Repo! The Genetic Opera Movie
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Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
In the year 2056 - the not so distant future - an epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GeneCo, a biotech company that offers organ transplants, for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by villainous Repo Men. In a world where surgery addicts are hooked on painkilling drugs and murder is sanctioned by law, a sheltered young girl searches for the cure to her own rare disease as well as information about her family's mysterious history. After being sucked into the haunting world of GeneCo, she is unable to turn back, as all of her questions will be answered at the wildly anticipated spectacular event: The Genetic Opera.
| Paul Sorvino | Rotti Largo |
| Paris Hilton | Amber Sweet |
| Bill Moseley | Luigi Largo |
| Anthony Head | Nathan Wallace, Repo Man |
| Alexa Vega | Shilo Wallace |
| Dean Armstrong | Victim |
| Tim Burd | Night Surgeon Victim |
| Stephan Dubeau | Amber's Valet |
| Dani Jazzar | Dancer |
| Dave Kiner | Opera Guitarist |
| J. LaRose | Zydrate Reporter |
| Nivek Ogre | Pavi Largo |
| Jake Reardon | Single Mother |
| Martin Samuel | Amber's valet |
| Darren Lynn Bousman |
6.60 out of 10 (3554 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Repo - sex, blood and opera 'n roll
posted on 26 Aug 2009It's been a while since I saw Repo! on the Fantasy Film Fest in Frankfurt, but nevertheless I love this movie. Before I entered the room number 6 in the cinema where REPO! screened I noticed more and more black-clad figures around - including some with Skinny-Puppy Shirts. Lets just say I had an idea which movie they wanted to see.I was a little skeptical if I would understand everything - like most Germans I'm used to dubbed movies and this one didn't even have subtitles - but that wasn't a problem since it's spoken and sung pretty clearly. The story at first seems to bounce around a lot but in the end it comes together. The songs aren't so easy to the ears like your ordinary pop-songs, but they totally suck you into the story, and the actors just fit for the characters (I tend to call Paris Hilton a limited singer but that's just perfect for Amber Sweet). Nathan Wallace or the Repo-Man - both are maniacs in their own way, two sides of a broken man who would do anything to protect his daughter. And after seeing the Largo-siblings a lot of parents surely had some hugging to do, since their own children are oh-so-normal and nice. This movie doesn't have a problem with clichés - it just dances in the their entrails, from the spoiled rich brat to the anger-filled brother, heartless mogul and the shy, unworldly girl. Those are mixed with an evil humor that's just fine with me but left the guy next to me moaning: "They did not just do that!" Of course they did. And guessing from the reaction of the audience, that was fine with most of them. Loved it and wanted to see it again.Unluckily I don't think it would have a big chance outside of something like the fantasy film fest, since people are so used to dubbing, which would totally destroy the songs. The Original Version with subtitles while they sang was accepted with a big blockbuster like Sweeney Todd, but that's really an exception.So I guess I'll have to wait for the DVD.
This movie is Sushi
posted on 26 Aug 2009I just got out of a screening of this film with Darren Bousman, Darren Smith, Terrance Zdunich, and Jason Constantine. And I fully agree with a comment Mr. Bousman made about this film; This movie is like sushi. If you go to a steakhouse, you expect to get porterhouse. You would be completely shocked if your waiter brought you sushi. You may like sushi or hate it, but it's completely the opposite of what you expected. That's how this movie is - nothing like what I expected. It combines comic book narratives with live action with opera in a post-apocalyptic world. It is about 98% sung, and all completely by the people who play the characters. I was completely shocked by the talent displayed by everyone, especially Paris Hilton. Terrance Zdunich, one of the creators, is to be commended especially in his role as the Graverobber - he steals the movie. REPO! is incredibly stylized - it has elements of Blade Runner, Rocky Horror, Alice in Wonderland, Shakespearian drama, Italian opera, and, strangely, Lloyd-Webber musicals. It is definitely not to be taken too seriously - some of the songs are hilarious, and if you don't understand that they are supposed to be ridiculous and funny, you may end up hating the move. That being said, this is a movie that is for a specific audience - not for everyone by any standards. As I said before, everyone performs incredibly well, from Alexa Vega (who knew she could sing so well?) to Anthony Stewart Head (a gem) to Ogre. Especially Anthony Head - his voice suits the duality of his role as the Repo Man/Nathan perfectly, and he really gets into both sides of the character's psyche. I was completely blown away by REPO! Whether you love or hate the movie, you cannot deny that it is the most original film you have ever seen.
