Repo! The Genetic Opera (limited)
| release date | November 7 2008 |
| studio | Lionsgate |
| director | Darren Lynn Bousman |
| writer | Terrance Zdunich, Darren Smith, Darren Bousman |
| starring | Alexa Vega, Bill Moseley, Paul Sorvino, Paris Hilton, Nivek Ogre, Anthony Stewart, Terrance Zdunich, Sarah Brightman |
| rating | R |
| site | repo-opera.com |
| trailer 1 | Trailer #1 |
2 Comments
I was speechless! i can’t even begin to describe the movie people in the theater cheered and cried! I felt like was on a crazy ride I really can explain you have to see for your self!
YOU MUST WATCH THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So 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 geneco 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!
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!
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.
I haven’t seen it yet, but I can tell you this:
ANY TIME IT IS IN THEATERS IN MY AREA, I WILL BE IN THAT THEATER.
I think it’s impossible for me to be disappointed with this. Those that have seen it, who know me a little better than most, have already sent me messages assuring me that whatever I’m expecting will be multiplied in awesomeness by at least 100.
That’s really saying something about the fanbase for this movie.
It was worth everything. Walking in the NYC Halloween Parade in costume to promote the movie was worth the blisters and headaches.
Although i wish Graverobber had a bigger part it was worth the wait.
The cast gave an incredible performance
and i must say i couldnt believe it when Mag died, no i didnt scream when she fell(hehehehe) mabye i did……..
An im going to see it again
Whos with me???????
I was at the Premiere of Repo in NYC Friday night. There were many people like myself that are registered on the Repo Message boards, but unfortunately some were mainly Screaming fan girls/boys (sorry gang it’s true haha)
I’m a Digital Filmmaking major and I am very disappointed at most of the critics. They will sit there and bash this movie when they honestly can’t take it for what it is.
I will admit there was a lot that could have been done. Lionsgate did not give them the biggest budget in the world. One of the catch lines for the movie is “this is not your parent’s opera.” Well this isn’t your average Hollywood Polished Blockbuster. There were many things that had to be cut and replaced due to Budget constraints. But for what they did it was amazing. The Cinematography was original, and the way it was shot gave the entire movie a “Comic-book-come-to-life” feel while still feeling gritty and real. The actors gave outstanding performances and whoever cast this should receive a medal. Not only could they act, they could sing, AND do both at the same time. The visual effects while not the most stunning in the world in some parts were amazing in others – IE Blind Mag’s (Sarah Brightman) hologram-projecting eyes.
This is a very original film, and has very original music that is sure to attract a major following in the spirit of Rocky Horror. I use that comparison loosely as this is nothing like Rock horror, while it can be considered in the same genera.
I’m sorry to bash the critics only to become one myself but from my point of view this movie is stunning in many different aspects. Its originality and basic concept are a refreshing change from the now standardized Hollywood blockbusters.
When I first heard of Repo! The Genetic Opera, back in March of 2007, I knew that this was something special that would be worth waiting for. As the release date drew nearer and nearer, I saw no advertising for it, save for some videos on YouTube. I had actually found the movie through a friend of mine who linked me to Zydrate Anatomy.
And I wondered, ‘Why wouldn’t anyone get behind this? They really have something unique going on here.’
After seeing the film in theaters, I still hold that same sentiment. Repo is an extraordinarily fun and outlandish film, with catching musical numbers and bizarrely appealing characters.
There were several issues with some of the believability of a few gory scenes of the film, which allows for Repo’s tiny production budget to shine through. However, the care that went into the rest of the film is charming enough to overlook the sometimes cheesy props. (There also appeared to be several problems with synching and sound mastering, but it is difficult to tell if this was a problem of the theater’s, or of the film’s.)
Much of Repo’s appeal is that it follows the same flow of direction and storytelling style as many traditional operas do. This is an angle which is unique to Repo, as most films to not take the same approach. Not only does Repo hold both elements of lighthearted humor (such as, when a man’s small intestines are returned to Rotti Largo, Luigi Largo exclaims, ‘Who ordered pizza? I could go for a SLICE!’) and serious drama (such as the relationship between Nathan Wallace and his daughter Shilo), but the entire story and how the events fold together are overseen by the vaguely Papageno-like character of Graverobber. The viewer is given a very Shakespearean set up, where they know the characters and where they came from, and what sort of terrible things are possibly in store for them. Every interaction builds up until the grand event: The Genetic Opera, where every truth is revealed, and the fates of the main characters come to light.
Repo possesses everything that a good opera should: The drama, the humor, the memorable characters, and the earcatching music. Had Repo been given more support in its production, it could have been an even better quality film than it is now. While Repo isn’t quite a refined film, it holds a character and unique quality that makes it immensely enjoyable. Hopefully LFG will take the hint and allow Repo some revision and remastery before the DVD release.
I just got out of the show and have to say I had an amazing time. This was certainly not the “worst movie ever” and, as I listen to the soundtrack, is cutting it’s way into my top 10. The world that’s been created for Repo! was incredibly imaginative and I feel bad that we couldn’t spend more time there. The music was good, I’ll be fair, with some of the songs dipping into meh while others easily competing with anything the Billboard top 10 has to offer (I could listen to Legal Assassin, Zydrate Anatomy, and Chase the Morning for hours). But that’s the way of musicals; even Phantom of the Opera, my favourite, has songs that I would say are just passable.
My only real dissapointment was there were so many interesting characters and I felt we didn’t get to know them as well as I’d like. Grave-robber in particular was such a cool character that felt like he had so much more to him that never got explored. Even Blind Mag felt like there was more besides what we were told.
Oh…and the bloom effect. It got to be a little much after a while. I don’t mind bloom, but it was just a tad over done (just a tad).
All-in-all, I came out of the theatre extremely happy and excited about what I had just seen which is more than I can say for almost every movie I’ve seen in the last few years.
Absolutely phenomenal. This film really delivers on all levels. The story is intricate and everything falls together well. The songs all mesh together seamlessly and it was just great to see how much the audience was excited about it. It was well worth the overy-one-year wait, and I need to see it again. If you are skeptical, see it anyways if you get the chance! The theater experience is amazing!
I will see it again ASAP!
Amazing film.
I’ve seen the film in theatres three times now; twice in Austin and three times in Vegsa! The grand opening at the Planet Hollywood was beyond incredible. I was singing as loud as I could during the entire opening show, then later at the after party had everybody from the DP from Twisted Pictures, to Darren himself tell me they loved that I was screaming out lines.
The experience of the film in epic. It’s like a concert, not a movie. Everyone who has the chance MUST see it!
Hit the 10:45 show Friday in Manhattan, packed house. Didn’t notice any costumed adventurers but saw plenty of our type of people.
I’d say 50% were VERY into it. The other 50% were liking it but probably not the type who’d been following it as intensely for months and months… Definitely got a good response though. Many laughs, some sang along to ‘Zydrate’ and there was plenty of toe tapping and head bobbing. We had four douches who talked through the first 20 minutes and then finally either ran out of things to say or got sucked in and just enjoyed it. I’m not sure if they made it tough for me to get into the first 20 minutes or if it was the film, though I will see it again and find out.. oddly it did take me a little while to sink into its vibe, but I did.
