Given the insipid ad campaign by Sony for "Chappie," I did not expect much. Boy, was I surprised. "Chappie" joins "Robocop" and Terminator 2" as best of the genre, whose theme is "Do we have a soul; and is the 'soul' what makes us 'human'"? However, while "Robocop" and "T2" asked this question indirectly, while engaging in great action and dark comedy, "Chappie" approaches it directly, while still providing exciting entertainment without the preachiness of "T2". Let us say, while "Robocop" and "T2" struck gold by variations on familiar paths, "Chappie" takes "the road less traveled" and strikes platinum. I certainly hope, when the Academy and the Writers Guild are selecting "Best Screenplay" nominees, "Chappie" is one of them.
"Chappie" takes the "Simpson's dysfunctional family" approach, providing "Chappie" with an extended family of violent drug dealers. Yet, despite their chosen profession and lifestyle, each of the "family" members possess strong redeeming elements of likability, humor, heroism and self-sacrifice. Most notable among these is "Mommy" (Yo-landi Visser), whose off-putting makeup and wardrobe hides an unconventionally beautiful woman, both physically and spiritually. As Chappie's creator, Dev Patel creates an even more engaging "science geek" than the male cast members of "The Big Bang Theory". Dev reminds me a bit of Rahul Kholi on "IZombie". His "home helper" robots are absolutely adorable; and they perfectly reflect Rahul's character.
While Sigorney Weaver is a bit typecast, Hugh Jackman provides perfect contrast to his usual "stalwart hero" roles. One keeps expecting Jackman to turn out to be the "hero" of this piece; and THAT is good casting.
Hans Zimmer provides his usual, beautifully appropriate music to "Chappie". His music particularly raises the adrenalin-level of what are really pretty conventional action scenes.
I can see no way anyone could improve on "Chappie". Thus, I feel fully justified in giving "Chappie" a resounding "10".
"Chappie" takes the "Simpson's dysfunctional family" approach, providing "Chappie" with an extended family of violent drug dealers. Yet, despite their chosen profession and lifestyle, each of the "family" members possess strong redeeming elements of likability, humor, heroism and self-sacrifice. Most notable among these is "Mommy" (Yo-landi Visser), whose off-putting makeup and wardrobe hides an unconventionally beautiful woman, both physically and spiritually. As Chappie's creator, Dev Patel creates an even more engaging "science geek" than the male cast members of "The Big Bang Theory". Dev reminds me a bit of Rahul Kholi on "IZombie". His "home helper" robots are absolutely adorable; and they perfectly reflect Rahul's character.
While Sigorney Weaver is a bit typecast, Hugh Jackman provides perfect contrast to his usual "stalwart hero" roles. One keeps expecting Jackman to turn out to be the "hero" of this piece; and THAT is good casting.
Hans Zimmer provides his usual, beautifully appropriate music to "Chappie". His music particularly raises the adrenalin-level of what are really pretty conventional action scenes.
I can see no way anyone could improve on "Chappie". Thus, I feel fully justified in giving "Chappie" a resounding "10".