly in the film's climax. After the dramatic firing of the villainous 'Stretch Armstrong character, the CEO, known as the Old Man and played by Dan O'Herlihy, ask’s Robocop about his identity. The answer, “Murphy,” is weighted with meaning. To the younger me, this might have just been a cool sign-off. Now, it represents the essence of the story – a man who, despite everything, reclaims his sense of self.

Turning to the 2014 "Robocop," there’s a notable shift. The film, while echoing the original’s premise, doesn’t quite capture the same depth. The narrative feels rushed, focusing more on showcasing its updated, slick animation. One scene that illustrates this is when Michael Keaton’s CEO character updates Robocop, trading his iconic armor for a new, tactical black design. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it felt like the movie was signaling its intention to be ‘better’ than the original. But in doing so, it overlooks the emotional journey that made the original so compelling.

In the 1987 film, Robocop’s gradual rediscovery of his past life, exemplified by the touching scene of him revisiting his old home and seeing remnants of his family life, spoke volumes without saying a word. It was about loss, identity, and the confusion of where he belonged.

Conversely, the 2014 version allows Alex Murphy to reconnect with his family almost immediately after his transformation. This, to me, detracts from the hero’s journey. That crucial ordeal, the struggle to find his place in the world, seems diminished. The 1987 "Robocop" was not just about a cyborg law enforcer; it was about Murphy’s struggle and eventual triumph.

A great hero's story is often defined by its villain. This interplay of Yin and Yang is what creates the necessary tension and depth. And this is where the 2014 "Robocop" remake seemed to miss a beat, lacking a villain of Clarence Boddicker's caliber.

Kurtwood Smith's portrayal of Boddicker in the original was nothing short of phenomenal. He brought ruthlessness and a certain dark charm to the character that stayed with audiences long after the credits rolled. His performance was so impactful that it's only fitting to say, "Let's give the man a hand" for such an unforgettable portrayal.

And it wasn't just about his lines. Smith brought a certain cold-hearted charisma to the role. He wasn't just any villain; he was a father figure with an iron fist... oh wait, wrong notes. But seriously, he added a level of intensity that gave the original "Robocop" its memorable edge. When his character met his end, it was a moment of triumph yet tinged with a sense of loss. He set a standard so high that successors in the sequels found it a formidable challenge to meet.

In contrast, the absence of a character with Boddicker's menacing presence in the 2014 version left the narrative feeling somewhat hollow. The remake, for all its visual flair, couldn't replicate the original's masterful hero-villain dynamic. This compelling dance of opposites is what often defines a hero's journey, and Boddicker's absence was felt in more ways than one.

As you're reading this, it's been over thirty-six years since the original "Robocop" captivated audiences, with the latest iteration nearing its tenth anniversary. The original stands as a cinematic landmark, a film that has weathered the test of time and continues to be a repeat-viewing favorite for many. On the other hand, the 2014 "Robocop," which I revisited recently for this article, had its moments but didn't leave the same lasting impression.

What perhaps sets the original "Robocop" apart is how all its components harmoniously converged to create a cinematic masterpiece. It was a jigsaw flawlessly pieced together, forming an image that resonated deeply with its audience. The 2014 version, despite its modern elements like the addition of Samuel L. Jackson's comedic flair and cutting-edge animation, should have included some crucial pieces. It's a reminder that even with similar elements, the absence of certain vital aspects can unravel a story.