A ‘masterpiece’ crime drama featuring what audiences are calling Eric Bana’s ‘career best performance’ is a perfect choice to revisit following the launch of Netflix series Untamed.

Bana takes the lead in this latest crime drama on the prominent streaming platform. It marks only the second time the star has taken on a television role since Dirty John, having previously focused on film roles.

The Australian actor portrays Kyle Turner, a special agent probing a mysterious death in Yosemite National Park. The series has received rave reviews, with many critics and fans highlighting Bana’s performance as a reason to binge-watch the series.

However, many fans still regard his breakout film role in 2000’s Chopper as his ‘career best’. His career took off after the film’s release, landing him major roles in Hulk, Troy, Munich and the 2009 reboot of Star Trek.

For fans who binge Untamed and wish to revisit an earlier part of Bana’s career, Chopper is available for streaming on Prime Video, reports the Mirror.

The film was inspired by the books of Mark Brandon ‘Chopper’ Read, arguably Australia’s most notorious former criminal. Chopper draws from police records, court transcripts, news reports and interviews with those who knew Chopper Read.

According to the synopsis, Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, a convict serving time in a maximum-security prison, is stabbed due to his eccentric behaviour. Upon release, Chopper frantically searches for his concealed enemy.

The film commands a 76% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes whilst achieving an even more remarkable 89% audience approval rating on the platform.

One reviewer, marking a significant anniversary, declared: “Chopper is more than a vehicle for Bana’s extraordinary performance; it’s an immaculately crafted masterpiece of Australian cinema that feels as fresh, energetic and provocative today as it was the day it was released.”

A fellow critic concurred, proclaiming: “This is a masterpiece of a film, a sign that Australian cinema can reach monstrous heights of glory.”

Cinema enthusiasts continue to champion the picture, with one devotee sharing online: “Eric Bana deserved an Oscar! Unbelievable portrayal of Chopper. This movie doesn’t get the credit it deserves.”

Another viewer reflected: “The directorial debut of Australian filmmaker Andrew Dominik comes in the form of “Chopper,” a film that acts as a dramatised biopic of sorts on the real-life crimes of Australia’s most dangerous criminal in Mark “Chopper” Read. In a career-best performance from Eric Bana, we see the deep rooted insecurities in a man who thrives off chaos, violence, murder, and overall darkness but somehow managed to be charismatic and likeable to everyone he came across despite his reckless nature.”

They added: “The film embraced its tone of being a truly dark comedy as the moments of tension between Chopper and anyone he’s talking to feel terrifying to watch.”

Chopper is streaming on Prime Video.

A five-star period drama boasting one of the finest ensembles of British acting legends ever brought together will be available to stream without charge on BBC iPlayer this weekend.

The broadcaster’s complimentary streaming platform has secured the celebrated drama from 2001 for a five-month period, giving film enthusiasts ample opportunity to enjoy it.

The synopsis for this beloved classic states: “Period piece set in the early 1930s with an all-star cast.

“A weekend shooting party at a country mansion turns into a murder mystery when the host is found dead.

“It seems that everyone has a motive, from the guests upstairs to the staff downstairs. Among the gathering are cash-strapped relatives of the victim, a Hollywood movie mogul and songwriter Ivor Novello”, reports the Mirror.

Boasting an extensive roster of theatrical legends, the production features Michael Gambon, Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, Richard E Grant, Charles Dance and Kelly Macdonald amongst its stellar lineup.

Helmed by renowned director Robert Altman, the film is Gosford Park, a darling of cinema lovers and thoroughly worthy of your immediate consideration.

One glowing critique on Google declares: “Easy 5 stars. Superb period piece black comedy/whodunit set in an opulent English country estate in 1932.

“The best ensemble cast ever assembled in a film, and directed by Robert Altman, it features a dazzling array of upstairs/downstairs characters split between the servants and the guests.”

They shared a fascinating tidbit: “The brilliant cast was mic’d up for the group scenes so that, even when not the focus of attention, ad-libs could be used in the edit.

“Top shelf production value across the board, this is a ripping yarn told with tremendous style and relish. Enjoy!”

Another enthusiast praised: “Like many of [Altman’s] films, it’s a masterpiece.

“I can’t think of any other film centered on this period / themes whose characters are rendered with this kind of sensitivity and nuance. There is so much emotion in their faces.”

And yet another admirer declared: “A brilliant movie, with brilliant acting and, of course, brilliant direction.”

Critics have cautioned that Gosford Park breaks away from the conventional murder mystery mould, yet they assure prospective viewers of stellar performances and an enthralling plot.

Gosford Park is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

James Bond star Rami Malek’s overlooked 2025 thriller has just landed on Disney+ at no additional charge for subscribers.

Boasting an impressive cast including Hollywood veteran Laurence Fishburne, Superman’s Rachel Brosnahan and Outlander favourite Caitriona Balfe, this tension-filled espionage tale is essential viewing for those who missed its cinema release.

Despite failing to set the box office alight, the film has cultivated a devoted following of admirers who insist this distinctive interpretation of the spy genre deserves attention.

In The Amateur, Malek – who embodied the menacing Lyutsifer Safin in Daniel Craig‘s swan song as Bond in No Time to Die – takes on the role of CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller.

Following the brutal killing of his wife Sarah (portrayed by Brosnahan), Charlie becomes consumed with vengeance and enlists Colonel Robert Henderson’s (Fishburne) assistance in hunting down the perpetrators, reports the Mirror.

Despite the revenge storyline appearing to cover well-worn territory, Malek defies conventional spy hero expectations, with numerous admirers praising The Amateur’s innovative genre approach.

One passionate Google reviewer declared: “In my own opinion, this movie is not just another “Spy” movie, where the protagonist is forced to avenge their fallen loved one or colleague.”

They continued, “the twists left me hanging for more” whilst describing Malek as a “perfect fit” for the central character.

In another glowing assessment, one viewer observed: “In The Amateur, espionage takes a refreshingly human turn.

“What makes The Amateur stand out is its refusal to lean into the overpolished spy fantasy. Charlie is no Jason Bourne or James Bond-and that’s exactly the point. He stumbles, he panics, and at times, he’s in over his head.

“But his love for his wife grounds every decision, and the film excels in letting us feel the weight of that loss without sacrificing pace or tension.”

Another viewer praised his performance: “Rami Malek’s acting was phenomenal, dare I say even Oscar worthy..”

They also noted: “This movie broke all other spy movies stereotypes, most if not all movies focus on the spy having better physical strength rather than intelligence. This movie proved different; intelligence is stronger than strength.”

“What I liked most about The Amateur is that it doesn’t recycle the same formula that countless other male revenge thrillers have used for ages,” another concurred.

A final fan raved in a five-star review: “This was a great watch because it’s not a typical Mission Impossible/James Bond phony flashy spy film, its so much more grounded than that.

“His only drive is for a love lost, and despite his stumbling and bumbling and asking for assassination tips, he doesnt quiver in fear….well yes he does, and a lot…thats what makes this movie such a standout.”

Despite achieving a rather modest 60 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, these cinema enthusiasts all believe The Amateur merits a second opportunity at triumph now that it’s available to watch from the comfort of your own home.

The Amateur is available to stream on Disney+.