Movie review: Chappie

Intended as a robotic police officer, Chappie is modified and becomes a sentient being. Inducted into an unusual family Chappie finds himself involved in crime and other adventures as he tries to find his place in the world.

Sharlto Copley (Chappie), Dev Patel (Deon), Ninja, Yo-Landi Visser, Jose Cantillo (Amerika), Hugh Jackman (Vincent), Sigourney Weaver (Michelle), Brandon Auret (Hippo), Maurice Carpede (Chief).

In the future robots have taken the place of human police officers, but their creator dreams of more intelligent robots. With research halted a damaged robot is modified out of desperation and the result is a sentient being affectionately called Chappie. Inducted to a dysfunctional family, Chappie is drawn into a world of crime as his innocence dissolves. Though the storyline is well worn, the film moves along fairly well and raises plenty of moral and ethical questions.

Acting was good with Copley and CGI doing a great job helping Chappie to deliver solid emotion and plenty of humor. Patel fit nicely and delivered well throughout. Visser and Ninja were disturbing but actually fit the film well. Cantillo was solid while Jackman and Weaver brought depth of experience that helped round out the cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were enjoyable with an authentic feel. Extensive CGI was good and fit the film well. Action scenes were intense and captured fairly well. Dialogue was fun with some laughs alongside the drama and tension. Sound and soundtrack were good.

While Chappie is a good film, that's all it is. The storyline isn't fresh and adds only minimally to the sentient robot theme. Visual effects are well done but the film never generates intense energy or audience engagement.

With plenty of violence and some mild foul language this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 12.11.15
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi Action Adventure, Sci-Fi Action, Action, Crime

copyright ©2015 Dave Riedel