General thoughts…this film, along with Trick R Treat were probably the most aesthetically exciting films I saw ths year. If I could live in two worlds visually, it’d be the one in TR’T or this one(after they fix that whole organ failure and death thing). I’d say 90% of the shots in the film I’d frame and put on my wall, or pay a designer to make my rooms look like some of theirs when my wealth matches my evil.
Standouts? Anthony Stewart Head(my God, Giles has fucking PIPES), Sarah Brightman(absolutely gorgeous as Blind Mag and another amazing singer), the aforementioned design, and two scenes: “Zydrate Anatomy” and “Chase the Morning”, which were absolutely mesmerizing, IMO, in every respect. Both songs have been on loop in my head since the show. Terence Zdunich was a striking, cool presence. Everybody seemed to perk up when he showed up. And people laughed their ASSES off when he called what we’d just seen a ‘goth opera’ at the end.
Paris didn’t knock me out, but she didn’t bother me either; I was surprised she wasn’t in it more. Actually there were a few story bits I felt weren’t expanded upon, made me wonder if there were scenes cut out.. though I just heard this was basically a ‘compressed middle’ of the entire Repo story, would be cool if there was an expanded edition down the road. If it was a ‘regular film’ I’d have asked more of the characters/narrative I think. But this film is really an experience. That’s the best way to put it to me. Can’t treat it like a regular movie.
Overall I had a really good time and it’s growing on me. It’s just good to see a film completely tailored to those outside the box, that doesn’t look or sound like anything else. I don’t really compare it to Rocky Horror other than they both celebrate weirdness (which is never a word I’d use in a bad way).
‘beautiful weirdness’..that’s the term. We need more films and entertainment that celebrate beautiful weirdness. Horror films already do to a degree, but this was even more in that vein.
But it was wonderful to see something tailor made for ‘that culture.’ Whatever its title. It’s not just horror but horror’s a big part of it- can emcompass people in the SCA, sci fi fans, fetish, etc. Maybe it doesn’t need a name. We know it when we see it.
I was sold on the trailer a while back, but what made me really psyched to go (and see it w/a paying audience instead of critics’ screenings I’d been invited to) was an interview DLB did where he was wholeheartedly approving of that weirdness and talking about how people like that still don’t have a voice in film, really. When the teen awkwardness/outside the box personality still hasn’t gone away 10 years later, it’s still good to hear that. Thanks, DLB, for ignoring what safe people would advise and fucking going for it.
Repo is the most bizarre, irrelavent, stupid, campy, crazy “thing” I have ever seen.
…And I loved every minute of this f*cking ride.
I never comment, and would not even care to promote a film such as this.
But when the rest of my friends HATED the film and demanded I give them money for seeing this god awful thing, that’s when I had to STAND UP AND YELL.
REPO is amazing. And the rest of the world should know it too.
There are many things that one might think of when they hear the words “Repo! The Genetic Opera” Let me tell you that after seeing this film, I can attest that everything you might think you know is incorrect.
I have been following the film since its sneak peak in Comic Con. Going into the film I had already spoken with the creators, heard the soundtrack, reviewed the 10-minute opera that inspired it, and yet this film still managed to catch me completely off guard with its plot’s twists and turns, it’s characters, it’s ambiance.
The intricacies of the storyline flow flawlessly through a world of surgery and drug addiction, of broken hearts and dreams, of character flaws and severely disturbed individuals. The cast was impeccable at capturing the details of their character’s conflicts while expressing themselves with out most finesse through music.
This film is, quite frankly, an epic culmination cinematic art. Everything from the sets, the special effects, the story, the music, the actors, the conflict development, and the wardrobe is perfect. Everybody behind Repo! The Genetic Opera worked extremely hard for it, and it shows.
Don’t like horror movies? Go see it.
Hate Paris Hilton? Go see it.
Don’t like musicals? Go see it.
The plot confuses you? Go see it.
Don’t like gore? Go see it.
Repo has something to appeal to everybody. As I wandered outside the theater, I realized what a diverse crowd this movie is bringing. Everyone from elder Sarah Brightman enthusiasts, to angsty teenagers in love with Skinny Puppy, to socialite-wannabes adoring Paris Hilton congregated to enjoy this film, and boy is it something to enjoy!
In short, don’t shun Repo! The Genetic Opera. Whatever prejudice or preconception you have of this movie I assure you will change once you see it.
Absolutely amazing and a MUST see!
Repo! The Genetic Opera
Review-University of Maryland Prescreening
“So Good The Audience Applauded!”
First off, I will come clean and admit that I do not like musicals. Regardless, I can not remember a time that I was in a theater and heard an applause after a film. This was an exception for Repo! The Genetic Opera. It was evident before the film started that people were excited. I overheard discussions about the soundtrack, which were all positive while in line. This is impressive when considering that the film has recieved little if any promotion from its film company. It seems that it has been too long since there has been a movie made for a creative minded audience who wants more than a film, an experience. I kid you not, people were dressed up for this event!
I had brought a friend to come see the film, mind you, she primarily listens to rap and I on the other hand listen to mostly classical music. My favorite movie has always been Titanic, so it is no surprise that I would be nervous when the movie started that I wouldn’t like it. A Rock Opera? How good could that Be? Boy was I wrong!
I have heard people describe the movie as a mix between Blade Runner and Rocky Horror. Well I have never seen Blade Runner and quite frankly, thought Rocky Horror was just wierd. I think the beauty of Repo!, is that it seems to appeal to a much larger audience. I do think that Rocky Horror fans would die to see this film though. I mean, they are probably getting tired of the same film decade after decade. Repo! has something new to offer, as well as great actors, camera work, MUSIC, and a great story. The film is the child of Darren Lynn Bousman, the creator of the SAW movies, and he really outdid himself this time.
It is very difficult to say much about the movie without spoiling it other than a few points. The film takes place in the not too distant future where organ failure becomes an epidemic. A company (Geneco) sells organs and surgical procedures with a payment plan. If you can’t make the payment, the Repo Man comes to take your organs back! Yea, awesome right?! I would say this movie is more like a mix of SAW and Phantom of the Opera, with a kick of humor which was totally unexpected. There were times where you would be rocking out to the catchy music, closing your eyes from the gory scenes, or laughing your ass off! Remember that rap loving friend? She loved it too!
Although I enjoyed ALL the music and acting in the movie, I was particularly impressed with Sarah Brightman who portrayed the character “Blind Mag”, an opera singer with genetically implanted eyes. The woman can act, sing and captivate an audience. The cast also included Paris Hilton, Paul Sorvino, Bill Moseley, and Alexa Vega to name a few.
If you are debating over whether or not you should see it, SEE IT. If you are debating over whether or not you should buy it, BUY IT. Let’s just say I’m not so sure Titanic is my favorite movie anymore.
Sahand Miraminy
I was so excited for this movie that I went out to Pasadena opening night with 3 of my friends who are also horror buffs. The concept sounds so out there and great, a futuristic horror musical. Unfortunately we all left the theater underwhelmed.
The plot is simple enough, there’s an organ repo man in dystopian future. It’s a musical, so it’s just as cheesy and campy as you expect. The problem is it’s just not really executed well.
- Much of the talent in the movie is underutilized. Ogre from Skinny Puppy barely sings, and Sarah Brightman has one song.
