Review of Chappie (2015) by Philray — 10 Mar 2015

Apparently this is just a movie everyone needs to see and judge for themselves. I am SERIOUSLY baffled by the negative reception from critics! I loved this movie, and I thought it was a very well done analysis of consciousness and self/self-identity. A beautiful coming-of-age film.

What impressed me most about this film was that I didn't feel like I was watching a smart robot come to self awareness, but, rather, I was watching a consciousness come to self realization. Chappie's development in the film was impressively organic. Often robot movies like this one suffer from too many eureka moments and light-bulb-above-the-head cliches: the problem with these cliches, is they don't reflect how living consciousness grows as we experience it in humans (our only reference point). Chappie really feels like a human consciousness, just trying to learn how to live the best he can. Chappie does not feel like a robot learning that he is alive, which is appropriate since, as a consciousness, his "alive-ness" is taken for granted from birth.

The film really moved me, and I was in tears several times. The action was also great, as was ALL the acting. The narrative was, in fact, solid, even if it wasn't revolutionary. It told the story it needed to. Directing was also well done.

I would give this film a 9, but it moved me so much, that I feel I owe it a 10. Can't wait to see it again!

Really underrated. I am confident that in time this movie will be more well liked. This may be a case of expectations ruin the movie? I really don't know.