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    Chappie

    Reviewed by
    dajk@

    Due to a marketing strategy that hides almost everything about this movie, I find it hard to talk about and review Chappie without giving away any spoilers. Initially, I was not sure what to expect from this movie due to many polarizing reviews, and the fact that the box office numbers indicate that not many people are seeing it. The marketing gave the impression that this was a generic robot-action movie with small hints at deeper emotional themes. However, the first thing I noticed about Chappie was that the marketing and trailers failed to showcase what the movie would really be like. Instead of combining Robocop and I Robot, I was reminded of The Iron Giant quite a few times (despite Chappie not being a kids movie), as well as District 9. The emotional tug that the trailers vaguely hinted at were front-and-center in Chappie, and the character of Chappie himself brought so much emotional depth to the story. As audiences, we love to root for the innocent one, and Chappie has this sense of innocence to him that brings out the heart of the movie. Unlike the last movie from director Niel Blomkamp, Elysium, Chappie doesn't try to beat you over the head with its themes, and is instead much more subtle about them, allowing the story to take charge. There are a few obvious connections to cultural metaphors, but they are not as intrusive as they were in Elysium. Despite being extremely entertaining and packed with emotion, Chappie does have a few minor problems. First and foremost, one of the actors really stood out as not being good at all. Chappie has a cast stocked with recognizable talent, such as Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver (who are both great), but also a pair of South African rappers who do not have the same acting ability. One of them (Watkin Tudor Jones) was surprisingly good, the other, Yolandi Visser, was not. Her character played an important role in the story, especially to the character of Chappie, but her acting made the role of her character prominent for the wrong reasons. In addition, the end of the film extends beyond the reality it has created and the story includes the prominent cliché of “a slimy, evil character who redeems himself through one act of heroism”. Despite these issues, Chappie really is a great movie. The action and effects are exciting, the lead character brings emotion and heart to the movie and it provides commentary on real world issues without beating the audience over the head. I am very happy that I ignored the critics scores and gave Chappie a chance, and I recommend that you do the same.

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    dajk@  17.3.2015 age: 13-17 85 reviews

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    1 - Worst ever, avoid at all costs

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