Well worth the travel time!
posted on 26 Aug 2009I was lucky enough to see the first show in Toronto this past weekend, and I have to say that the drive was well worth it! I originally found the movie on one of the gossip websites that I frequent, which had posted a video of Paris Hilton in her latest acting performance. After watching that, I did some research, and was instantly intrigued.The movie was excellent! Going in to it, I knew that it was likely to be gory and filled with carnage, since it is made by the guy that does Saw. But it wasn't actually so bad (considering that I can't stand Saw, I didn't have much of a problem with it). The music was so amazing!! I have to say that I already knew that Anthony Head could sing (from Buffy), as well as Sarah Brightman (that was obvious), but I was VERY impressed by both Paris Hilton and Paul Sorvino! Sorvino sang like a true opera star! I have to admit that I've never seen him in any other movies, but wow can this guy sing! He did an excellent job! As for Paris, I know that she can sing from her brief musical career. I know that some people said she sucked; guess what, she was SUPPOSED to sound like anything but a fantastic opera singer like the character wanted... that's the funny/ironic part of it! But the parts that Paris sang were very well done (Zydrate Ananomy? SO GOOD!)Characters were all done very well. Alex Vega has certainly grown up since the last movie I saw her in (Sleepover or something... *shudders*) and she has a lovely voice as well. The three Largo siblings were HILARIOUS! The two brothers were so funny, and yet at the same time, so scary! I mean, Pavi was CREEPY as hell!! But some of the things he said were hilarious! (The end credits... BAHAHAH!) Nathan Wallace/The Repo man was a really complex character! I mean, one minute he's this caring father, and the next he's pulling the entrails out of someone! And the twist at the end shines another light on his personality. Anthony Head did a very good job portraying him, and I have to say that I wish he was in more movies :(A couple complaints that I do have are as followed: I found that the plot went by VERY quickly. Like BANG this happens, the BANG this happens. There wasn't a lot of explanation in between events, and not that it was hard to follow, but I personally like a lot of detail. My other complaint was WHERE WAS GRAVE-ROBBER!? He was one of the reason's I wanted to see the movie!! Terrance is just so sexy in the part, and I was really looking forward to seeing lots of him... but he was only in like 4 scenes!! Right now, I'm hoping for some extras on the DVD or something.The movie was well worth the drive and wait, as I said already. It for sure has a 'clut movie' feel to it, but at the same time I don't feel that it can be compared to Rocky Horror (for one thing, it's filmed a lot better, and I find that it doesn't really impose on itself like Rocky Horror does) It's for sure a movie that can be seen as a cult film, since it is after all only being released as of right now in select cities. BUT the composer was at the movie on Saturday (it was a film festival), and he said that they were going to try and open up some other cities across the country (I'm assuming both United States and Canada) because the devoted fan following is proof that people do and will go see it!!Great movie with fantastic music and character's attached to it!! I would say a must see if you're interested in the comic-book or cult movie scene!!
Of course mainstream critics couldn't enjoy a film like this.
