gogoschka-1
One of the best character studies I've ever seen - and certainly the best Eric Bana there ever was. Raw, shocking, sometimes darkly funny portrayal of a sociopath: this film launched Bana's career. 8 stars out of 10.In case you're interested in more underrated masterpieces, here's some of my favorites:imdb.com/list/ls070242495
George Roots (GeorgeRoots)
If there's really anything to take away from the movie "Chopper", it's Eric Bana's extraordinarily gripping performance.Based on the late Australian prisoner Mark "Chopper" Reed, he had became a very prolific author through autobiographies and fictional crime novels throughout his lengthy sentence. But saying that, well that's just it. The movie simply follows Reed's inevitable descent back into the shady underworld, and his obviously well known prison sentence. The supporting cast do a terrific job, and the very dim lit area's help bleed atmosphere into the lens.Final Verdict: It's a hard sell, one which will ultimately grip you thanks to Mr. Bana's hard man mannerisms and sinful likability. But as far as movies based on prison life and criminals go, this is one you'll wont come back from entirely smarter or all too satisfied. 6/10.
max well
The movie thrived on the excellent character work Bana did in his interpretation of Chopper. It made the film, no doubt about it. The beginning was great, it really portrayed chopper's intensity and charismatic way of going about his insanity. This continues to develop perfectly as he muscles his way about the incoming event's caused by his own demented actions. Still keeping my interest through to the end i did find it went in somewhat of a strange and almost off topic manner. This all leading to a mildly unsatisfying and weak ending. Although it is understandable considering its based off of a real story. And forgivable because it was extremely entertaining. all in all it was an excellent movie.
Tcarts76
"Chopper," is the story of Mark "Chopper" Read, a notorious(so I am told) Australian outlaw. The movie is supposed to be based on a best selling book that he wrote while in prison.The Good: Eric Bana does an awesome job playing Chopper, and this movie shows why he came to Hollywood to make real movies ala Russell Crowe and Mel Gibson. Also the beginning 10-15 minutes sets this movie up to be outstanding, full of violence and even humor. Also the director goes back to making good scenes in the last 10 minutes. So watch, fast forward, and watch again.The Bad: If you subtract the first 10-15 minutes and the last 10 minutes, it is just another boring, low budget Australian movie. I read a bunch of good reviews about this movie, and some compared it to the movie, "Resevior Dogs." Well, I guess who ever said that must have been watching a different Resevior Dogs than the one I watched. I think everyone must have watched for 15 minutes, fell asleep, and woke up in the last 10. There really is no explanation other than that.Again, it starts off really promising and I thought," Wow, this is going to be a great movie." Wow, was I disappointed. Eric Bana was the only reason I continued to watch this one and he was truly great. I guess other than a few odd scenes I found almost no real good humor. There are a few mildly amusing moments but nothing worth raving about.I guess there is a small amount of action, but it is sandwiched within so much bad writing and directing that when it does happen you really could care less. All scenes except the prison ones were poorly lit and filmed. All the supporting actors were horrible, except for Kate Beahan, who played Choppers prostitute girlfriend, but she was gone after only a few scenes.I give it a 6 out of 10, and that is for Bana alone. All you people that are jumping up and down giving this movie high praise really need to get out and watch more movies. You all set me up for a giant letdown.
AD
