sol- Based on Mark 'Chopper' Read's best-selling autobiography, this graphic drama looks at the notorious Australian criminal's life in and out of jail and his penchant for spinning detailed accounts of violent incidents that tended to stray from the truth. Eric Bana does well in the lead role as we gradually see just how deluded he is, operating under a false assumption that the local police endorse his killing and maiming drug dealers to clean up the streets, and yet the film ultimately feels like more of a collection of assorted events than a cohesive narrative. Some of the incidents are admittedly rather riveting, but others (particularly his girlfriend problems) tend to drag on for too long, especially given that the film's best moments are saved for his conversations with the police; there is a particularly amusing exchange about whether or not he took a man he shot to the hospital and there is a great conversation near the end involving a .410 shotgun. The film is curiously visualised too with unsettling unnatural blue and green light filters and even some slow motion bits. Viewed with Nicolas Winding Refn's similarly themed 'Bronson' in mind, what Bana and director Andrew Dominik manage to achieve here feels extremely slight by comparison, however, 'Chopper' was of course made first and the possible influences on 'Bronson' are intriguing to say the least.

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.

Steven Moody Eric Bana (The Hulk, Blackhawk Down, Troy) began his career in Australia on a sketch TV Show called Full Frontal. Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read was an Australian criminal who extorted money from other criminals, basically by being more dangerous and psychopathic than anyone else. He wrote a book detailing his life in the Melbourne criminal underground during one of his prison terms which became a massive bestseller in Australia. In fact, Read became the bestselling Australian author with his series of violent yet comedic books and when a film was to be made of his life, he recommended Bana play him, based on a recurring character Bana had been doing on his sketch show, an obnoxious macho ignoramus called "Poita" – "yabbo"-speak for Peter.The choice was inspired. Bana is magnetic playing the complex Read, witty yet terrifying, intelligent and sadistic. His behavior is so extreme and button-pushing, it really forces you to examine Western ideals of masculinity. Is Chopper admirable or horrifying? He is fearless and seemingly impervious to pain. At one point, he has another inmate cut his ears off in order to be transferred to another wing of the prison. He is a really funny and likable guy in a brash in your face sort of way. Yet he is a cold blooded killer who makes his living terrorizing other people, who just happen to be criminals, specializing in cutting their toes off to compel them to pay his extortion, or killing them outright. He justifies his behavior through his code – he claims he does not hurt "civilians" – only other crooks.Not for those with a weak stomach.