posted on 24 Aug 2009It's too WEIRD. Too disturbing, and even awkward at times. But that's what makes it such a unique experience.Am I allowed to say that this film exceeded my expectations, without sounding cliché? It exceeded them, and embellished them. It stroked my expectations. It took my expectations and ran with them through the rain, dancing in puddles on the tar. It laid them out on red silk sheets with Rachmaninov playing in accompaniment.Every time I read a bad review I have to laugh. These are crotchety old critics trying to come up with something award-worthy, and in doing so, they are completely missing the point. REPO is hilarious, gut-wrenching, sexy, horrifying, fascinating, and completely original. It is not Casablanca or Titanic. It is a futuristic rock opera about organ failure. It is also moving and beautiful in ways that traditional dramas could never be.And the characters - how to describe? A multi-personalitied organ repossession man, his frail and earnest daughter, an opera singer with digital-video implanted eyeballs, a graverobber who draws a narcotic from corpse heads, a sex-obsessed narcissist who wears female faces for fun... you can't find this stuff at your local multiplex. It's too edgy. It's edgy to the point of nearly falling off - but it doesn't.I managed to snag at least ten of my friends for the 7:30 showing, and none were disappointed. 'Absolutely amazing.' 'The most fun I've had at a movie in ages.' 'So, so good.' 'Wow. Just wow.'After the film I couldn't resist shaking hands with Darren Bousman and telling him he'd made one of the best films I'd ever seen.
Unlike anything you've ever seen...
posted on 20 Aug 2009First off, Bousman has said numerous times he set out to make a movie like no one has ever seen before- and he delivers. With a vengeance. From start to finish, Repo creates a stunning world that is a little bit more eccentric; other reviews have invoked Blade Runner, Nightmare Before Christmas, Rocky Horror and a slew of other movies when trying to describe but nothing can really come close. It brings together actors from all scores: from gangster movies to Joss Whedon ventures, to Broadway divas; some of the names include Paul Sorvino, Anthony Stewart Head, Paris Hilton and Alexa Vega.The movie portrays a dystopic world where organ failures have become so wide spread that their transplants have become financed like cars and houses and just like cars or houses, failure to keep up with your payments can result in repossession. The dirty work is done by hooded and feared Repo Men, at the beck and call of the organ-lending house and world power GeneCo led by the sinister Rotti Largo, played masterfully by Paul Sorvino. Largo is dying and while his children bicker among themselves as to who will follow father to the GeneCo throne: Largo concentrates his efforts on settling a few old scores.On the other end of the spectrum is the Repo Man Nathan Wallace (a morose and at the same time vile Head who is clearly enjoying his role) who tries to shield his daughter from the world of GeneCo, Graverobbers, and the same fatal disease that took his wife and her mother 17 years prior. Spirited Shilo (Vega), in true teen heroine fashion will have none of it and is determined to see what the world has to offer.The movie is many things; being able to be both humorous albeit in a macabre Gothic fashion that Burton wishes he could accomplish and terrifying- the Repo Man relishes his job and often wastes no time in dispatching his targets. There are as well scenes of intense and genuine emotion; some of which come somewhat surprisingly in cartoon feed-ins that a whole new level to the movie and help move the story along. This is what Sweeny Todd wishes it could be.The movie does have some faults: the small budget can be seen occasionally, and there are moments you can tell scenes were cut due to time constraints. But they are forgotten quickly when faced with the sheer ingenuity and talent displayed both in front of and behind the camera. The actors are enjoying themselves, the music is f*cking amazing, and the sheer visual experience from costumes to the animation makes you wanting more.Bottom line: you need to experience this movie. It is not something seen- and sadly if the studio has it's way- it won't be. Write Lionsgate, your local theaters, your blogs, your congressman ANYONE you can think of to demand this movie get a wider release. Find this movie at showings and film festivals. See it. Demand it. It deserves to be seen on the big screen in all its glory. You won't regret it.
