CHAPPiE

Plot Summary:

The story of a self-conscious robot, CHAPPiE, being stolen and programmed to think and feel for itself, takes turn into a high end heist leading to an epic argument of Good vs. Evil.

Director: Neill Blomkamp

Writers:  Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller 

"In the near future, Indian born Deon Wilson (Dev Patel), is a high ranking executive in a Robotic Police Force company. When he comes up with an idea to make a self conscious robot named Chappie to protect better, his higher-ups disapprove it. Nonetheless, he makes it and when the company finds out, scraps the robot. When 2 small time criminals planning a $200 million heist find Chappie, they kidnap Deon and force him to program Chappie to assist them in their heist. When power-corrupted military general Vincent (Hugh Jackman) finds out, he rallies all forces to stop Chappie, at any cost that leads to an monumental showdown between Good and Evil."

Synopsis:

In the near future, crime is patrolled by an cruel mechanized police force. But now, the people are fighting back. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, it becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for itself. As powerful, destructive forces start to see Chappie as a danger to mankind and order, they will stop at nothing to maintain the balance and ensure that Chappie is the last of its kind.

One of the most remarkable scenes was when Chappie asks its creator that why did he put it in a mortal body and creator answers with a confusion that how could he know or anticipate how far Chappie could develop itself. So there is always a question of existence that pertains throughout.

Chappie is a exuberant, witty, enjoyable, and unexpectedly sentimental movie about a conscious robot being raised by gangsters in Johannesburg. Most of the criticisms regarding single dimensional or illogical character choices are valid, but Chappie's character, the CGI, the humour, and the overall theme of the movie more than make up for these shortcomings.

As a character, Chappie is an unwilling action hero that one can both identify with and admire. Its story is gripping and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Unfortunately some of Chappie's brilliance comes at the expense of the world around him.

Are there plot holes? A few minor irregularities, but no major ones. The graphics are excellent, the sense of humour is evident throughout, and some of the performances are truly memorable. Sigourney Weaver's hilarious head-over-heels exit from her robot manufacturing plant in the face of total catastrophe is comical in the extreme.

Even though there is a lot of violence which may be a reason for a lot of criticism, still it is a story with a wonderful moral ending (good triumphs over evil) and some really outstanding entertainment along the way.

In short, Blomkamp delivered a beautiful futuristic story that ultimately challenges (or may be changes) our views on what consciousness truly represents. Fueled by amazing special effects, interesting character development, and an intelligent use of symbolism towards life, this film falls nothing short of being a true cinematic masterpiece.

Cast:

Sharlto Copley

Dev Patel

Hugh Jackman