- Tony Head seems to carry most of the load singing, and he does a good job. The problem is (with all the songs) is that the songs are just….forgettable. People compare this to RHPS, but there’s no song in this that people are going to remember after the fact (ie: timewarp or sweet transvestite)…the songs are just generic showtunes.
- The Shilo character seems to just talk back to someone singing in way too many of the songs. It was annoying.
- Someone else mentioned it, but why was the graverobber character in the movie? What was he, a narrator? There was a narrator too, and comic strip narration…how much narrative do we need?
- The plot isn’t anything special
As a horror movie, this fails. It’s not particularly suspenseful or gory. As a dramatic film, it fails miserably. It’s cheesy, campy, and the characters are all underdeveloped. As a musical, it’s just ok. It has musical numbers, but the songs just aren’t that entertaining. I see people clamoring to sing along, but the only song I can remember from 2 days ago is that “in the opera tonight” and I don’t particularly like it.
It seems like this movie tries to be everything at once and while it does it fails at all 3. I liked DLBs work on Saw 2 and 3, and I thought the idea of a horror musical was great. But this movie failed my expectactions and everyone else in my group too. I also heard comments outside the theater and in the restroom to the effect of “that movie fucking sucked”. However, there were quite a few people who clappped every time a song came on (I’m guessing some of them wrote the reviews here)
As far as how it did, the Pasadena theater was about half full for the 10PM show on opening night. I doubt it’ll make it to a wide release.
I have seen the movie 3 nights in a row if I had a ride I would probably go every night until they stop showing it. Everything about this movie is amazing.Of coarse there are going to be people who don’t like it as it is with every movie. But to put it down the way I have seen on here is sad to me. Just cause you do not like it does not mean everyone will feel the same. I had been waiting for ever for this movie to come out and when it did I got even more than I expected. So to any one who has not seen the movie yet please go see it and have and opinion of your own. I am guessing you will like it.
Picture a future in which surgery is a necessity for some and a career for others. A world exists where the industries of health and science have become greedy an obsessed with offering perfection at high cost. Sound familiar? The world of Repo! The Genetic Opera may not be as futuristic and far-fetched as its creators intended. Whether this is good or bad becomes irrelevant as the audience is carried into a fantasy world richly designed by co-creators Darren Smith and Terrance Zdunich. The gore-factor of film and dark tone certainly appeals to fans of director Darren Lynn Bousman’s previous works (the Saw films). At its core the plot gives unique homage to classic Baroque era opera, blending campy humor with the exploration of a young heroine’s tragic quest.
In the year 2056 GeneCo has developed a way to provide refuge from the global outbreak of organ failure. They monopolize the provision of necessary transplants and addictive painkillers. Soon the people become addicted to the process of surgery and the appeal of having more/better features than anyone else. Average men and women become drug addicts and “scalpel sluts”. The surgeries go from needs to wants creating a society of individuals spending beyond their means for a superfluous breast augmentation or a face lift while GeneCo reaps the benefits of those willing to pay the high price. However, if you fail to make payments, the Repo Man will repossess your organs.
Terrance Zdunich stars as a grave robbing drug dealer acts as a narrator who guides the audience through the evolution of GeneCo. The plot focuses on young Shilo (Alexa Vega), the daughter of Dr. Nathan Wallace (Anthony Stewart Head), who was born with a rare blood disease. When the founder of GeneCo, Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino) is diagnosed with a terminal illness he begins searching for the heir to his fortune. His own children disappoint him and he has little time to find a suitable replacement. Paris Hilton is Amber Sweet, a spoiled heiress and veritable parody of the typical media portrayal Hilton’s personal life. “Amber Sweet is addicted to the knife”, the grave robber informs Shilo in one of the films most memorable musical numbers (Zydrate Anatomy). Amber and her brothers Pavi (Ogre from Skinny Puppy) and Luigi (Bill Moseley) constantly clash over who is to inherit GeneCo.
The film boasts a unique cast, ranging from newcomers such as Zdunich to seasoned horror veterans like Bill Moseley. One of the films greatest strengths and weaknesses is the addition of stage diva Sarah Brightman. Her performance is incredible but the role is lacking in screen time for talent of her magnitude. Audiences can expect the unexpected when viewing musical talent such as Brightman and Skinny Puppy’s Nivek Ogre. Many of the films musical numbers bring to mind acts such as Tom Waits and Lacuna Coil. Music producer Joseph Bishara used a wide range of session musicians to accomplish a sound unlike any other movie musical of our time. Repo! elbows its way into the horror and sci-fi genres as an excellent example of inspired work.
This movie has been compared to the likes of cult classics such as Rocky Horror Picture Show because of its underground favor. It’s not hard to see why if you’ve been to a screening. The audience participation encouraged by the cast and crew reinforces the relationship not typically seen between a film’s creators and its target demographic. Director Darren Lynn Bousman encourages participants to get out and talk about the film, whether they liked it or not. Fans of horror, science fiction, and musical theater can appreciate the film for its ingenuity and refreshing story. Repo! The Genetic Opera offers audiences a break from the standard Hollywood cat scare tripe offered up in the fall season.
The success of the film seems largely dependent on an active message board and fan-based marketing. With the increased popularity of viral marketing campaigns emerging from late 90′s independent horror film The Blair Witch Project, it’s interesting to see advertisement controlled primarily by the films fan base. It is easier to measure the success of a film when its popularity is not falsified by big budget advertising. After viewing a screening audience members should feel inspired to spread the word and hopefully garner a national release for the film. If nothing else viewers will at least go home knowing they’ve never seen anything like it before.
I saw repo in Portland. Wish I had bought tickets for Seattle too!! The story, artwork, music, everything was great. For someone who grew up with nightmare on elm st, halloween, ect. this new movie was a breath of fresh air for us gore freaks! I loved it!!
k in Kelso
I went to the Chicago showing the other night and this is such a dark colorful morbidly fun movie. It’s so original that I can see why some people don’t like. You have to be a certain person to love this movie. But don’t bash it until you’ve tried it. My friend a semi preppy music major was not sold when I dragged her to go see. After seeing though, she was impressed and is now a Repo! freak.
Also the critics’ trashing the singing and acting is bull. As an audience member you can tell that everyone working on Repo! was emotionally involved; it’s a feeling that you won’t feel in any major box office movie.
If you’re able to see it, go and see it.
I saw Repo last night at the KC road tour showing (it was a four hour trip). It blew my mind. I have been waiting for this to come out for so long and it was well worth the wait. It leaves you wanting more and singing along. I will be waiting impatiently for it to come out on DVD to add to my collection. We also got the chance to meet Darren Lynn Boussman and Terrance Zdunich, and both are amazingly nice guys, signing autographs and taking pictures. The artwork was great, the singing was beautiful, and the “puppet” scene made me laugh so hard I cried!
i dont know where to begin…
it isnt very often that i am completely blown away by a film. repo blew me away, and 2 hours later i still cant comprehend what i just witnessed, i never take the time to actually write what i think about a movie becuase every movie i have seen recently is just rehashed recycled garbage, with a lack of originality.
this was one of the most original movies i have seen in a long time, the amount of talent that was involved was incredible, even paris hilton had me for this.
as far as the story goes you have to remember that the key word in the title is OPERA, it is not a sing and dance musical, and that might turn some people off. its funny, dark and most importantly a classic operatic tragedy.
i attended the road show in pittsburgh and would like to add that Boussman and Zdunich are two of the nicest guys i have had the pleasure of meeting and briefly talking with.
this movie needs to get out into major theaters, i urge you to see this if you get the chance, bring your friends, your parents, spread the word of this movie…i never fully support a movie to this extent, but this one is worth it.