More Than A Film
posted on 18 Aug 2009Repo! is somewhat of a phenomenon. The continuously bulldoze criticisms and Lionsgate Films by collecting devoted and ridiculously loyal fans from all over the globe. They thought there would be no audience for the theaters. (Repo! continually sells out it's Repo Road Tour stops). It was supposed to be straight to DVD- Repo! is now playing in over 20 theaters across the states and Canada, and it's still growing.Repo defies everyone's doubts. But enough of that; there's a reason it's doing so well.The story is a a good one. It's a tragedy and a drama, and watching the movie is a pleasure. Those who knew the words sung along in the theater, people dress up as the characters yada yada yada. But the concept of the movie, the universe, the characters and the way everything is connected, is amazing. That's what makes this movie fantastic. The movie exceeds the film.There's a way that every single character is connected by the actions of one character that has about as much screen time as an extra. The universe of Repo! is a stretched version of something that is entirely possible. Organ sales and repossession are real, though they are not legal. The obsession with cosmetic surgery is real.The characters draw you in, their interaction draws you in, the plot spurs a spiderweb of subplots that prompt individual interpretation and thought. I loved Repo! because of the intricacies of the characters, the concept of the world surrounding Shilo and Nathan/Repo-Man, the dynamics of Marni's butterfly effect on the two central families. All of it.I was reading the message boards for The Devil's Rejects earlier, and I laughed out loud at one of the comments I saw. It was pitiful. It's not an exact quote, but I'm taking no liberties. 'When I watch a horror movie, I don't want it to provoke thought.' If that quote rings truth for you, then by god do not see this movie, or anything beyond the intelligence of Napoleon Dynamite. You will be sorely disappointed.On a final note, go see Repo!. Form your own opinion. If Paris Hilton strikes fear and loathing in your heart, pretend she doesn't. If gore irks you, well, I don't really have anything for you. Except that the gore in this movie is always a "OMFG I can't believe that I'm watching this, this is freaking awesome!". Pretend you don't hate musicals, pretend you don't hate Saw 2 through 4, and just watch it. Don't let anyone force an opinion on you, including prejudice.
Repo The Genetic Opera. A FAN review
posted on 18 Aug 2009So what a movie! First let me say that I knew what to expect throughout most of the movie. I heard the CD and knew it by heart. So the screening was completely sold out seat to seat was filled with a person. Unfortunately, no one sang at my screening of the film. No one dressed up, etc... and this could be a good thing. This means most of the people had no idea what repo was, just that it was probably a free movie. And at the end, everyone clapped.First off, repo is a rock opera set in the near future where organ repossession has become legal and repo men lurk in the streets in the night. Shilo, the daughter of one of these repo men, is told to have an infected disease. Her father, Nathan, pretends to be a doctor and care for her when at times she isn't around, Nathan turns into the repo man. Then there are the largos. Rotti Largo is the owner/founder of genco and father of the three sibilings, Amber Sweet, Pavi Largo, and Luigi Largo.So let me start off by saying how much I like this film. It's a great film with a great cast and a great story. I do have to admit, there were SOME flaws in the film. The plot of the two different families was very good and how they connected made it better. I liked how each of the character's backstory was told in a comic like form with graphic images. The story I felt was sorta slowish in the beginning but seriously picked up some heat in the middle and didn't stop until the very end. It was amazing.The music was so great. Each actor had a different type of song for their character and each song was so great. Every song was like listening to nature. It was so natural and perfect that I cannot think of any words to describe it other than awesome and amazing. There were maybe one or two I didn't like but it picked itself right back up with the next song.Anthony Head was perfect for the role of Nathan/Repo Man. He has one of the best voices in the whole movie. His character is a worn down old dad who's got only his daughter to live for. If he loses her, he loses everything. Head was the best choice for Nathan IMO.Sarah Brightman. Just that. It's Sarah fricking Brightman. That name is perfect upon itself. I just wish she was given more songs to sing because she was underused IMO. Her best song is by far Chromaggia in the whole film. I love how everyone is silenced in the opera just listening to her perfect voice.Alexa Vega is def. an up and coming star. She was another great pick for the role of shilo Alexa brought the innocence in shilo straight into the screen and it came off onto the audience greatly. She has a great voice and hope to hear her again.Paul Sorvino. Oh my god what a voice. Seeing him sing was so amazing. His voice is perfect for opera and other musical related media. I've never heard such a great voice in my whole life Never. He sings SO powerfully and strong it just grips you and never lets you go.The sibilings I felt were all great but were totally underused. They need more screen time.Now for the Graverobber. I didn't think I say this but his character felt so........not pointless but a little unnecessary. All he does is get Shilo in trouble, explain Zydrate, and totally break the fourth wall (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_wall). Him doing that made the film feel so much NOT like a film at all but something totally else. It just didn't fit and didn't feel right. I'm sorry if that angers some people.The sets were beautifully made and crafted I could tell but after seeing them all felt a little small once you think of them. I know the film had a low budget but they used it all to good and made great sets that really took you into the film's atmosphere.The effects were really really good for such a low budget film. Nice Job! :D Overall, I found repo to be one hell of a good ride. There was guts, blood, nudity, genterns, singing, comedy, horror, glowing bugs, Giles, Sarah Brightman, and an Opera that NO one should miss and NEVER forget! Overall I'll give the film a 8/10 One day I hope a sing along version is created for people and fans so that we can sing a long to the music because the music was so great.
