From the beginning, “Chappie” struggles to take grasp of its interesting yet ambitious idea. While it’s undoubtedly a visual triumph, the film suffers too much from its incoherent and messed-up narrative, and ultimately arrives to an unsatisfying finish.
Where it shines, the movie treads on themes that quite strike a chord, like motherhood and friendship. Yet none d those moments, manages to linger and ultimately save the film from its biggest shortcoming–its uninspired storytelling.
“Chappie” tells the original story of a precocious robot named Chappie, the first robot with the ability to think and feel for itself. The film stars Sharlto Copley (“Maleficent,” “District 9”), Dev Patel (“Slumdog Millionaire”), with Academy Award® nominee Sigourney Weaver and Hugh Jackman. Blomkamp produced the film along with Simon Kinberg. Ben Waisbren served as executive producer.
“Chappie” could have been a heartwarming and well-meaning film with right and admirable intentions and story to share, there are times when it seems to pick up, but in the wake of its ambitions, it misfires and eventually fails to deliver its promise.
For the admirable character that “Chappie” is, high-velocity sequences and visuals that somehow stick your attention onscreen, I give this film 6/10 stars. (Jeremiah Cabebe)
