Instead of creating an ode to all '80s action flicks, it seems more appropriate to discuss one prime example of this genre, a film I just recently had the pleasure of watching again: Robocop.
Amidst the Die Hards and Lethal Weapons, Robocop is an oft-forgotten action movie due to its lack of big-name talent and slightly narrower sci-fi categorization. However, this film has numerous recognizable faces and stands the test of time with innovative directing and succinct storytelling.
There are the fairly common 80s film stamps of authenticity on this classic piece of celluloid: archetypal characters, unbelievable cop scenarios and extraordinarily violent sequences of blood and explosions. Yet, when you put all of these things together in a consistent manner, you get a complete style that is as engrossing as it is entertaining. Most elements are over dramatic, but most of the performances are top-notch and take this tale of revenge to another level.
Kurtwood Smith--known to most of us as Red Forman from FOX's That '70s Show--is powerfully intense as Clarence Boddicker, one of the most despicable villains in recent memory. Miguel Ferrer and Ronnie Cox (members of the "I've seen that guy in 100 movies" club) both have memorable performances as warring executive sharks at the corrupt weapons manufacturing firm OCP. And even with fairly forgettable performances by Peter Weller and Nancy Allen as Robocop and his hard-nosed partner, respectively, the film still holds its own amongst the very best of its own genre.
If you're looking for a fun, truly R-rated action film with solid cinematography and special effects (with its fine share of exploding buildings), then pick up the DVD or tune into Universal HD during the month of January to catch an underrated 103 minutes of 80s glory. He's part man, part machine and all cop--and completely ahead of his time.
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