Never Seen Anything Like it!
posted on 16 Aug 2009This is the first time I have ever written a review like this for a movie, but for this one, I felt i needed to because the critics are all wrong. Now, I am not going to go into the story of REPO! because their are plenty of other places one could find that. So here is my review:THE STORY- 10/10- I never expected this movie to be so deep and layered as it is. There are multiple twists, some sad moments, and some things that are utterly amazing! The story is so deep and immense, I have no complaints on this end. The story was very good. That's all I can say.THE CHARACTERS- 8.5/10- I am giving the characters an 8.5/10 not because I didn't like them, but because they weren't as developed as they could gave been. Now, I understand that the movie had to be cut, but still. I still like ALL the characters though.THE MUSIC- 9.5/10- For the most part, the music is very good. My only complaint is that some of the lyrics were odd... An example? "Dad, there were these bodies... they were all dead!". Haha That made me laugh.THE VISUALS- 10/10- This movie was made for something like less than 10 million dollars. These visuals are so mind-blowing that I couldn't imagine what they would have been like if this movie had a bigger budget. The lighting was really cool too.IN CONCLUSION, see this movie. You may hate it, but at least see its originality. Movies like this are hard to find nowadays, and they are few and far between. So please, see this.9.5/10
A chance passed up ...
posted on 16 Aug 2009Wow! This could have been in the league of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. It could have been an instant classic.But it seems, they let the chance go by. The story is so utterly cliché, it almost hurts. And the music is SO bad, I am so glad this is over.To me it sounded like always the same guitar riff, with really, REALLY bad lyrics shouted or spoken to it. It's rarely real singing at all.And I promise you, you will never listen to the soundtrack, because there is no "song" worth remembering on it.I am kinda sad though. The idea itself has so much potential, I really was looking forward to liking this. If only it weren't executed so badly. A shame really ...
Review
posted on 16 Aug 2009I went to the Bloor Cinema with two friends, and went to see this movie. I heard about this movie in the beginning of the year, and I was excited ever since. I told my friend about this and showed her the trailer, and she loved it as well. I loved the music, the acting, and just everything about it! I love how Nathan's voice changes when he's Repo! Man. Alexa was awesome, and so was Paris. I didn't realize that they both had good voices until I saw this movie. I like them a whole lot better now. I suggest you find a theatre near you and go watch this movie! It is sooo worth it.Visit www.repo-opera.com or join the message board http://www.repo-opera.com/board/index.php
Forget The Critics!
posted on 14 Aug 2009Some Critics have rated this movie as the worst, and let's be honest, that ranking belongs with the unimaginative, stale, half-witted movies such as "Date Movie" "Epic Movie" "Scary Movie 35" franchise.I'm going to let you in on a secret, the Critics are the lap-dogs of Hollywood! The critics don't care about legitimately ranking and rating a movie, all they care about is the prestige of their name and/or the money in their wallets. Besides, why should you let some random person, who has never met you, decide your movies?This movie has something that movies coming out of Hollywood don't seem to have, that is an ORIGINAL story! If you are tired of all of the remakes and books turned to movies, then take a chance on Repo! If you are open to true cinema, and not the mainstream drivel coming out of Hollywood, then this is the movie for you.
