Chappie is the third film from Niel Blomkamp, the director of District 9 and Elysium. Like Blomkamp's previous films Chappie is filled with messages regarding the Earth and its future but unlike District 9, the messages in Chappie ultimately come off as inadequate.
Chappie has its moments and some great ideas but unfortunately, not a single one of those ideas are fleshed out properly. Chappie's biggest problem is its writing. The characters, their conflicts and interactions, a lack of consequences, rushed and ignorant decisions are what's saving Chappie from being a great film.
The ending is weak and like the rest of the film, it has no consequences. Not a single point is proven and not a single character dies, for no longer than a few minutes at least. This film handles death like a minor inconvenience after which characters pretend as nothing happened.
Chappie does, however, have its positives which are mainly the acting and the VFX. Sharlto Copley's motion-capture performance is easily one of the highlights of the film. Hugh Jackman, Dev Patel and Sigourney Weaver also do a fine job with their characters.
Overall Chappie isn't a bad or unwatchable film by any means however it is a big decline from Blomkamp's District 9.
Final Grade: 6-/10