Review of Chappie (2015) by Paul D — 24 May 2016

Continuing on from his critically acclaimed District 9, and the more maligned - yet personally underrated - follow up Elysium, director Neil Blomkamp once again delves into science-fiction with Chappie, a strangely interesting spin on the nature of artificial intelligence.

Blomkamp attempts to meld a dark humor into his dystopian sci-fi, which justifiably comes off a little uneven for the more conventional tastes. Casting the lead roles to South African freak-rap duo Die Antword doesn't help any either, not to mention the plot doesn't even offer much new to the genre, and many will be put off by the descent into a chaotic violent finale.

Still, Chappie will be a tough sell to most; but for those craving a left of centre, eccentric experience, Chappie isn't terrible. It's not a patch on Elysium or District 9, but there is an admirable unconventionality here that makes this worth giving a chance.