An Opera That Makes Sweeney Todd Look Like Hairspray
posted on 10 Aug 2009I saw this movie last night at a packed theater in New York City, The Angelika to be exact. I showed up with my friend Derek at 9:30 and they were completely sold out for the 10:45 showing, so we had to get tickets for the 12:45 showing. Now while that one wasn't sold out, it was pretty packed, and there was a line to get into the theater an hour before show time. Now onto the movie, the basic story was simple, in the future people's organs start failing and transplants are needed, so GeneCo appears and makes organs available to those who need them, but at a price. If you can't afford the price then a monthly bill plan is instated, and if you can't pay the bill and find yourself in debt, a Repo Man comes and repossesses the organ, and if you happen to die in the process, that's not his problem. An interesting story idea, definitely gives me the willies just thinking about it, throw in some killer music and operatic themes and you got yourself an odd blend. A heavy metal horror opera. Sweeney Todd looks like Hairspray compared to this. The opening scene is a montage of comic book panels set to eerie music, my jaw dropped once it started. The montage gives the back story, and the way it's done was magnificent. The comic book montages appear frequently to give some back story on various characters.In short, this movie was great. It had killer songs, memorable characters, amazing visuals, and a great cameo during one of the numbers (not gonna spoil it :P). If you liked Sweeney Todd, then you will really LOVE Repo! The Genetic Opera.
Macabe
posted on 08 Aug 2009But of course I expected it to be, which is part of the reason I purchased it. I've read a variety of reviews on here, and I can say it wasn't THAT bad.Some of the songs didn't rub right with me, but I think the actors were right on par. Paul Sorvino was excellent (I didn't know he could sing!) Paris Hilton. Now a lot of people criticized her in this, but I thought she was pretty good as the shallow, surgery addicted pampered daughter (at the very least think about this, is it that far of a stretch for her from real life?) Not that i'm a huge fan of hers or anything, but she really did pretty good. I also read some interviews about this movie, and it was stated that she didn't pull any diva routines, and went to the hole in the wall bars where the rest of the crew would sometimes go after a day of filming.Perhaps the biggest highlight for me was Sarah Brightman (being a fan of hers since "Phantom of the Opera.) not only is she gorgeous, but mesmerizing as her voice holds you captive and she rules every scene she's in. Now I read on IMDb's trivia section about this movie, that due to the low budget they had to drop the actress they were going to use, and cast Brightman instead. "Blind Mag" is a famous, captivating Diva, even thinking of casting someone without any opera training, or a strong voice, would've been a disastrous mistake. They should've never even considered anyone but Brightman. Anthony Head ran hot and cold for me. His double life as loving father and doctor/the death delivering murderous repo man was a hard one to pick apart. On one side he loves his daughter and supposedly hates what he has to do as the murderous organ repo man, but I was never convinced that he hated having to do that, at times he even seemed to enjoy it. And poisoning his daughter in an effort to keep her locked away from the world, perhaps it was just his twisted psyche that kept me guessing his true reasoning and intention, he's overall pretty creepy. Everyone else was pretty much on par with their performances, mostly supporting roles, The ending for me, could've been more climatic, but overall not a bad watch. 7/10
Haunting Rock Musical
posted on 08 Aug 2009Repo is haunting in the same vein as Sweeney Todd. But even more, the plot is original, the acting good and the music great. The basic premise for the Repo: The Genetic Opera is organ financing. Human organs have been failing, and many people do not have the money to fund their own transplants. GeneCo offers to finance, then transplant organs into failing bodies. When their customer's don't pay, GeneCo sends a Repo man to foreclose on their organs.While this is the setting, the story is about the people in this world more than the world itself. Alex Vega's voice is excellent as the ill daughter; Anthony Head plays her father and is riddled with conflict. And don't be afraid of Paris Hilton- her character is perfectly in line with her tabloid image; she pulls it off perfectly. Motifs of free will, guilt and rampant capitalism run throughout this film. To sum it all up, Repo! A Genetic Opera is a hauntingly intriguing rock opera. NOTE: Not for those sensitive to blood.
