EP 153: "ROBO-RUMBLE!" PART 2: "ROBOT JOX" (1989)
We talk up one of the movies that inspired this very podcast: ROBOT JOX (1989)! Perhaps the finest film in FULL MOON FEATURES catalog, this sci-fi gem is directed by cult legend STUART GORDON (RE-ANIMATOR 1985) and co-written by science fiction novelist JOE HALDEMAN (THE FOREVER WAR novel)! Don't miss this all-out lovefest for a movie that deserves to be seen!
We "CRASH AND BURN!" on this week's episode of CULT and CLASSIC Films Podcast! Listen wherever you get your podcasts and at https://cultandclassicfilms.com/!
Last Week: "BUMBLEBEE" (2018)
Host: NATE WYCKOFF
Panelist: TAD MASTROIANNI
More on ROBOT JOX:
"Robot Jox" is a science fiction film released in 1989, directed by Stuart Gordon. The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic future where war has been outlawed, and conflicts between nations are settled through giant robot combat (reasonable, right?)
The story revolves around a global war between two superpowers, the Market (read: U.S.) and the Confederation (read: Russia). Instead of risking human lives on the battlefield, the nations deploy massive humanoid robots, known as "jox” (definitely nothing like the exactly-the-same robots in ROBOTECH), to fight on their behalf. These robots are controlled by human pilots who engage in intense, high-stakes battles in arenas.
The film follows the main character, Achilles (played by Gary Graham), a skilled jox pilot who represents the Market. Achilles is a celebrated fighter and has become a symbol of hope for his nation. However, he attempts to retire after a battle results in the death of 300 civilians (at least they don’t have school shootings :| !)
As tensions rise between the Market and the Confederation, Achilles is chosen to engage in a final decisive battle against a formidable opponent from the Confederation named Alexander (played by Paul Koslo). The outcome of this battle will determine which nation owns Alaska (huh?)
The film combines elements of action, adventure, and futuristic technology steeped in societal and political satire. Throw in epic stop-motion mech battles, and you have one helluva entertaining and visually impressive experience for fans of science fiction and action films!
More like ROBOT JOX:
If you dug "Robot Jox" and are looking for similar big robot flicks, here are a few suggestions:
"Pacific Rim" (2013): Directed by Guillermo del Toro, this film depicts a world where humanity fights against monstrous creatures called Kaiju using giant robots called Jaegers.
"Real Steel" (2011): Starring Hugh Jackman, this movie is set in the near future where boxing has evolved into a high-tech sport where human-controlled robots battle each other.
"Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz" (1997): This anime film is set in the "Gundam" universe and features giant humanoid war machines known as Mobile Suits engaged in battles between different factions.
"Transformers" (2007) and its sequels (except for Last Knight—blech!): Directed by Michael Bay, these films center around the battles between giant shape-shifting robots, the Autobots and Decepticons, on Earth.
"Iron Giant" (1999): A beautifully animated flick that shares some thematic elements with "Robot Jox." It tells the story of a young boy who befriends a massive robot from outer space and helps protect it from government agents.
"RoboCop" (1987)—if you haven’t seen this film, what are you doing with your life?: While not specifically about giant robots, this sci-fi action film explores the themes of man and machine. It follows a cyborg police officer in a crime-ridden Detroit who fights against corruption and crime.
These movies featuring elements from “Robot Jox” like as giant robots, futuristic battles, and the exploration of human-machine interactions. Get watchin’!