Despite some strong visual effects, Chappie represents another step backwards for writer-director Neill Blomkamp, after the decent Elysium (2013) and masterful debut District 9 (2009). The concept of gangsters reprogramming an AI police droid to commit robberies is an interesting one, and could have made for some tense heist sequences. Unfortunately, these criminals are played by South African male-female rap duo Die Antwoord, who really have no business acting in a major motion picture. Screen time that might better have been filled by talented vets like Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver is instead wasted on the musicians' inane scheming and simplistic arguments.

An opening scene featuring the police-bots in action sets the stage for an exciting near-future story of corporate greed gone haywire, in the R-rated tradition of RoboCop (1987). However, the plot stalls during long periods spent at the crumbling industrial hideout of Die Antwood's thug characters. At 120 minutes, the film feels indulgently long and too bereft of significant plot points or action to support the length. When the inevitable showdown between Chappie and an ED-209-esque battle mech does arrive, the moment feels forced - a requisite popcorn finale from a movie more concerned with dime-store tech philosophy.

By aiming for a strange brew of action, comedy and music in a high concept package, Blomkamp again misses the mark in terms of his core story. Let's hope his forthcoming take on the Alien franchise features character arcs and performances as well-honed as the filmmaker's signature special effects.

Final Grade: C | 73/100 | ★½