Wow
posted on 08 Aug 2009Repo! was Amazing! I do not understand how you could not like this. Great music you cannot help but get into. and its not the kind of music you'd think of when u think Opera. It is heavy, and definitely is a Rock opera! It is so unique! The artwork itself is amazing. The characters are interesting and in depth. You cannot get sucked into just one of their story lines. The cast is also amazing! I mean just look up ^ at the list! some of them have such amazing voices you just get chills when they sing these songs! I could not tear my eyes off the screen for a moment! go see this, and actually take it in! pay attention to all you see!
One of the best things I've ever seen!
posted on 04 Aug 2009I had the pleasure of seeing this film in Jackson, MI on one of its last Road Tour stops and I have to admit, I was blown away! The music is amazing, every character was perfectly cast (don't let the presence of Paris Hilton frighten you here folks! She does a darn fine job in this film!), and most of the effects are disturbingly realistic. And even those effects that aren't perfect don't detract from the overall arc of the story.At its core, this movie is a tragedy in the same vein as Shakespeare's "King Lear". It also differs from other movie musicals in that it is presented in true opera form, with only a handful of spoken lines in the whole film and co-creator Terrance Zdunich acting as the narrator of the film in the guise of the GraveRobber. Through him, we learn how the world go to where it is when the story begins. Mr. Zdunich also drew all of the comic-style panels that occur between scenes that explain how some of the individual characters came to be the way they are.The most tragic of these comic-like vignettes (in my opinion) is that of Nathan Wallace, played by Anthony Stewart Head of "Buffy" fame. Due to an accident (or was it?), Nathan gives his pregnant wife an incorrect medication, which kills her and forces him to deliver their daughter, Shilo (Alexa Vega from "Spy Kids"), by emergency C-section. However, his employer, Rotti Largo (played by Paul Sorvino...who knew he could sing like THAT?) walks in on the scene and offers him a choice: go to jail for killing his wife, or sign his life away as a "Repo Man" for Rotti's company, GeneCo, which specializes in designer organs. So Nathan has been living a double life since the day of Shilo's birth: Loving father by day, "Legal Assassin" by night.This is only one of the many plots that weave their way through the tapestry of this film. If you like good music, original stories and can handle a bit of blood and gore, check this movie out today!
A visually dazzling musical for deaf people.
posted on 04 Aug 2009Looks good, and a good idea, but the music is lousy. It's composed almost entirely of those tuneless dialogue/exposition scenes that make up the boring bits of all the great musicals you've seen, all the same tone, level and mood, and none of the tunes you leave the theatre humming. Watch Dr Horrible's Singalong Blog, and you pick up the songs immediately. Not so with this. A sadly wasted opportunity. Most of the cast are fine, but Alexa Vega's surprisingly weak. It's a shame, because cinema's crying out for something different like this, and the more failures we have like this the less likely it will be that they take off. I notice a lot of people are comparing it with Rocky Horror, which is apt, because that's another film loved by people who want to belong to something. But at least that has some songs you can hum.
Masterpiece
posted on 02 Aug 2009Until now there was only three musical movies I liked. Classical GREASE (I think it's the movie almost everyone like), then ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and the last TENACIOUS D - THE PICK OF DESTINY. I listen to metal music (specifically US POWER METAL) and as we all know, there is not so many movies with this kind of music... unfortunately. So Tenacious D was my real winner, but now...I have two! REPO! is amazing movie, nothing like I've seen ever before! I think it's a real opera (almost every dialog is singed) first ten minutes I was thinking for myself "this is probably not for me" but later (in the 20th minute) when first real song appeared I have changed my mind. Rock songs (sometime with even metal points, many time during the movie I had the feeling I am listening to EVANESCENCE or NIGHTWISH) remains until the end & one is better than the other. I can imagine to listen to the soundtrack. The main character REPO! has great voice (he is probably famous) but I know him only from BUFFY, that's all (sorry) The main character SHILO, is the same and everyone else is playing their roles very good! Even Paris :-) I liked the story, but I hope that nothing like this ever happen in our world... god save us! One thing may be minus for some people... violence and morbidity! Don't take me wrong, I LOVE IT! I love horror movies, the more blood the better! The more zombies the better, more dead people the better movie for me! HATE HAPPYENDINGS! But I can understand, not everyone is like me...I could see it with my own eyes...I watched this movie three times in two days! Fourth time it was with my girlfriend and she didn't like it...simply because she can't see blood. Clossing comment. This movie will became one of the best (in musical) and when it comes to me...I think, REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA will really deserve it! TRUE MASTERPIECE!
