Repo: The Genetic Opera Movie Review...
I had been waiting to see this for almost two years, since we had first saw the trailer presented at the Scream Awards on Spike TV. I was very excited because it looked awesome. I couldn't wait to see it. The time rolled by and finally it was going to be released to the mass public, but it turned out to be a limited release. And it wasn't coming to my town. I was pretty disappointed. Then we found out that it was on tour and would be coming to the Alamo Drafthouse Theater here in Houston. That was last night.
I have to say it was one of the best movies of the year. Its unfortunate that it did not get the distribution it deserved or it would have been a great success. It is a musical. It is not a classical musical. The style, story and music is very modern. It can be described as a Rock Opera as well as a Horror Musical. People have complained that it is to gory or gross. Thats a ridiculous complaint. Its a Horror movie. What did you expect? Bunnies and green hills and dancing nuns? Did you watch the trailers before you went to the movie? Did you read the synopsis at all?
"In 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 organ Repo Men..."
That right there should have given you a hint that this was not your ordinary musical. That alone should have given you the hint that this was not going to be a film for the weak of heart or stomach.
Truely I think this was an incredible film and story. Unlike anything else we've seen before. It is very unfortunate that it did not get the recognition it should have.
All that aside.
The music and lyrics were well written and the performances were all top notch. The special effects involved a lot of green screening but thats ok. To pull off the sets and backgrounds for many of the scenes it wouldn't have done the story justice. And the costumes! Always one of the things I look at, were beautiful! The make up was fantastic. Sarah Brightman (I didn't realize until after that she had performed at the opening of the 2008 Olympics) has a beautiful voice that one would only expect from an opera singer. Anthony Head (from Buffy, Little Britain) wowed me once again with his singing ability. Those who don't know, he sang a number of songs in the "Once More With Feeling" Episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. He also used to sing in a band and has performed in musicals on broadway. It was very interesting and surprising to see him take on the role of such a viscious villain. I also have to say that I was VERY surprised by Paris Hilton's performance. I am not a fan and I honestly can't stand her. But what she did for this film was amazing and just blew me away. I think that Terrance Zdunich who played the part of Graverobber and he also co-wrote most of the screenplay and music, was just amazing and I will be looking forward to seeing more of his work in the future. Another great performance was done by Mr. Paul Sorvino. We've always seen him take on parts of mobsters and such and seeing him perform in this with his fantastic opera singing voice was a big surprise. The other performers, Alexa Vega, Bill Moseley, and Nivek Ogre did incredibly also did incredibly well in their parts.
I can't wait for the DVD release of this. My friends and I plan on having a Release Party for it we all loved it. Great movie!!!
The original Scream Awards Trailer for Repo
Click to viewThe Theatrical Trailer for Repo