Robocop 3

RoboCop 3 marks the welcome return of our mechanical hero, played by Robert Burke in this installment.

For those who missed parts 1 and 2, the film is set in the near furure, with the lead role being that of a part man/part machine police officer. As in the first movie in the trilogy, RoboCop 3 incorporates and continues the battle which RoboCop feels between his conflicting orders, as set by the OCP corporation which owns him (and just about all of Detroit), and his 'law enforcing policeman instincts'. The partnership of RoboCop and his female police officer side-kick serves to evoke further memories of his wife and his past life, prior to his mechanical implants.

The plot of the film, running along-side RoboCop's internal battle, is reminiscent of both Alien and Terminator movies, with its vision of decaying society. In this instance, the conflict lies between the interests of big business companies and the poverty stricken wider public, who resist the plans of the company to create "Delta City".

Naturally, our hero faces the choice between obeying the orders of the company or joining the active fight of the rebel groups which quickly rises in response to the plans for the new development on their lands and homes. The choice is given extra edge and impetus by the character with echoes of Aliens' Newt, called Nikko, whose computer literacy helps the rebel cause throughout the film.

As the conflict between the two parties develops into a full scale war, one of the most memorable battle confrontation scenes of recent cinema action films history is featured. This appears in the form of RoboCop versus the company's new secret weapon; the robotic Samurai, Otomo.

The strong plotline offers ample opportunity for plenty of action sequences, whilst retaining the more emotional orientation of RoboCop's own internal conflict.

In summary, RoboCop 3 offers all the strengths of a big blockbusting action adventure, with strong special effects and exemplary directing. This term offers the opportunity to receive the full impact of the entire film on the big screen, and as such this one is definitely not to be missed!

Sam Hillyard.