Robot Jox (1989)

It is post-World War III. War is outlawed. In its place, are matches between large Robots called Robot Jox. These matches take place between two large superpowers over disputed territories.... See full summary »

Director:

Stuart Gordon

Writers:

Stuart Gordon (story), Joe Haldeman (screenplay)

Stars:

Gary Graham, Anne-Marie Johnson, Paul Koslo

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

Storyline

It is post-World War III. War is outlawed. In its place, are matches between large Robots called Robot Jox. These matches take place between two large superpowers over disputed territories. The main character Achilles is a pilot in one of the large Robots. The plot revolves around him and a match for the state of Alaska.

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Plot Keywords:

robot | alaska | giant robot | bartender | drunkenness | 

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Taglines:

The ultimate killing machine. Part Man. Part Metal.

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Genres:

Action | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 November 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Robojox

Filming Locations:

Empire Studios, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$1,272,977 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Empire Pictures, Altar Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

85 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

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!"

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Goofs

When Athena enters the robot, she has on a dark visor. This is supposed to protect her from the new flash weapon and helps her get in the robot without being suspected that she is not Achilles. She is knocked down unconscious in the fight, and Achilles comes to rescue her and fight in the robot himself. When he puts on the suit, the visor is now clear for the rest of the fight, as it was for all of his "in the robot" scenes.

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Quotes

Alexander: [to Achilles] I kill you already!
[taps head]
Alexander: In here!

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Connections

Referenced in Cinemassacre's Monster Madness: Robot Wars & Robo Warriors (2010)

User Reviews

What's Up With the Bad Reviews?

This film seems to get bad critiscism for some reason. Probably just by the mass populace. Anyhow, this is actually a very interesting movie. The film is an under-budget sci-fi movie which actually works, due to an interesting storyline and well done scenes.

This movie may not be for everyone though. If there are any Sci-Fi fans reading this, I truly recommend this movie if you like good ole science fiction. The film has crazy ideas. The setting includes nations going to war with GIGANTIC machines which the entire countries invest all it's money in! The world has been divied up into territories. Anyone can challenge anyone else to a war, or rather, a 'robot-duel'. The method of warfare is cleaner than nuclear war, since now everyone is wearing those breath masks. Definetly a movie that makes you think. Intelligent, well written, and good effects for the measly budget.

I tend to like movies which have small budgets and actually work.