This movie was breathtaking. For such a limited budget, and limited amount of time, this movie really did a lot with such these aforementioned problems. It’s CG was cool as hell, the singing was pretty top notch, and the visuals and colors were very beautiful. I loved this movie. Sure, its not for everyone. But there IS an audience for it. I witnessed it last night. People can say “Only Goth Freaks” or “Saw Fans” will love this movie, but I saw, with my own two eyes, older people, middle aged people, and those “goth freaks” all walk into the theater with enthusiasm, and walk out with smiles on their faces.
This film isn’t perfect, and you can blame the limited amount of time and money. BUT you have to give it an unyielding amount of credit for being original, complex, and fun. If you didn’t at least laugh once or twice, you might as well go back to watching some boring drama, or action packed “thrill” ride.
I even told the director this Darren Bousman this, the people who call this movie “The Worst Film of the Year, if not all time” have obviously NEVER watched a film by Uwe Boll, Paul WS Anderson, or Ed Wood. Enough said.
In any case, I will support this movie for what it is, not what i wanted it to be.
I have to say, I have never anticipated a movie quite so fervently as I had Repo: The Genetic Opera.
I was not disappointed when I finally got to see the end product. From the beginning when The first version of zydrate anatomy was released with Shawnee Smith, to the final product that is the movie, everything was awesome. There needs to be more horror films out there like Repo, ones that don’t take themselves so terribly serious.
I love the saw franchise to death, but I think it has lost it’s way. Saw originally was this gritty indie film that was original and had balls, and Repo is carrying on the tradition of Saw. Even though the films aren’t perfect, and there’s room for improvement, I wouldn’t change a single thing, because that’s what I LOVE about them. I love films that are imperfect but have heart and vision. I’ll take that over a thousand Jhonny Depp films.
I had the privlage of meeting Darren Bousman and Terrance Zdunich after the show, and they are so kind to their fans. It warms my heart to know that they care about fans, and that they want Repo to succeed against the odds. Also, Terrance’s hair is super soft, I couldn’t stop myself from gushing over it XD
The REPO! website offers a clear glimpse into the movie with their high quality video clips and sound. If you haven’t seen this film yet, visit http://www.repo-opera.com to check it over.
I am spellbound by this film, it’s gorey but has an excellent, emotional story and humor to prop it all up. I left the theater at 3am (midnight screening), bouncing down the sidewalk with more energy than I went in with. Truly electrifying.
Because of it’s opera nature, this film’s soundtrack will take your mind’s eye back to the film. I loved this op’ra sh*t.
Wow. This movie totally took me by surprise. The first few things i have seen for it looked to be one of those horribly bad but enjoyable films. and the more i watched the trailers the more i got into it until it was all i could think about.
well fast forward to the show in kc as apart of the repo road tour with darren and terrance in attendance and i knew i was in for a treat.
Honestly there is nothing like this thats out there you cant really compare it to anything. its original its unique and powerful.
The cast was perfect for it and was very eclectic who thought we would ever see Paris Hilton share screen time with Bill Mosley, but it worked. i loved Paris in this as Amanda Sweet. i mean you cant go wrong with this.
this is probably a horrible review but it was amazing and really is breathtakign you cant really describe the experience but it is surely the most original film i have ever seen.
Just awe-inspiring.
I saw this film today at a private screening at the Film Directors Film school called Full Sail University and it was a true engauging experience. It was a true triumph for the director of the Saw series as I was extremely impressed by his stretch of his directing chops. It was brilliant it it’s look and the story is amazing. I know all the reviews you read on this film keep repeating “Original, Original,…” but there is a reason, IT”S TRUE. Wow a true piece of celluloid art as this film is destinied to grow and appreciate over time. Bousman is here to stay and the writer Zdunich is a huge hollywood gem. All I can say is wow!! Go see this great film and know certain key elements before; 1- It is not a musical, key word being Opera 2- It is not a Horror, this film has heart, it’s funny, and will keep you talking for days afterwards 3- It is not the Rocky Horror Picture Show, it sets it’s own unique path and needs to be appreciated as such. This Bousman guy is a great, undervalued Hollywood force that has created a great work here that is geneuis! A wild ride that plays every note right on point and a true event to see. This is no Hype Machine like Blair Witch it truly is a great american film that elevates films at a time that needs a good Jolt!! Thank you and thank you Lionsgate for keeping great minds at work in this truly fading with originality industry of remake after remake.
I went to the Orlando Florida show of Repo! two nights ago and loved it. I didn’t know what to expect going into it but I respected Darren Bousman as a Director enough to check it out. Not only was the movie really well done it has some of the catchiest music I’ve ever heard. I downloaded the soundtrack off iTunes the second I got home.
Once the movie was over, the experience got even better. Darren Bousman the Director and Terrance Zdunich the Writer/Composer/Actor/& Animator for the movie did a Q&A with the crowd which all loved the movie as well. They mentioned how many struggles they’re having getting a theatrical release of this movie. If you get the chance you need to check this movie out in the theaters. It’s great! They did mention they’re doing a Repo! Road Tour 2 so make sure you go and check it out. It’s awesome! Thanks Darren and Terrance for sharing your very original/none mainstream/not another crappy Michael Bay popcorn movie with Orlando. I loved it.
REPO: The Genetic Opera
I want to start out by saying I LOVED this movie. I had been hearing the hype for over a year and kept following because it sounded more and more interesting. When the REPO Road Tour finally happened I was excited to see Kansas City on the list. (I didn’t find out until a week before KC is Darren Bousman’s hometown) There have been several movies, High Tension and the Machinist come to mind, that I’ve have heard hype for and wound up being disappointed in, so I was still hesitant. I picked up the soundtrack a week before the showing anyway, and was surprised that I loved it all by itself.
So now going into the movie I was extremely excited and it DID NOT disappoint. The songs were all great, the effects/ look was as realistic as you could hope for in a sci-fi movie, the gore is gory but only when it was needed, not just there to shock people, and it was a heartwarming, but sad story. It almost had a Shakespearian type feel to it. I have now been listening to the soundtrack daily and am DYING to see this again. My only real negatives are that the song “Seventeen”, while a good song, feels a little out of place in the movie, especially the way it was shot, and at first I was worried it would have a music video feel to it. The first few scenes jump to several different shots while the character is singing the same note (ex sitting at the end of the hall, walking down the hall, looking out the window, all in the coarse of two or three words) but that stops very early in the movie and the camera stays back and lets the performers perform. By the end, those little nit picking things do nothing to diminish an AMAZING movie experience.
This is probably a rambling review, but I can’t express how pleased I was with this movie and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The soundtrack can stand alone, the movie, if it was just spoken, I think would be great, but together they make the most uniquely wonderful movies I’ve seen in a long time, maybe ever.
