Neill Blomkamp brings us yet another
technology-based sci-fi set in South Africa, this time in the story of Chappie.
Both emotionally and aesthetically the film is a combination of opposites, from
serious to silly and from sleek to drab. Somehow this combination comes
together to create a wonderful story that will take the viewer on a
rollercoaster ride of emotions from wanting to cry in frustration to laughing
at some of the characters' hilarious antics.
The
movie is set in Johannesburg South Africa, in a future where nearly
indestructible police droids have been invented to help the police force cut
down on both crime rates and human officer casualties. Chappie (voiced by
Sharlto Copley) is a unique version of these robots due to the experimental
artificial intelligence illegally programmed into him by the robots' creator,
Deon Wilson (Dev Patel).
While Deon attempts
to smuggle Chappie home from his work facility, he is hijacked by a trio of
criminals who take the robot and plan to use him as an accomplice for
committing crimes. The criminals are Yolandi and Ninja (both known by the same
names in the rap duo Die Antwoord), and Amerika (Jose Pablo Cantillo). Since
Chappie is newly programmed, he has a innocent mind with a readiness to learn,
which means he is highly susceptible to influences. Now Chappie is pulled in
two directions, with Deon who wishes for him to read, learn and be creative,
and then with the criminal trio who want for him to assist in carjackings,
robbery and all manner of illegal activities.
The
film had a similar feel to some of Blomkamp's previous blockbusters, District 9
and Elysium, but with a whole new quirky twist. The acting was excellent,
especially considering this was a first time role for Yolandi and Ninja. Some
of the bigger names like Sigourney Weaver and Hugh Jackman played surprisingly
small roles, but their parts on the backburner gave room for the newcomers to
show their talent.
The visuals were,
in one word, fantastic. The criminal trio's hideaway, set in a large abandoned
factory, was plastered with a variety of graffiti art. That combined with the
Ninja and Yolandi's neon painted guns and body armor changed their look from
everyday South African criminals to an edgy representation of gangsters. On the
opposite end of the bright colors were the slums, where many of the scenes take
place. The film does a great job in making the viewer feel as if they are in
that hot and smelly area of Johannesburg, walking in between trash can fires
and dog fights.
Despite the
similarity to his previous work, Blomkamp's Chappie is a film unique unto
itself. It combines advanced technology with the most basic of human emotions
to create a film that is creative, colorful, exciting and well worth a few
hours of your time.
Chappie will be released on Blu-ray and DVD June 16.
No comments:
Post a Comment