* ½

(Dumb robot movie)

Can’t think of a dumber movie to hit the big screen in 2015.

This one takes place in the future in Johannesburg, South Africa, where robot cops are used to keep the peace.

Deon (Dev Patel from “Marigold Hotel”) is a nerdy robot designer who is developing a robot with the power to think and feel. His robot is stolen by three lowlifes who teach him bad habits. Chappie, as he is named by the gang’s sentimental mol, is torn between his “maker” and the bad guys, causing much confusion in his developing mind.

Meanwhile, more bad guys are after the dumb threesome for money owed them. To further complicate matters, Deon’s rival at the robot factory (Hugh Jackman) is developing this mega robot.

After wasting our time with everyone trying to program Chappie, all of the elements come together in a long, boring battle where you’re never quite sure who is chasing whom and why.

The big questions are 1) What’s the point? 2) Why did Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver and Dev Patel agree to be part of this disastrous movie? and 3) Who cares?

Rated R for profanity, nudity and violence.