I was lucky to to get a ticket to Repo! The Genetic Opera! Despite what Lionsgate films may think, there is an audience for this film and the tickets for the Road Tour sold out in every theatre, and at a rapid pace. The number of people I saw dressed up was impressive, it was almost like being at a convention- it was awesome! I can’t imagine how Darren Lynn Bousman and Terrance Zdunich were feeling.
The music in the movie that was also used in the musical was an improvement as far as sound. There were a few numbers that I wish were included in the movie like “Come Up and Try My New Parts” which is going to be in the DVD. But, the cast was extremely talented and had amazing voices as well as acting talent. Although, Sarah Brightman is no amateur.
It really says something about this movie that Sarah Brightman, who has been approached for movie roles on many occasions, chose to make her debut in this film. Also, Paul Sorvino, who is rarely seen i films outside of the mob scene had the chance to show off his amazing operatic vocals and prove that he is capable of portraying someone other than a mob father. He did a damn good job! I’d like to see him play in a larger variety of roles.
I couldn’t have been happier with the film, but there was one part in particular that just amazed me. During the song “Thankless Job” the audience gets to experience the Repo man in all his glory. As he toys with his victim he breaks out into song and dance. He waltzes! As he slices open his victim and pulls out his stomach and intestines, he is singing and dancing around the room. By the time he ripped out the guys heart and stuck his arm up through his throat to use him as a puppet, I was in tears! It was so sick and twisted…But SO fun!!!
I am eagerly awaiting the DVD release!!
LOVED this one.. I’m up for another viewing when it comes back to Seattle, for sure! Me and a carload of people, bring it back here!
I’ve been a big fan of this type of thing for years, and thought the genre was dead, but they’ve brought it back to life, and some. Thanks guys.
And you’re all so NICE, too. In the best kind of way.
Had no doubts I would enjoy it and needless to say I’m gonna buy 42872837 copies of the DVD when it comes out. *lol* I recommend seeing this if you can. It’s worth it.
Big finger of shame to LGF for not showing this film any love. They lost a lotta points in my book.
This movie was amazing.
Awful. Simply AWFUL. Were you guys watching the same movie I was, or are you all 15 year olds who think eyelner and studded belts are serious forms of rebellion?
First off, the music is awful. It’s actually beyond awful. Imagine you’ve just walked into a Hot Topic to the sounds of bland, generic nu-metal drivel, and you have an idea of what the music in this film is like.
Next, the directing. Bousman isn’t an awful director, but he’s not very good either. The editing is partly to blame, but a large portion of the film plays out like a quick-cut MTV music video.
The acting was decent, but not good by any mean. A few of the characters were mildly interesting, but overall, you find yourself not interested at all at what the future holds for these paper-thin characters.
The plot starts off as a good idea, but all of the minor characters and subplots take that idea and accomplish nothing with it. That’s not always a bad thin either, as long as the ride itself is atleast entertaining. Unfortunately, it isn’t.
How all of this hype has gone to this movie is absurd. Every scene, every song just absolutely SCREAMS “Look at how edgy this is! Isn’t this edgy and hip you guys?!”. It’s beyond pretentious and takes itself so seriously that I found myself laughing hysterically at the more “serious” moments.
The only people I’d recommend this to would be fans of nu-metal drivel like Disturbed or Evanessence, or people who want to waste their money.
Never has a movie so hyped disappointed me so epically. If you enjoy a quality movie with good acting or directing, avoid this movie like the plague.
First off, the following statement is not ment to be hurtful or degrading in any way:
I recently viewed this film with 2 male and 3 female friends in their mid twenties. And we all came to the conclusion that this film is very gay. Kinda Rocky-Horror without transvestites gay. Music is goddamn awfull, as is the acting and script. Mosely’s performance was the only thing i remotely enjoyed about this flamboyant film. I reccomend this to strong stomached “Twilight” fans as it is gay, but it has a lot of gore.
OK. MY CONFESSION, I was dying to see it and no they weren’t playing it in my area so i downloaded it and got an amazing version. Anyways i loved it, sure you think wow a super gory, musical/opera. Well this surpassed my expectations. The storyline was very good and so was the gore. the actors and costums were amazing. definitely go see this if u can or order a copy on their website
I have been wanting to see this film ever since I first heard about it, I knew it was going to be something special, and it is, im not a fan of musical films, but this film is like a horror opera/musical in a stylish and original way.
Interesting characters, great effects and visually the movie looks absolutly beautiful in a dark futuristic way like “Blade Runner” did back in 1982.
I was glad to see Bill Moseley (“Chop Top” From Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, And “Otis” In The House Of 1,000 Corpses/Devil’s Rejects Films)
finally get another great role in this film, he’s not the star, but he is always best as a co star and he doesnt even have a bunch of make up or effects on his face this time!
Paris Hilton (who I dislike) has a role in the film, but she’s not that star thankfully! I honestly felt she did a good job as the role of Amber and didnt feel she was annoying or overly exposed in the film, she did good as the character.
It was also fun to see Ogre (From The Industrial band Skinny Puppy) have a pretty good role in the film who sort of begins the film after the real stylish comic book type intro into the storys plot.
Overall it kept me very entertained, very interested, visually the movie is one of the best looking films ive seen in the past few years for sure.
highly recommended, but dont expect to see traditional musicals, this is a horror opera film, which I havent seen anything like in my lifetime.
9/10
I just saw it and it is AWESOME. For me, it is the best horror movie of 2008 with Midnight Meat Train. Congrats Darren.
This movie was amazing. The music, the setting, the cast.. Everything just worked out so well and it was genius. When I first heard of this movie I thought it may have been a joke. I mean Paris Hilton and.. Alexa Vega (spy kids) I laughed. The movie ended up being extremely serious and I enjoyed it. I really liked the comic scenes, in which they explained what was going on like a comic strip.
**spoiler**
I knew Amber would inherit Geneco I just knew it.
**End Spoiler**
I really enjoyed this movie and I highly recommend it, one of the best movies of 08, and with the way 09 is looking.. could be the best in 2 years? If Friday the 13th flops then Repo will more than likely be the best.
i hate musicals, but this was awsome. i never thought i would hear paul sorvino sing, but now i have. the singing isnt great, but the movie is great. kicks rocky horrors a$$
This movie is such an amazing movie. It literally took my breath away. Terrance Zdunich and Darren Bousman have created a masterpiece.
It’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. Forget what the critics say, it’s an amazing cinematic experience. You will be singing the songs for days after watching it.
If someone would have told me years ago that a movie starring, Alexa Vega, Paris Hilton, and several other people I have little or no interest in [other than Bill Mosely] that it would have become a must have for me, I would have laughed in their face.
Repo! is an instant classic from beginning to end. There is just no weak points in this movie. The weakest points of the movie are still strong, keeping you compelled to want to unravel this unique and incredible story. But if you have not seen it, the premise of the story is simple. In a not so distant future, surgery, much like plastic surgery, has swept over the world. You can now finance organs, or anything you desire for the human anatomy. But what comes of this legalized repossession, or in other words, legalized assassination to get the organs back after 90 days of delinquency. I will leave it at that, for most of the story would be spoiling an amazing experience down this twisted and creative road.
