‘Pure perfection’ sci-fi ‘classic’ on ITV tonight | Films | Entertainment

A 1987 film considered to be an evergreen action sci-fi classic is airing on television tonight.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven with a story by Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner, the film has found its place in cinema’s Hall of Fame over the decades.

Starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Daniel O’Herlihy, Ronny Cox, Kurtwood Smith, and Miguel Ferrer, the sci-fi actioner was made on a production budget of $13.7 million and went on to gross $53.4 million at the global box office, making it a success at the time of its release.

For fans of sci-fi and relentless action, the much-loved classic RoboCop will air on television tonight, December 24, at 9.50pm on ITV 4.

After its release, Verhoeven’s film not only received two Oscar nominations for Best Film Editing and Best Sound, but it also bagged a Special Achievement Academy Award for Best Sound Editing for Stephen Flick and John Pospisil at the 60th Academy Awards.

The film’s official synopsis says: “In a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company’s nefarious plans, he turns on his masters.”

With a smashing 92 per cent critics approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered unmatched critical acclaim over the years, with one reviewer writing: “Robocop is timeless. It’s a brutal classic that is consistently provocative and timely.”

A second critic, showering praise on the director, said: “Paul Verhoeven’s glorious sci-fi satire combines searing social comedy with some of the most graphic ultra-violence ever to grace legitimate cinema.”

While another reviewer added: “A perfect version of the thing it sets out to be, one of the most intellectual and propulsive of all ’80s action films.”

Fans have been left equally impressed with Verhoeven’s sci-fi offering over the years, with one viewer calling it: “One of the greatest soul searching movies ever made, [Peter] Weller is incredible the score is pure perfection, arguably one of the greatest emotive scores of all time. This movie is freaking timeless.”

Another glowing audience review of the film says: “I’m joining the chorus of fans who think Robocop is an iconic 80s action sci-fi film for its inventive premise, gripping narrative, and enduring popularity are a testament to its influence and staying power making it an absolute badass and fun film. Grading: A”

While yet another impressed fan wrote: “If there is one thing I didn’t like about this movie, it is that I didn’t see it sooner. Now that I have actually watched it, I realize why people consider it one of the greats, which I also now agree with. The storytelling was captivating, the character development was profound, and the cinematography was nothing short of stunning.

“Every scene felt meticulously crafted, pulling me deeper into the narrative. It’s the kind of film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, making me appreciate the artistry behind it even more.”

Another happy audience member said of the film: “This is one of the best action sci-fi movies I’ve ever seen. It was thrilling from start to finish, and its visuals were amazing. I definitely recommend it for action and sci-fi fans.”

RoboCop will be broadcast on television tonight, December 24, at 9.50pm on ITV 4.

For the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new Everything Gossip website