‘RoboDoc’ Review: Docuseries Breaks Down The  Origins Of ‘RoboCop’ In Glorious, If Not Gratuitous Detail

Does any film really need a full six-hour documentary devoted to it? Honestly, you would be hard-pressed to think of one single film that deserves a multi-episode docuseries analyzing every aspect of its creation. And yet, the filmmakers behind “RoboDoc – The Creation of RoboCop” did just that. And you know what? It’s fucking glorious. Gratuitous? Yes. Incredibly nerdy? Most definitely. But if you’re a huge fan of “RoboCop” or looking for a deep dive into the process of feature-filmmaking, then you’ll gleefully watch six hours of this series and then wonder if there could have been more. 

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The title really says it all — “RoboDoc – The Creation of RoboCop” is a four-episode docuseries that breaks down every aspect of the 1987 feature film, “RoboCop.” From writing the script to casting the film to the troubles during production to the film’s massive box office success, every nook and cranny of this film is put under the microscope. Hell, you even learn which comic book the liquor store robber picks up and why it’s significant to the story of Alex Murphy. This is the definitive look at Paul Verhoeven’s masterpiece, and it might actually be the most thoughtful and painstakingly constructed documentary about one single film ever made. 

Everyone, and I mean everyone, from the production of “RoboCop” is brought in to talk about this film. There are the big names—stars Peter Weller and Nancy Allen, screenwriters Ed Neumeier and Michael Miner, and of course the aforementioned director Paul Verhoeven—but ‘RoboDoc’ also talks with the heads of the various departments, the cast members who are known for one scene, and even a guy who was supposed to be in the film but is cut. No stone is left unturned.

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And really, that’s where the magic of ‘RoboDoc’ lies. This could have easily been one hour and talked with the main stars and filmmakers and called it a day. It would have been exactly what people expected, and fans would have still eaten it up. However, filmmakers Eastwood Allen and Christopher Griffiths go the extra step—extra mile—to give viewers an unprecedented, warts-and-all view of the classic.

This detail-oriented filmmaking allows for everyone to get their turn in the spotlight. Folks like the special effects geniuses Rob Bottin and Phil Tippett are given space to show off their incredible craftsmanship. Composer Basil Poledouris receives his shine for creating one of the most recognizable themes in sci-fi history. People such as cinematographer Jost Vacano and editor Frank J. Urioste get more time to talk about their contributions than nearly everyone else. For a film nerd who is interested in hearing from the “below the line” craftspeople, this is a dream come true.

Directors Allen and Griffiths manage to keep the docuseries flowing by structuring the story around various scenes and moments in the film. These iconic scenes (the dick shooting scene, the boardroom squib-filled death, the massacre of Murphy, etc…) are given their own space, allowing for everyone associated with these moments to provide their thoughts. And when you have animated folks such as Verhoeven and Weller constantly chiming in with their personal stories, the docuseries never feels like it drags at all. (The doc leaves no doubt in fans’ minds about why there was friction on set with two massive personalities like Weller and Verhoeven.)

Now, if you hear about all of this and roll your eyes, clearly ‘RoboDoc’ is not for you. Does it excite you to learn that the various cops in the Detroit PD are named after serial killers? Do you want to know how they came up with the fake TV show, “TJ Lazer?” No? Then, I’m sorry to say, this probably isn’t a time commitment you want to make. But if you’re someone who has worshipped at the altar of “RoboCop” for decades, has a tattoo of the character, and is about to name your second kid after Alex Murphy (nope, not talking about anyone in particular…no, sir…), then “RoboDoc – The Creation of RoboCop” might be the most fun six-hour viewing experience of the year. I’d buy that for a dollar! [A-]

“RoboDoc – The Creation of RoboCop” arrives on Blu-ray on December 18 before hitting VOD on January 1, 2024.