Robot Jox (1990)

Director:

Stuart Gordon

Writers (WGA):

Stuart Gordon (story)
Joe Haldeman (screenplay)

Release Date:

21 November 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Sci-Fi

Tagline:

The ultimate killing machine. Part Man. Part Metal.

Plot:

It is post-World War III. War is outlawed. In its place, are matches between large Robots called Robot Jox...

Plot Keywords:

Robot | Alaska | Giant Robot | Futuristic | Bandage

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Gary Graham	...	Achilles
Anne-Marie Johnson	...	Athena
Paul Koslo	...	Alexander
Robert Sampson	...	Commisioner Jameson (sic)
Danny Kamekona	...	Dr. Matsumoto
Hilary Mason	...	Professor Laplace
Michael Alldredge	...	Tex Conway
Jeffrey Combs	...	1st Prole
Michael Saad	...	2nd Prole
Ian Patrick Williams	...	Phillip
Jason Marsden	...	Tommy
Carolyn Purdy-Gordon	...	Kate
Thyme Lewis	...	Sargon
Gary Houston	...	Sportcaster
Russel Case	...	Hercules

Also Known As:

Robojox

Runtime:

85 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Australia:PG | Singapore:NC-16 | Iceland:16 | UK:15 | USA:PG | Canada:14 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario)

Filming Locations:

Italy

Company:

Altar Productions

Trivia:

During the script-writing process, science fiction author Joe Haldeman and director Stuart Gordon clashed on the vision of the film. Halderman wanted a dramatic, serious science fiction film. Gordon however wanted to liven it up and use stereotypes. In Haldeman's word's, "I would try to change the science into something reasonable; Stuart would change it back to Saturday-morning cartoon stuff. I tried to make believable, reasonable characters, and Stuart would insist on throwing in clichés and caricatures. It was especially annoying because it was a story about soldiers, and I was the only person around who'd ever been one." As they were saying their goodbyes to one another, Gorden pinpointed the problem. He said "Joe, our problem is that you're writing a movie for adults that children can enjoy, but I'm directing a movie for children that adults can enjoy!"

Goofs:

Continuity: Achilles is supposed to be illiterate. This is referenced at least twice in the film; first when Commissioner Jameson reminds Achilles that he isn't even able to read his own contract (which Achilles acknowledges), and second when Achilles asked his brother how the "reading business" was going. However, after he comes out of retirement, Achilles questions Doc Matsumoto about the countdown sheet for his upcoming rematch against Alexander, which he has just read. If Achilles is in fact illiterate, then he would not be able to read the countdown sheet.

Quotes:

Achilles: You can live.
Alexander: Yes, if I kill you with this!
Achilles: We can both live!
Alexander: We are already dead. We are Robot Jox!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Alien Arsenal (1999) (TV)

Impressive

What a great film it is. The notion of nations sending people fighting each other with giant robots is tacky. The ending is not just a fitting one, it's more inspirational.

But I am intrigued by the characters. It is a pity we never see the relationship of Achilles and Athena more developed beyond just a couple of kisses and Athena's fear for Achilles's safety. Their romance is very enjoyable.