by Alexborn007 on 6/9/2003
favorite track: 9
 
Proof that a composer can benefit from a movie that's already strong without music. This Robocop sequel basically put the Robocop franchise on life support (after the attack Robocop 2 dealt) until its death in 2000 after the "Prime Directives" miniseries. Poledouris returns as maestro for this poor movie, and mediocre score.

The original theme returns in full glory... but it only happens twice. What's more, Poledouris only introduces two themes, and one motif. The two themes are the Resistance group's and the Japanese corporation. His motif (my favorite addition, appearing in track 9) is a quick hit of string and brass to prelude the scene as Robo crashes through a skyscraper window. It's very suiting and adds some tension to an otherwise dull scene.

Just about every cue in the first movie is used here, only with no electronics. In my opinion, the score suffers tremendously from this. Granted, not many composers in the mid to late '90s used synths, but Robo's first score just made sense with them. The theme is too militaristic here and loses the lone hero quality. Considering how much the theme benefitted from that, this is a substantial change. A lot of the replayed material sounds good though and retains a little of the charm from the first.

Basically, this is for the die-hards only. Poledouris just couldn't get things moving with this one. Frankly, I have tremendous respect he was even able to churn out a score for this movie. That alone deserves some kudos...this "flick" (as there's no other good way to describe it) is a train wreck of problems. Be weary....