Chappie (Rated C)
Cast: Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver
Genre: Science Fiction
Dwight's Rating:

Artificial Intelligence or AI is said to be the intelligence exhibited by machines or software, or the study of the goal of creating intelligence.

The new film, "Chappie", is theoretically a look at some of the potential pros and cons of a future with AI. But instead of "Artificial Intelligence", the AI here might as well stand for "Absolute Idiocy", "Actual Insanity", "Absurdity Incorporated", or "Asininity Infinite".

I'm not sure if it's what Director Neill Blomkamp and his co-writer wife Terri Tatchell intended, but I found myself laughing heartily several times during this movie. Blomkamp and Tatchell teamed up before with great success with smart science fiction that takes a critical look at society in 2009's spectacular "District 9". Blomkamp again held up the magnifying glass in the slightly-less-critically-acclaimed, but still reasonably entertaining "Elysium" of 2013. But while "Chappie" appears to want to put societal attitudes and prejudices under the microscope, it ends up being nothing but a big joke on all fronts.

The premise: in the near future in South Africa, human police officers have, for the most part, been replaced with robots that patrol the streets and deal with lawbreakers. But eventually some of the lawless people in Johannesburg decide to rise up. And one group of mentally challenged criminals (that's my description for them -- not the official movie line) decides to kidnap one of these police droids along with its nerdy creator, Deon (Dev Patel). Deon is forced to reprogram the droid, giving it the ability to feel and think for "himself".

The robot is nicknamed "Chappie" (Sharlto Copley), and we follow him as he, in child-like wonderment, discovers the world and the nature of (often cruel) human beings, all while being led into a life of crime by his human handlers.
There is great promise in that premise. But it is mostly squandered through a series of missteps by the writing-directing team.

Blomkamp is of South African and Canadian decent, and quite successfully set his masterpiece "District 9" in South Africa. It was a refreshing change of pace from the typical setting of New York City for most alien/sci-fi flicks. But while that setting worked in that movie, it seems to have been the wrong choice for "Chappie". And unfortunately, some of the characterizations in this film end up feeling awfully racist.

First of, those three nincompoops who decide to use the police droid to help them with a big heist to pay off their debts, are replete with all the stereotypes of ethnic gangsters -- or at least, those that today's movies tell us they possess. They hold their guns sideways, and use words like "illest"! Two of these are South Africans, and the other American of Hispanic decent. And as our poor robot Chappie is like a baby, he learns to speak English from these fine folks. As such, Chappie ends up speaking in a graceless manner with a horrific mash-up of international accents -- a little bit of South African here, Middle Eastern there, Caribbean too. He sounds like an immigrant who has just learned English.

And because these three clowns apparently think they are rap video superstars, they adorn poor Chappie in gold chains and spray paint "tattoos" all over him.

So picture: an awkward robot with a weird accent wearing gold chains, carrying guns, on a crime spree, carjacking and assaulting people! It's as bad that those two dingbat "ethnic" robots that so riled up audiences back in 2009's "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen". At least those silly Transformers were only occasionally on screen, and were supposedly there to provide "(not-so) comic relief".

Chappie, on the other hand, is the star, and is on screen with his constant hood-rat imitation.
It doesn't take much to realize the film is preaching against these generalizations. It is hoping you get the message about treating people who look and who are different from us with respect. But it comes across as making fun of folks, adding fuel to the same incendiary stereotypes it's supposed to be fighting.

The other big problem: the bad performances. In fact, the only tolerable performance is that of Patel ("Slumdog Millionaire"), which can best be described as "not objectionable", given the questionable work material. On the other hand, Academy Award nominee Sigourney Weaver is wasted in a superfluous role. And all the criminals (not just our three dim-wits) are overly ridiculous and cartoonish. But surprisingly, the biggest cartoon and biggest waste of talent and time is Hugh Jackman. Either he lost one helluva bet, or the director or screenwriter saved his life at some point, or he's doing this as a tax write off, but this is arguably the worst ever performance of Jackman's entire acting career.

