When the first teaser arrived earlier last year for Neill Blomkamp’s (District 9, Elysium) Chappie, the had a Short Circuit feel to it, hinting at a touching, humorous adventure from the visionary director with his usual trademark visuals. However, judging by the new trailer it seems that there is more than meets the eye; looking more like a Short Circuit meets Robocop kind of film. This is far from a bad thing, it’s just that there appears to be a far more serious side to the story, hinting at some heavy topical issues at the centre of the film.
In the movie, the police are all replaced by brutal robots. However, one of the robots, Chappie (Sharlto Copley performing motion capture) gets an upgrade making it able to learn and think, all whilst gradually experiencing feelings as a by-product. This is, in part, due to the character Deon (Dev Patel) becoming emotionally engaged with Chappie and its growing consciousness, teaching Chappie new things about life.
However, what is most revealing in the second trailer is the motives of Sigourney Weaver’s character and her anti-A.I. extremist Vincent (mullet advocate Hugh Jackman), who both want to wipe out Chappie’s independent consciousness before it has time to grow and expand, and become a threat to humankind.
At first I was slightly worried when Blomkamp announced that Chappie was going to be a comedy, but going by the second trailer, there is going to be a good mix in the film.
Blomkamp has created his signature look yet again, with aesthetically stunning visuals, and a seamless mix of humans and robots balanced against dilapidated backdrops – he has truly nailed this look (somebody give this guy the Halo gig!). The director has not failed to disappoint yet with his unique take on the sci-fi genre and this looks set to be one of the most original films of the year alongside Alex Garland’s Ex Machina.
Take a look at the trailer below and let us know what you think:
Chappie will arrive in UK on March 6, 2015 co-starring Dev Patel, Sigourney Weaver, Ninja and Yo-Landi Vi$$er, Jose Pablo Cantillo
Source: ComingSoon.net
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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