Short Circuit meets Robocop in the latest science fiction actioner from Neill Blomkamp, the South African filmmaker who has given us District 9 and Elysium, films that defy convention by truly investing the world of science with a surprising degree of offbeat humanity (humor and class conflict, among other elements always find their way into his narratives). In Chappie, he and co-writer Terri Tatchell (who also happens to be his wife) explores a near future where mechanical troops keep the streets crime-free by oppressive means, until a police android (voice and motion captures by Blomkamp regular Sharlto Copley) with bootlegged programming that allows for emotional responses challenges the authorities and inspires the populace to rise up. (Opens wide Friday) (R) Not screened in time for review
This article appears in Mar 4-10, 2015.