As a jealous, rival scientist to Patel's Deon, Jackman acts as if he is the ultimate 1980s Saturday morning cartoon villain, or at least the bad guy on a very bad 1980s Australian soap. Speaking of the 1980s, the musical score feels like an homage to most of the bizarre action or sci-fi movies of that decade, like "Terminator" or "Robocop". But it's more weird than flattering.

In the end, the movie takes a sharp turn into examining the transference of consciousness -- territory last ventured in 2013's fantastic, "Her" and 2014's atrocious, "Transcendence". You don't have to possess much intelligence (artificial or otherwise) to figure out which one "Chappie" handles this topic like. So, if you are planning on spending your hard-earned money to watch a film, "Chappie" is not the movie to see. It is far too ludicrous. The only place "Chappie" fits in our film-going world is to be used as a tool to firmly establish a standard of what should not be acceptable in a film.

o Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of " Morning Blend" on Guardian Radio. He is a television producer and writer, and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.

If you only watch your movies through “legal” means and you’re planning to watch the Oscars this Sunday, you are at a distinct disadvantage.

Of the 14 movies in the six major Academy Award categories this year, only four of these films played in wide release in this country. That’s just about 28.57 percent. Even here, that’s considered a failing grade! And it represents a decline from the 45 percent (five out of 11 movies) that played here in 2013.

Things look a little better in the Animated Feature Film category (three out of those five movies made it here.) And by now, some of the other movies are available on iTunes and similar on-demand or streaming media services. But in any event, unless you’re a download pirate (and I mean that in the most polite way) it’s likely that you and a good number of people in these parts won’t know much about the movies up for the major awards.

Despite these challenges, I once again will seek to predict the winners for Hollywood’s big night, specifically the four acting categories and the overall Best Picture. The sixth major category is Best Director. I won’t make a prediction on this one. But there are five nominees, and I think this is three-man race, between Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu (“Birdman”), Wes Anderson, (“The Grand Budapest Hotel”), and Richard Linklater (“Boyhood”).

We’ll start with Best Picture, and then go through the easiest to predict categories (Best Supporting Actor and Best Actress) to the most unpredictable (Best Supporting Actress and Best Actor). I’ll tell you my personal favorite or what/who should win, and then what/who I believe is most likely to win. And next week, we’ll see just how well I did with my picks!

BEST PICTURE

American Sniper

Birdman

Boyhood

The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Imitation Game

Selma

The Theory of Everything

Whiplash

For the first time in the last few years, the Best Picture category is actually anybody’s guess. Last year, almost everybody knew “12 Years A Slave” would be victorious. This year it’s not quite as clear. It’s also not the most exciting crop of movies, especially when compared to 2013’s spectacular nominees (there really wasn’t a bad one in that bunch). Rather, the Class of 2014 is comprised of mostly small, independent or art-house films, with “American Sniper” — released late in 2014, and proving to be the first box office hit of 2015 — being the only one achieving “blockbuster” status.

That said, it is highly unlikely that “American Sniper” will win Best Picture. Neither will “Selma”. Both are well-crafted and emotionally compelling films, but against the competition, these two are the weaker links.

“The Grand Budapest Hotel” is imaginatively directed and beautifully filmed, and is the most playful and lively of these nominees. While it won this year’s Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, it is probably too light to be taken seriously by Academy voters.

The two movies getting the strongest buzz have been “Boyhood” and “Birdman”. I have many serious issues with the former, which I feel has no business being nominated here. Yet, the film has captivated the film industry, and has won many major awards and accolades.

“Birdman” on the other hand was an enjoyable look at the struggles of a washed-up actor trying to remake his career and find himself. Hollywood likes films about itself, and movies about the movie industry often have success at the Academy Awards. For me though, the three standouts here are “The Imitation Game”, “The Theory of Everything”, and “Whiplash”. These well-executed and well-written tales — two of which (“Imitation” and “Theory”) are based on true stories — are also all exceptionally well acted.

