'Robocop' turns 25

This year marks the silver anniversary of the classic science fiction/action film Robocop.

The movie, set in the near future, centers on Detroit policeman Alex Murphy (Peter Weller), who is viciously gunned down by thugs (led by Kurtwood Smith, yes, the dad from That 70's Show).

As fate would have it, though, Murphy is reincarnated as the title character, which is a program designed by an ambitious executive (Miguel Ferrer) of the company which runs Detroit’s police force.

Robocop proves successful as he cleans the human scum out of Detroit. However, memories of his former life begin to emerge, which leads him on a quest for revenge. This quest eventually leads him to a ruthless company executive (Ronny Cox).

Some objected to the violence of the film at the time of its release but, while it is extreme, it does not overwhelm the story.

Cox and Smith are great villains and Nancy Allen is also good as Robocop’s partner. But none of this would have worked without Weller, who is instantly likeable and, later, heartbreaking.

The film would win the Academy Award for Sound Effects Editing.

Director Paul Verhoeven would go on to direct the equally memorable Total Recall (1990) and Basic Instinct (1992), as well as stinkers such as Showgirls (1995), Starship Troopers (1997) and Hollow Man (2000).