rock opera of the 21st Century
posted on 02 Aug 2009If you like gore (or maybe can simply stomach it - no pun intended) and if you dig movies that are eccentric and weird and dark and musical, check out Repo! The Genetic Opera.This film is amazing. It's the most original piece of work to come from a Hollywood director in nearly a decade. Darren Bousman is the director - a man of sequels and low-budget gross-out horror flicks. I hated the SAW films and I was a little apprehensive going into Repo! because I didn't know if I could handle the gore. But Repo! is an entirely different monster. It couples gore with absurd sound effects (kazoos, rubber bands snapping, comic-like effects) and musical numbers that are either moving or equally ridiculous. The lyrics, though somewhat awkward at moments, are THE movie's dialog - they help move the story forward. Let me reiterate: THE LYRICS -ARE- THE DIALOGUE. This is an opera! Every word is basically sung, true to opera form.You can thank creators Darren Smith and Terrance Zdunich, who envisioned a macabre opera about the underbelly of a society plagued with the need for plastic surgeries to perfect themselves and replace their dying organs - thanks to Neuro Overstimulation Syndrome, for this unique film.It started as a stage play and while much of the story is lost on translation to film due to budget limitations, it's a decent beginning to what will hopefully have more pieces put into the puzzle. The comic-book style panels are entrancing and help move the story along, giving the viewer a sort of auditory intermission. They help make up for what couldn't be filmed - again, due to limitations - and provide the film with another unique aspect.With players such as Paul Sorvino and Paris Hilton, one can only wonder what the hell Darren was thinking making this film. HOWEVER, these two names are NOT the star players in the film! Paris has only 12 minutes of actual screen time and Paul is merely a key background player, the villain of the story, a scorned lover bent on revenge. The real stars are Alexa Vega of "Spy Kids" fame, who lends her voice to many different styles of singing (punk rock, lamentation, jazz, etc) throughout the movie and holds her own as Shilo Wallace and Terrance Zdunich who plays the Graverobber and narrator. Graverobber has far too little screen time; much of the mid-story narration came only after filming was wrapped and added in to the film post-production. His vocals, while incredibly impressive, leave something desired if you've heard his stage play renditions of songs like "21st Century Cure." He doesn't display his vocal talent to it's full potential, but he does a fantastic job nonetheless holding his own against seasoned actors like Bill Moseley and Anthony Stewart Head.There won't be another film like this one unless it gets a real fan base going, so if you see it and want to see more, tell your friends to check out the DVD or blu-ray. Get the word out! Let's see more original films and less remakes.
awesome movie experience.
posted on 28 Aug 2009This movie was amazing. rock opera's equal awesomeness. i was a bit skeptical at seeing the film at first because of Paris Hilton but after meeting the director, grave robber and the music mixer guy up in Seattle they helped change my mind about her and she did an awesome job in the movie. The fact that Anthony Stewart head was in the movie is what sold it to me. being a huge Buffy the vampire slayer fan i had to go see it. i would definitely classify it in the cult classic category. i also loved having all the characters back story done in comic book style. at points the movie was a bit graphic and hokey but the sinister sense of humor made it what it is. Very original and a possibility of what the future could bring. It was also the most fun movie going experience i've ever had. people singing along with, dressing up in costume, and getting to meet the people who made the film. I wish people would burst into song more often. this movie definitely inspires it. i think it should be released in theatres nationwide. i would pay to see it again. this movie does have an audience and should be given a fair shot. if it doesn't make it to theatres i will so buy it when it comes out on DVD.