Of the three, “Whiplash” is arguably the most unforgettable. Who would have thought that a movie about a drummer in a college jazz band would approach horror movie levels of intensity? It is shocking and captivating. Plus, it features some incredible music! What more could you ask for?

I will pray for an upset and that “Whiplash” takes the top prize. But if the trends we’ve been seeing this award season hold true, the extremely overrated “Boyhood” may eke out a win, with “Birdman” the most likely spoiler.

My personal favorite: “Whiplash”

What will win: “Boyhood”

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Robert Duvall (The Judge)

Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)

Edward Norton (Birdman)

Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)

Okay, so we don’t need to spend much time discussing this category. And you can apply any clichéd saying here: “the writing is on the wall”, “it’s clearer than day”, and “even the blind can see”. J.K. Simmons will win the Oscar for “Whiplash”!

This performance is the most memorable of any performance in any category this year. As a demanding and driven jazz band teacher, Simmons is mind-blowingly intense, and could have (and should have) been nominated in the Lead Actor category. He could have won there too!

If Simmons had not been in this category, I would have said Edward Norton would get the win. He steals every scene he’s in with “Birdman”, with an amazing performance that reminds anyone who may have forgotten just how wonderful and still underrated is this low-key actor. But Simmons has won every major award for his role this year. And has this Oscar in the bag.

My personal favorite: J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”)

Who will win: J.K. Simmons (“Whiplash”)

BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE

Marion Cotillard (Two Days, One Night)

Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything)

Julianne Moore (Still Alice)

Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl)

Reese Witherspoon (Wild)

This is another category in which the winner seems to be a foregone conclusion. And it appears Julianne Moore will finally win her Oscar. With Emmy Awards (Daytime and Primetime), Golden Globes (for TV and movies), and Screen Actor Guild Awards, the Oscar is the only major award that has eluded the talented Ms. Moore. “Still Alice” represents her fifth Oscar nomination, and after a stellar body of work, the consensus is that she is long overdue.

But it would be wrong to think she’d win just because she’s been winless. That would discount how incredible Moore is in “Still Alice”. As a relatively young woman facing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, Moore effortlessly expresses the pain and frustration of such a condition. Even when she isn’t saying a word, she says so very much. She is at once subtle and yet forcefully powerful. In one word, “amazing!”

With the other nominees, Rosamund Pike had been my early favorite for her frenzied performance in “Gone Girl”. That was before the bombardment of all the “Oscar” films at the end of the year. Since then, some other performances have like cream risen to the top.

Felicity Jones was surprisingly powerful in “The Theory of Everything”, helping to catapult what could have easily ended up a supporting role into a commanding lead performance. Reese Witherspoon also delivers a tour de force in the quite entertaining “Wild”. In any other year, any of these women could have been walking up to the podium. But not this year! This year it’

Julianne Moore! Finally! And well deserved!

My personal favorite: Julianne Moore (“Still Alice “)

Who will win: Julianne Moore (“Still Alice”)

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)

Laura Dern (Wild)

Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game)

Emma Stone (Birdman)

Meryl Streep (Into the Woods)

First off, let’s say I love Emma Stone. She’s been good in everything I’ve seen with her so far. But I must admit I do not understand why she’s been nominated for an Oscar for “Birdman”. (The only nomination more surprising is Ethan Hawke’s supporting actor nod for “Boyhood”). Even Naomi Watts’ performance in “Birdman” was stronger, but still not exactly deserving of a nomination).

I also love Patricia Arquette. But I don’t get all the fuss with her “Boyhood” performance — although I agree hers is the best one in that entire movie.

Voters are likely to say that Meryl Streep (with three wins in 19 nominations — the most of any actor in history) has won enough Oscars, and this is certainly not her most memorable performance.