Now the story is just great as is, but the singing is where this movie truly shines. Personally, I found myself listening to every song constantly days after seeing the film. Each song is so unlike anything I have ever heard and distinct in difference, and they all shine through. Some are more twisted, others humorous, though they all are great and compose a great story along with perfect acting.
The acting of the movie surprised me the most. I am not a fan of Paris Hilton, not at all. However even she blew me away in this movie. Others like Alexa Vega, who honestly I thought would be a horrible edition, were amazing as well. You felt part of the story, living in this world and watching them tell a story through actions alone. Anthony Stewart was my favorite character of the movie, I will not post why and leave that mystery for you to find out yourself. Each character is different and yet, they are alike in some morbid way or another.
In a short summary, this movie to me is the Rocky Horror of our generation. Fans of musicals will find this an impressive film and great addition to any movie collection. Those who are not interested in the musical aspect, I still encourage you to rent this film. I think if given a chance, this movie will surprise some of the biggest critics out there. Easily one of the best films I ever had the privilage of seeing.
This is the best SciFi/Horror film i have seen in the last 15 years the music is great the story is great it has gore it has love story it has revenge what more can u ask for and i got it for 15 bucks at walmart at midnight it is a must have for any collection this is one that if it was seen in theaters this is this generations rocky horror
great ass movie!!!!
Absolutely THE BEST movie I have seen in a while. Original concept, crazy, exciting, dark, AMAZING music, and a cast that fits perfectly. My jaw hit the floor the first time I saw it, and I absolutely cannot get enough of it.
Haha great movie.This stuff kinda gives me the chills but it was suprisingly humorous and catchy =D
Anthony Head from bufyy the vampire slayer known as ‘giles’ as the repo man!
It was very intense and a dark atmosphere just gave you a whole new way to look at musicals.
Great film…
Fantastic. Huge hype, and worth it too. Sarah Brightman stole the show, obviously, and it’s a shame that she didn’t have much screen time, alongside some of the other minor characters played by amazing actors. I was very surprised and impressed with Paris. I dog her all the time but this time she did very well…. very very well. Maybe the directors told her to just be herself? I think that’s how she molded the character so well. The gore was awesome and some of the songs were quite catchy. Others just seemed to be run of the mill industrial show tunes that didn’t stand out so much, and the Graverobber was a bit unnecessary as well since the film already was narrated… didn’t really need another. His role should have been fleshed out more to fit better, along with Mag and others. But all in all, I loved it.
This movie was the bees knees. It was one of the greatest movies I have ever seen. I mean the music was bumpen. The story was cool. This was a verry creative picture I mean my gosh. The movie had Bill Mossely in it witch is always a plus. The film was all around awesome. I would love to know what professional critics think about this film it is so freaking cool. This is like the only time Im going to say this even Paris Hilton did a good job in this movie. Maybe its becouse its what most people think of her who knows. This movie is a instant classic. It is a must have for any film buff. It was kind of a through back to the ninetys with the music and films attitude. I loved the idea of this whole movie it knocks Sweeney Todd out of the water.
There is nothing for me to say. Someone has even called it the bees knees. That is what I was going to say. Well, anyway, it is very cool. I saw it is the theater in STL and it was a great time. If a theater is showing it near you, go see it. If not, call any and every theater and tell them they damn well better start… I guess I had something to say after all.
brilliant!!! BEST MOVE OF 08
I am speechless. I fucking hate musicals with a Living passion. I truly do. And this movie was turned out to be the biggest piece of shit. I wasted 15 dollars on this thing. I am deft going back to best buy and demanding they give me my money back.
What a piece of shit. Saw is way better Mr. Darron whatever the fuck your name is your the biggest asshole in the world and so is your is your waste of life film.
Just have to say this flesheater123, dumbfuck. If your gay cum filled asshole doies not like musicals why would you buy a movie called Repo! the Genetic OPERA. Are you a reatraded monkey that jerks off your two inch cock to movies like I know Who Killed Me or the Grudge? I mean you are the biggest dipshit I have ever seen pot a reveiw on this site. The only flesh you eat is your mothers diseased cunt.
Anyways Repo is the best movie I have ever seen.
Hrm. Still don’t know what to make of this movie. On the one hand, it’s story was interesting, and I really enjoyed the concepts. On the other hand, somehow I just couldn’t get into the singing of every single line in the damned movie. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Sweeney Todd, but in that film, Burton put just the right amount of song into the proceedings. With this, I just wasn’t feeling it. To be fair, I’ll watch it again just to make sure I’m not shooting down a potential classic.
im still shocked people ive ready so many bad reviews on this site from users. I was so happy i got to see this in theaters TWICE here i chicago. I think its flipping great. Im not gothic. I dont shop at Hot Topic. This is just a great damn movie in my opinion. My 3rd favorite movie of last year.
I was one of the many thousands of people psyched, amped, and high hoped for this feature. ROCK OPERA… it says it all right there. Opera is all singing and ROCK being the genre. Visually i enjoyed this film, i had such hopes for this one, especially with Anthony Stewart Head as REEEEEPPOMAAN!! I couldnt sit through the film, after about 20 minutes i had to put the film on mute. Story was great, it looked cool and entertaining, but sing-songing all the lines was just annoying. I understand the concept of musicals and operas and having barely any talking..but seriously it just got old quick. I can see why LIONSGATE quoted to DLB ” No one is going to pay to hear or watch these musical ” they were partially right. I woudnt run and go ahead and compare it too RHPS ( RHPS is another massive piece of shit that f*g Hags and Hot topic kids worship ) This film is not terrible. Did some of us jmp the gun and follow the hype for this film? YES so we have no one to blame but ourselves. Don’t hate the film, be upset with what you expected.
This movie was so awesome, After watching i had to download the soundtrack.
This movie was amazing it was a mix of Rocky Horror and Blade Runer. This is showing that film can truly make art that is beautiful and amazing at the same time. The music was top notch and the performances were over the top and great. I will say though its not nearly as good as Sweeney Todd but this is my 2nd favorite musical of all time. Well done Darren.
In past reviews, I’ve countless repeated the line: “This movie is hard to review because it’s so blatantly unoriginal. It’s like reviewing a 2-hour session of staring at the wall. I’ve seen it so many times, forcing myself to have a negative or positive opinion on it is impossible. So I just give it the lowest score there is.” But the day has finally come that I can say the exact opposite. Repo! The Genetic Opera is hard to review because it’s so blatantly original. On the list of things I review on, originality is at the top, with how memorable the film was in second. Contrary to what people will try to say, the two almost always go hand-in-hand. Repo! nails both.
I’ve seen countless reviews stating that Repo! The Genetic Opera is a bastard child of Blade Runner and The Rocky Horror Picture show, but I disagree. There is some Blade Runner influence in the outdoor imagery, and that’s it. Also, just because it’s in the same genre as The Rocky Horror Picture Show does not mean it’s anything like it. My point is, Repo! is completely unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. It is a genre piece, but a lot like Pulp Fiction before it, it creates original scenes within its respective genre that have never been done before it. Most notably, I was impressed by how minimal the movie is. Instead of taking the brash epic scope that every other movie in its genre takes, Repo! takes place almost completely in one house. It’s a story about a sole family, not about a clichéd sci-fi world with cliché heroes and villains and wars. It’s far too original and daring for that. Another notable original aspect is the characters. I’ve never seen a less clichéd character line-up in almost the last three decades of cinema. For example, Luigi and Pavi are only secondary characters, and they alone have more actual character than almost any main character I’ve seen in years. We live in a time where films like No Country for Old Men get the highest ratings possible, while they present new ideas about as much as rocks produce quality grade milk. Whether you liked it or not, any movie this original needs to receive credit for that.
