Review of Chappie (2015) by Handyman003 — 20 Nov 2015

Neill Blomkamp successfully blends the aural & visual wizardry of Elysium with the scrappy charm & smart storytelling of District 9 in his third feature-length film, "Chappie", which starts off like a South African spin on 1980's sci-fi, but then diverts from the pack and becomes its own thinking and feeling beast. Blomkamp's signature blend of raw violence and human sentiment is still on display throughout, but is more potent here since the director (and his wife Terri Tatchell) focus purely on the struggle between children and adults, and the hardships that come with growing up. The film also doubles as a tight, compelling meditation on what it really means to be alive. I think the critics missed the ball here.

The title character, voiced and performed by Sharlto Copley, is fully realized. He gives the film a beating heart, and brings real-world human qualities and actual depth to an otherwise mechanical figure. I'd like to see Copley get some more quality roles in the movies. His maker, played by Dev Patel, isn't as well developed, but is no less compelling. Hugh Jackman from the X-Men films relishes the opportunity to play the villain, a roboticist skeptical of artificial intelligence. He is a hoot to watch, partially because of his mullet and the fact he's completely over-the-top. The real surprise here is rap group Die Antwoord as a pair of criminals who fight with Patel's character over how to raise Chappie. While their acting is rough around the edges, they help give the film a unique charm, adding wit and flavor to the gritty proceedings. Their scenes together provide commentary on dysfunctional families. The only weak link in this ensemble is Sigourney Weaver, sadly (as the CEO of the robot factory), since her role is basically a glorified cameo.

Overall, "Chappie" is fresh, ballsy, confident and very entertaining (sorry, Divergent!). Blomkamp, with three winners in a row now, is at the top of the modern action movie throne. He is one of the very few people I trust when it comes to blockbusters, and his films are definitive evidence.