My pick would be Keira Knightley. She is wonderfully spirited as a code-breaker hired to decode Nazi secret communications during World War II in “The Imitation Game”. This is the very definition of a supporting performance; Knightley does not upstage her lead, Benedict Cumberbatch, and enhances her scenes with her mere presence. Like all the actors in this fine film, Knightley makes the most of the great dialogue in the lively script, which allows the cast to display their chops with many amusing and dramatic moments.

Nevertheless, it’s Arquette who has the momentum, and it appears that Sunday will be her night.

My personal favorite: Keira Knightley (“The Imitation Game”)

Who will win: Patricia Arquette (“Boyhood”)

BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE

Steve Carell (Foxcatcher)

Bradley Cooper (American Sniper)

Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game)

Michael Keaton (Birdman)

Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)

This is the year’s most competitive category, with strong performances all around.

My least favorite performance is Steve Carell’s in “Foxcatcher”. Yes, Carell transforms himself physically in this role, with that weird prosthetic nose. He does an effective job of playing creepy millionaire John du Pont. But the film is so unsettlingly dour and bleak that it’s hard to say one enjoyed the performance.

Bradley Cooper and Benedict Cumberbatch both deliver solid performances. And many others have won awards for doing far less.

But ultimately, I believe the real race comes down to two people. “Birdman” seems made for Michael Keaton. Like his character, Riggan Thomson, Keaton was once a giant blockbuster movie star, who’s seen his film roles diminish in recent years. He pours his heart into this one, and has already been well rewarded for it so far.

The only person standing in Keaton’s path toward an Oscar is Eddie Redmayne. The British actor delivers a spectacular turn as genius Stephen Hawking. Redmayne is able to excite the viewer whether he’s discussing scientific theories or when dealing with the debilitating and life-threatening disorder (ALS) that will forever change Hawking’s life. Redmayne pulls us along through all the ups and downs, and transforms himself physically (without makeup or special effects) as Hawking’s illness takes toll, continuing to amaze us, even when Hawking is no longer able to speak.

So, it comes down to the two men who won this year’s Golden Globes — Keaton for Comedy and Redmayne for Drama. It could go any way. But I think because of the emotional impact, Redmayne has the slight edge.

My personal favorite: Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”)

Who will win: Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”)

American Sniper (Rated C)
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Luke Grimes
Genre: Biographical War Drama
Dwight's rating: 3.5 STARS

This is the movie that changes everything! Not because "American Sniper" is exceptionally groundbreaking. In fact, it's a rather straightforward war tale. Whether set in World War I or II or Vietnam or the Middle East, as is this one, these movies are presented with the same basic themes -- a conflicted hero battles the enemy along with his own demons. Rather, what it will change -- for some, and likely forever -- is the way we see three particular individuals.

For one, it will confirm for anyone who doubted it that Bradley Cooper is a bona fide superstar. No, he's not just a pretty boy and former "Sexiest Man Alive". He is clearly one of Hollywood's most versatile actors, as capable at comedy and romance as he is at intense drama and action.

Secondly, it will further cement Clint Eastwood as one of the greatest, most sensitive film directors of our time. Old Clint still has the ability to drive grown men to tears! And finally, it shows that Sienna Miller is on the verge of greatness, and is well on her way to erasing the "just-a-model" and tabloid-princess image that has haunted her for years.

Anyone who has watched American news outlets in the last year is quite familiar with the true story of "American Sniper". The movie is based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, the U.S. Navy SEAL, who became the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history -- a fact confirmed by the US Department of Defense, based on the number of confirmed kills.

Cooper plays Kyle before, during and after he is deployed to the Middle East following the September 11 attacks. His pinpoint accuracy earns him the title "Legend". But when off the battlefield, he struggles to be a good husband and father to his family back in the States. He serves four tours of duty, but whenever he returns home, he finds that he cannot leave the war behind. Again, the story is not earth-shatteringly new, and is relatively simple. But the strong performances, expert direction, and astounding scenes from the front lines of battles against insurgents, all add up to one incredible movie. Those pulse-pounding fighting sequences will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A number of movies in recent years have depicted America's war on terrorism. Quite possibly, "American Sniper" may be the best so far. It's arguably even more compelling than the slightly overhyped "The Hurt Locker", and without a doubt superior to the exceptionally overblown "Zero Dark Thirty". My main issues with the latter being that it played like a recap of events almost everyone knew about and had seen on the nightly news.