The story itself is surprisingly complex. You have no idea what is going to happen until it happens. There is nothing linier or even possibly predictable. It will take most people 3 views to fully get what happened. There is also an underline moral that is relevant and not forced in any way.
On the artistic scale . . . dear God, how do I even begin here? The amount of detail and uniqueness put into the art direction is absolutely insane. As some reviews have stated, it’s nearly impossible to process it all. This is not the safe, predictable Goth cinematography whatsoever. It puts Sweeney Todd to thumb-sucking shame. It does for our generation what A Clockwork Orange did for the 70s. The directing itself is absolutely godlike. Darren Lynn Bousman knows FAR more than just how to flash-cut and get the most effective gore scenes that cinema has known. In Repo!, he expresses carful skill with the camera, and makes everything look polished (or grungy) to perfection. It’s no surprise that the gore scenes have some of the best cinematography in the film because of Bousman’s Saw background. There is a lot more gore than I expected, and none of it is generic. Even the dramatic scenes ooze of careful, effective camerawork. Bousman proves he is easily one of the best modern directors working today.
Despite everything I just said, there are a few flaws. Mainly that the Goth appearance can get a little silly at points, but it’s not something prevalent whatsoever. This is far from a straight-up geek movie, though it is certainly an acquired taste. Also, the final act got a little too ridicules for its own good in a few places. Namely the entire opening song.
Do not be scared away from this movie because it’s an opera. The singing isn’t as annoying as it is in Sweeney Todd, or as downright stupid as in Hairspray. This is a real man’s opera. The rock-based music keeps the movie moving and gives it a punk edge. And like the music, Repo! The Genetic Opera is one of the most daring and edgy movies to come out in a long time. It’s not the cookie-cutter Goth movie. It’s not something geeks will get it up to. It’s not an unoriginal movie. It’s punk, and not in a classic Blade Runner-type way. When something is this different from the norm, it’s bound to throw-off the easy-going fine-cinema-whores who like their movies so unoriginal they’re as easy to watch (and as boring) as staring at a wall. It’s bound to get bad reveiws because of that. Ignore them. Repo! is absolute punk cinema–with maturity.
“Repo! The Genetic Opera” was a spectacle and a visual stunner. I don’t think there are words to describe how fantastic the visuals were in this movie. For a dark, gothic, and gory tale, I think that director Darren Lynn Bousman achieved the look and feel of the story from stage to film. Repo is indeed very unique for any musical film ever created. Before Repo, I would say that “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is perhaps the gutsiest and most unique musical film made as well as the one musical to open the doors for musicals to enter the world of horror to be on film. Right off the top of my head, I cannot think of other horror musicals on film for a full-length movie (other than “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber…”), but Repo was certainly a treat to now enter that world of musical horror to now further open the doors for more to come. It was definitely a film that had “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” feel, but very dark and gruesome and with a futuristic taste that resembles “Blade Runner”.
Repo has a very basic plot, which takes place in the distant future where there was an epidemic of organ failures. A company, called GeneCo, founded by Rotti Largo, begins to offer patients organs through financing, but if a payment is not made within a certain time period, then the organs is repossessed by the Repo Man, who is played remarkably by Anthony Stewart Head of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” fame. Through GeneCo, the epidemic was stopped and then plastic surgery, the idea of modifying your anatomy became all the rage in this crazy world that is “Repo! The Genetic Opera”.
The story of the movie compares to that of a lot of today’s views on plastic surgery to the controversies of photo shoots of Hollywood stars on magazine covers, and the fascination for the “ideal” look of beauty which is a topic a lot of people in our world struggle with on a daily basis. Obvious examples being those with eating disorders or those who are extremely addicted to plastic surgery in their journey to keep youth. These are stories that are constantly heard about, sadly including stories about people losing lives, permanently scaring themselves beyond recognition of their former selves, and/or their lives forever changed through divorce and/or in major debt all for the quest of perfect beauty and youth. All of this comes to mind when looking at the movie for it’s message and again, it’s obvious. There is also the topic of addicted pain killer use, pill usage, or to sum it up, drug usage.
The movie features a young girl named Shilo (Alexa Vega) who is affected by a blood disease. For safe purposes, her father, Nathan (Anthony Stewart Head) has kept her locked in her room, fearing the outside world will only further harm Shilo and her disease as he struggles to find a cure. Shilo manages to sneak out on occasion leading us the viewer through this demented world with a crazy cast of characters which we’re introduced to, including the Grave Robber (Terrance Zdunich) who is like a narrator, explaining the gaps and stories of characters and the world they all live in. He also is dealer for the drug Zydrate, which is a pain killer to subdue the pain after going through surgery and he is also Amber’s dealer. The drug is obtained through deceased bodies, hence why he is called the Grave Robber. There is Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino), founder of GeneCo who is dying from his own disease and his bratty children who are all constantly fighting who will be heir to their father’s company, including the easily hot headed Luigi Largo (Bill Moseley), the effeminate, vain, and dim witted Pavi Largo (Ogre), and the Zydrate drug and surgery addicted only daughter, Amber Sweet (Paris Hilton) all rounding out as Rotti’s progeny. Neither whom he is proud of, which takes his interest to Shilo and her father, Nathan, who is leading a double life as the Repo Man. Sarah Brightman plays Blind Mag, who was once blind and now bind by contract for life to GeneCo as their fame spokes singer. All the cast were great, including Paris Hilton, given her reputation.
The cinematography and special effects were amazing. This all did justice to match up to the extraordinarily crafted make-up effects and costumes. If anything, “Repo! The Genetic Opera” stands out above the rest as one of 2008′s best horror films. It was unique in every way from the style of the film, to the casting, and effects of all kinds put in this movie. The only gripe I have about the movie is that I wish some parts for characters were a little longer, but despite this flaw, the movie was still fun and enthusiastic. Eye stunningly gorgeous and dark, “Repo! The Genetic Opera” is one movie that has to be seen to believe by all at least once. It can never replace “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, but Repo has certainly built a spot of it’s own as a cult favorite to be adored from now and beyond.
This is the first time in months that I really enjoyed a movie. It is unlike anything you have ever seen. I thought the acting and music were outstanding and the story line was great. Do yourself a favor, put your homophobic fears aside and watch this horror/musical. These 97 minutes will go by so fast leaving wanting more. My only complaint is the DVD is seriously lacking any special features. Maybe we will be treated to a Special Edition later on.
Unfortunately I watched Repo! on DVD. Films like this are lucky to get a limited cinema release in the states, but here in Australia? No way. It’s likely to be a year until we get a DVD release. It’s amazing. One of the best films I’ve ever seen. If, by luck, it does eventually get screen time at the little indie theatres here, then I’ll be there on opening day to see this beauty on the big screen. If not, I can’t complain. I’m just happy I’ve finally been able to see it, period.
It isn’t every day that you see a movie that is as unique as ‘Repo! The Genetic Opera.’
