Neill Blomkamp’s latest big screen endeavour Chappie once again sees him delving into the sci-fi genre and addressing a very human issue.
Set in Johannesburg, it’s based in a city governed by the world’s first robotic police force. The young creator behind that idea then finds a way to programme a droid so that it feels and develops like a human.
But with a trio of criminals hoping to exploit this and an extremely bitter co-worker determined to destroy it, it isn’t long before Chappie’s future is compromised.
We’re not going to lie, this film isn’t without its shortcomings – most notably the believability of some of the characters and the consistency of the concept – but all in all we found it difficult not to identify with the robot around which this film centres.
Voiced by Sharlto Copley, who starred in both District 9 and Elysium, Chappie is childlike but highly intelligent and incredibly emotional. No he doesn’t have a smiley face but he did manage to reduce us to tears.
He injects this sci-fi thriller, which undoubtedly lacks the edge and depth of Blomkamp’s first hit, with a whole lot of heart and while it’s not perfect, it is entertaining and it does touch on a real-life topic.
Chappie explores the idea of consciousness and eternal life but, until District 9, there is no lasting message. However, if you are looking for a sci-fi action flick with a sentimental edge and some comic moments, this is definitely one to check out.