"American Sniper" avoids a similar fate by capturing the heart and soul of its characters. Much of the credit must go to Cooper. He gets better with every new movie, and is certainly deserving of his Oscar nomination for this role. Should he win? Many actors have taken home the award for less.

So here we get a serving of a little bit of everything -- a touching and romantic family drama -- a gritty look at the horrors of war, both on and off the battlefield -- and enough action to satisfy the video-game lovers. Most impressive, though, is the ending of the film. I'll try not to spoil it for you if you aren't familiar, but again if you watch American news, you know how this story ends. And obviously as the movie is based on Kyle's own autobiography, it covers only a certain part of his life. While another writer or director might have decided to delve further into areas beyond the book, Eastwood and screenwriter Jason Hall's surprising choice for the conclusion proves to be more powerful, emotional and touching than one could have imagined.

The relentless promotion, and the six Academy Award nominations, helped "American Sniper" to a record-breaking opening weekend in the US, the best ever for a January release. The movie is now also the best opening ever for a Clint Eastwood' directed film. That's impressive. But more than anything, "American Sniper" makes me hopeful for the future. I can't wait to see what's next from Eastwood, and from Miller, and especially from Cooper, who seems to have the Midas touch these days. This is the true manifestation of "change you can believe in".

As part of the premiere of the movie The Avengers, HBO Latin America together with Cable Bahamas joined forces to take one lucky winner and three friends or family members to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The winner, who must be subscribed to the HBO/MAX package with Cable Bahamas, will receive four airline tickets to Orlando, Florida, hotel accommodations, meals and tickets to the parks at Walt Disney World.*

As of Tuesday, May 21, subscribers can enter to win by visiting the Cable Bahamas Facebook page, facebook.com/GetRevdUp. The contest concludes June 21, and the winner, selected by the public voting from the top ten finalists, will be announced on June 24 on the Facebook Page. Customers can call 601-8992 or visit Cable Bahamas offices to subscribe to HBO + MAX.

The Avengers, distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, premiered exclusively on HBO on May 25th in the Caribbean, with rebroadcasts in June (check your local guide for times).

*Entry to the contest will be solely through Cable Bahamas' Facebook page. Participants will compete for the Grand Prize of a family vacation for four (4) to Orlando, Florida. The winner must be an HBO and MAX subscriber of Cable Bahamas or reside in the home of an HBO and MAX subscriber. Contestants will be told that the Avengers are on the search for a new team member to their crew; contestants are then asked to create the next superhero that they think will be chosen to join the Avengers team. Contestants will be judged in the following categories:

Name of the next superhero The special powers of the next superhero Photo of the contestant dressed as the superhero The reasons why the contestant's superhero should be picked as the next Avenger team member. For extra bonus points - the contestant may upload a video of themselves satisfying the above requirements

Cable Bahamas will select its top ten entries. The public will vote on the top ten entries and the entry with the most popular votes will be the winner.

About HBO Latin America
HBO Latin America Group is composed of affiliates of Time Warner Entertainment Company, L.P. and Ole Communications Group. The HBO Latin America Groupof companies own, operate and distribute the leading cable and satellite programming services in Latin America, Brazil and the Caribbean, including HBO, HBO2, HBO Signature, HBO Plus, HBOFamily, HBO HD, HBO Caribbean, HBO On Demand, HBO GO, Cinemax, MAX, MaxPrime, MAX HD, A&E, AXN, E! Entertainment Television, Sony Entertainment Television, Spin, The Biography Channel, The History Channel, and Warner Channel.