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
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.

---

Plot Keywords:

robot | alaska | giant robot | pubic hair | male rear nudity | 

---

Taglines:

The ultimate killing machine. Part Man. Part Metal.

---

Genres:

Action | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 November 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Robotjox - Die Schlacht der Stahlgiganten

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

The patches worn on the suits of Tex and Achilles include real US Army unit patches, such as the 101st AIRBORNE and the 18TH AIRBORNE CORP.

---

Goofs

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

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

---

Connections

Referenced in Pacific Rim (2013)

User Reviews

One of the Great Cheapies

While this movie in no way could be compared to the greats like Godfather or Star Wars, keep in mind that it had very little money. Stuart Gordon does a spectacular job of trying to maintain a big-budget realism with a very small budget. Not only does he do that, but he also makes a fairly entertaining film as well.

I saw this one a long time ago, and have since bought the tape. It really is a true guilty pleasure. While this is not as good as Stuart Gordon's other movies such as Re-Animator, it does beat out the awful Castle Freak. While many say that this is possibly the worst ever, they have obviously never seen a really bad film before.

The plot, which is actually fairly original, focuses on a "Robot Jock (Jox)" that is torn between retiring or continuing to fight for his country in a giant man made robot with specially made weapons to against the interesting, although cliched, Alexander. Add in genetically engineered fighters, and you have yourself one heck of a final fight royal.

The music score, done by some no name composer I have never heard of is actually quite good. I was very very impressed. The score really cought the mood of the action to me.

Overall, it's worth a rental, and if you like it, buy it on tape. I love it, but can see why others would call it average fair. But considering the budget and the company (It was made by the same guys who made Full Moon Studios) it scores pretty high on the zombie meter- 3 1/2 out of five