Neill Blomkamp films tend to tread on that future that is
just beyond our reach. Looking at previous work, such as District 9, it
could be a few months or decades into the future. The present is there,
but the cusp of the next big thing exists. It
may not be as bleak as some, but there still is a horrifying ingredient
of the evil that men do. And yes, it is generally man that commits the
heinous act.
In Johannesburg, crime has spiraled out of
control. As a reaction to the rise in illegal activities the police
enlist the help of robotic officers. I know what you’re thinking:
Robocop. But that’s not where this film goes. It’s merely
a cornerstone to the overall story, plus these robots are more agile
than Robocop. Think about comparing an elephant to a jaguar. These
machines are highly successful and leads their creator (Dev Patel) to obsessively
work on a new program that defines consciousness.
After “requisitioning” a unit that is going to the scrap heap as a test
subject, the creator uploads his software and life begins for Chappie (Sharlto Copley),
but not before he’s taken by a group of criminals that had their eye on
The Creator to turn off the robots so that
they can commit crimes without their interference. The proceeding film
follows Chappie as he quickly grows while be influenced not only by his
environment, but the rules set down by The Creator.
Obviously, you’re feeling some Biblical
references with The Creator and Chappie’s struggle with following his
orders and adapting to the environment he lives in, particularly the
influence of Mommy and Daddy(Yolandi Visser and Ninja). There is a religious arc
throughout the film as the character falls and rises again. There is a
definite District 9 feel to the piece that harkens back to that fine
film. I will warn you that if you’re seeing this title thinking that
it’s a children’s film, you will be sorely mistaken.
This is far from it, even with the Short Circuitesque plot. Hugh
jackman plays a nemesis that does things to our protagonist that goes
way beyond the norm, more like torture, Steer kids away.
Blomkamp has delivered another emotional rollercoaster
film that encourages the viewer to think about our society right now,
from the viewpoint of a possible future. It also delves into the idea of
the meaning of life, but with a refreshing take.
Chappie doesn’t try to answer the question of what is the meaning of
life, but it follows the process of an individual learning what that
really is and that’s really the whole essence of this film. Though it
has some flaws, it’s a fine film that delivers some
introspection when least expected. ***1/2
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