Chopping Block (2005) User Reviews

Cool Movie

[nsheets3099 · 10/10 · 3 July 2006]

This is destined to become a cult classic! Totally hilarious. The kind of movie that makes you laugh and think at the same time. A real breath of fresh air in the industry. Funny, crazy, sad, turbulent, the entire gamut of the human condition is evident here. Rarely is there anything compelling about most of the current crop of independent ventures. Well, this one is way different because it's also serious. It's comforting in a way to see family and friends go at it since it reminded me of my own upbringing. There's no way you can watch this movie and not feel like you know these people. I was able to relate to the psychology flashing between the characters in great part due to the fact that we all whack out at some point in our lives and it's way more fun to watch other people go through this than me! Really though, cool cool cool....don't miss it!

Wake up Hollywood!!!

[nancyanne3 · 10/10 · 3 July 2006]

We all know the film industry is fickle. There are times when the accolades doled out on certain projects or people are absolutely unjust. Then of course there are the times when the praise is well deserved. What do these really talented and spirited indie film folks have to do to get some attention!?? If you enjoy smart comedies with interesting stories this is for you. Shtick and slapstick has it's place in the theaters, but this comedy has it's roots in Cinema. Don't confuse the two!! I was more than pleasantly surprised when I was lucky enough to catch this film in L.A. This is not your college buddies's overrated "arthouse" indie film...this is the real deal. Thoughtful and challenging, sharp humor and wit. Reminds me a little of the likes of The Royal Tenenbaums and Meet the Parents mixed together!! Just wanted to spread the news to anyone who enjoys an excellent time sitting in a dark room with a giant screen in front of them. Well worth the time, you'll love this, check it out!

Christopher Guest Style Comedy with A Raw and Exciting Edge -- Too Much Fun

[mvw888 · 10/10 · 1 July 2006]

I really enjoyed this film. Such a unique vision and wonderful storytelling. I highly recommend this film for people that like Christopher Guess films but like a little edge as well. Fun stuff.

The film centers around a family mystery--who stole a family heirloom. As the mystery unfolds, the filmmaker takes us into the inner workings of a family, warts and all. The results are sometimes hilarious and sometimes intense. I wish Hollywood studios would allow this style of film-making within the system.

I mentioned Christopher Guest above because his films were the first that came to mind when thinking of a comparable film-making style. However, Chopping Block is not afraid to go outside the realm of comedy and take the viewer with them. The result can make you a little uncomfortable but I think that is the point.

Spectacularly Funny!

[girly7868 · 10/10 · 3 July 2006]

I viewed "Chopping Block" at a film festival and was greatly impressed with the quality and writing of this really smart and original film. There's something unique for everyone who is lucky enough to see this picture. Certainly you'll be reminded of someone in your own family who may be eccentric and nuts but equally funny and loving. My friends and I were laughing hysterically at how accurate some of the portrayals are. I think it's a shame flicks as good as this one don't get more press. These are the interesting films and stories that stay with you long after you leave the theater. Trust me, these characters will amuse you. The story is well written with an acerbic twist. Do yourself a favor and buy it, rent it, see it somehow, because this film deserves to be seen!! I've seen a lot of indie films in my time and most get press because of how offbeat they are, not because they merit the press. This particular film impressed me differently. Real thought and energy is evident. Intelligent humor, witty characters and a unique storyline makes for an entertaining film to me!

Now this is entertainment!!! Get on Board!!!

[ron244815 · 10/10 · 5 July 2006]

Alright guys, check this film out. Most commercially produced comedies have lost their edge. I used to really get a kick out of going to the movies and unexpectedly laughing my butt off, but now it seems as if "Dumb & Dumber" is the prototype for most "comedies" and that type of mass marketed garbage has sucked the life out of this genre. The funniest pictures are the ones that have the least amount of slapstick in them because the dialog is so clever it supersedes the need for the obvious shtick. A prime example of this would be basically any Woody Allen film. Intellect plays a huge role in these drama-dies. There's no room or need for special effects and hokey physical comedy because the reality based characters draw you in. Their experiences are shared and worked through. You're essentially part of their family, and while you feel oddly nervous - you also feel somehow comfortable, because these characters, these people, this big family is so much like your own. Chopping Block made me feel satisfied, how often do you feel like that anymore? See This Movie. It Has Depth and Vision, it'll grab you, shake you, make you think and best of all, make you laugh. Priceless!!

Great comedies like this are so hard to find!

[jpnickel · 10/10 · 19 July 2006]

I was very lucky to catch The Chopping Block three times during it's very successful film festival run and I was able to find new things to laugh at at each screening. I know it's said about a lot of comedies, but the saying is true here: "If you like comedies and you like to laugh, this is a movie for you." What makes the movie so entertaining is the genius of its subject matter: the crazy American family. Portrayed as so wonderfully dysfunctional, that family depicted in the Chopping Block is my family, your family and I'd bet money it's the filmmaker's family, too. I walked away from the film wishing Hollywood could put out comedies half as funny as The Chopping Block. Do not miss a chance to see this movie. HUNT IT DOWN and watch it with your family!!!