I absolutely fell in love with the music, the atmosphere, and the social commentary. This is a must-see for anyone who even remotely likes horror films, or musicals, for that matter. I wish I could have seen it in theaters…
Loved it. The Movie is amazing. The music is amazing. Period. I went to the Road Tour in Cincinnati. It couldn’t have been better. I thought it was exceptionally well done, especially considering the monetary and time constraints it was under! This is a definite must see. Everyone go buy it! I want a prequel!
I must admit my anticipation for this to finally arrive on dvd so I could check this out was through the roof. The whole premise of the film is extremely original and an entirely new experience. I’ve watched this once and honestly I don’t know where I stand on this yet. I feel like this is the type of movie you have to see a few times for it to make sense.
I disagree completely with the reviewer and the plethora of comments regarding how good the music and singing are. I think the music borders on nu-metal with definite leanings towards industrial which are styles I cannot stomach and some of the actors just can’t sing a lick, though I’ll give them all respect for trying. I think they should’ve had a vocal coach in the studio when laying down the vocals as some vocals are completely off key. I also think Mags should have been the lead actress as her voice is the best in the movie.
With that said, I’m still on the fence with this movie. A lot of the time when an original movie comes around that gets great reviews, it builds up the hype to such a point that my expectations can never be met. This might be the case for this movie, but it only cost me $9.99 new, so it was actually cheaper than seeing it in the theater. I’m hoping after a few more viewings this movie will grow on me.
I normally hate musicals, as in, I cant stand them for a second. But there was something about this one that was captivating. Not only was the music pretty good, but the characters were amazing. Plus, you notice that the actors have been in some great pieces before (save Paris who, surprising, wasnt that bad). Very much worth the wait. I hope they go ahead with the prequel and sequel.
I’m not into musicals… at all, but this was amazing. The music was actually really good. The story was great. And visually, it looked fantastic. It’s unique and just really fun. No complaints at all.
I was enthralled during this movie! I couldn’t take my eyes off. It was just visually fantastic, musically captivating, and pleased pretty much every part of my cinematic experience: awesome music, gore, and dark/humorous atmosphere. Being a student of opera for several years, I saw so many elements of classic operas that made me appreciate it even more. Anthony Head sure can sing and he was incredible! The rest of the cast is awesome as well. Just see this movie! It’s not as gory as I anticipated, but that’s not a bad thing. Awesome! 10/10
This is the greatest movie i have ever seen. The story is absolutely brillant and like nothing i have ever seen before. A truly original master peice with some truly AMAZING music.
Interesting story but the songs were just meh. It was obvious and very clear they wrote a script that would be sung, not songs that will be sung. It just didnt fit well. The acting/visuals were really good. I really liked Alexa Vega(Shilo). She was the bestt singer/actor in the movie IM0. Id say give it a whirl, but I will say this movie has ALOT of hype behind it. Granted it did well with its small budget, but I wouldnt buy it. I liked it, didnt love it.
Eh. Just saw it and I feel that although it had it’s moments, it never really became what it was supposed to be.
The characters are neat enough, but lack the depth that a good director should be able to bring out in the conversion from stage to screen. The film also feels claustrophobic as if you can almost feel everyone cramped together on a sound stage. The songs are forgettable for the most part and it needed at least once during the movie to swell over the top, which it didn’t really even manage to do at the end.
Given all that, it was fun. I’ll watch it now and then, but I don’t expect to be snatching up any of the, no doubt, tons of movie merchandise from Hot Topic.
I think most of the extremely positive reviews comes from the fact that a lot of people are starved for something like this, as I am. Its just that I don’t think this is what I personally am waiting for.
In all honesty, I was somewhat disappointed with this film. Don’t get me wrong, it was a solid rental, but I think the hype overshot the actual movie. The hype that surronded this movie had me expecting a kind of horror masterpiece, which was not the case. The songs in Repo were obviously meant to rhyme. When I think opera, I think dialogue that flows well, and seems natural, Repo’s didn’t. Having said that however, it did have more good points than bad. The originality is great, its a movie that has no twin, which is sometimes hard to find in the horror genre, and it has stunning visual. The acting was solid, even from the usual “underwear victim” Paris Hilton. The storyline progressed well, ending with a decent climax. All in all, this movie succeeded in what is was trying to do. I’d say everyone should see it at least once. 7/10, maybe 8/10 if the hype hadn’t raised my expectations.
Completely agree with Barfneck, though I know I don’t like the movie. It was visually stunning, and the story was original and all good. But the music was awful (I think I only liked one song), too nu-metal-ish and also, many of the actors were singing off key most of the time. The mixing was weird and the vocals were too loud compared to the music. Also, I am no expert on musicals, but I thought in this kind of movie, characters sang full songs. What I HATED about “Repo!” was that many times, instead of songs, it sounded like a continuous improvisation of sang dialogue which made no sense at all. Sometimes it sounded like the actors had ad-libbed a melody when shooting and then someone created some music on the fly to go with it in post-production. That turned me completely off.
I can understand the cult status is is getting and will get, but It’s just not for me I guess.
The concept is interesting & original but i just couldn’t get into the singing. The only song i liked was the nathan story song. The rest was just terrible to me.
In the end this movie is just a long stylish MTV music video with not enough blood to be a good horror movie and not a good enough script to be a good movie.
The music really wasn’t good… I can’t stand talking through song. There was very little gore, but what there was was pretty decent. Good story. This should have been amazing… it wasn’t
I really didnt like this movie. but i watched it again with the commentary on with bill moseley (yea im a dork like that)not really paying much attention to the movie just listening and rollin up some good good, and in between them talking i would hear the songs they are singing in the background and by the time of the end of the movie the 2nd time i find myself wanting to hear those songs again. so i make my girlfriend watch it with me and she actually sat thru the whole thing, and by the end of the movie she is crying and loving it!!! I really like this film now and actually went and downloaded some songs on to my ipod. 5 skulls
I dont know what all the hype is for this movie. I couldn’t understand what the actors and actresses were singing about most of the time. Half of the people in the movie were missed cast and embaressing to watch try and sing half the time. If I could have given a lower score than a 2, than I would have. Sorry….
As for most of you, I was excited for Repo: The genetic opera and had high expectations. The film met my expectations and was even close to surpassing them. Repo: The genetic opera is one of the most unique and brilliant horror musicals I’ve seen in a long time. The musical numbers were great and the gore effects were pretty good. The film did poke some jokes here and there, but it still played along well. The film has such a unique story line and since this is a horror movie plus a musical, that’s what makes the movie worth. Don’t let the first twenty minutes discourage you, the rest of the film is a face-paced ride to the Repo man. Overall, Repo: The genetic opera lived to its hype and is perfect for all horror fans.
i was excited to see this movie…but what an epic fail. the sing song through the whole movie seemed forced and the singing sucked. the set design seems like mall gothic/hot topic jerk offs. the light made every thing look to polished and not dirty and gritty. sweeney todd worked repo did not.
I was really looking forward to this film hitting DVD- it didn’t disappoint. If musicals AREN’T your thing, you may have issues with this but I would still suggest that you try, it is easily the most unique and original “horror” movie I’ve seen in a loooong time. Those of you that are RHPS fans (such as myself), this is a no brainer. A couple songs grab you immediately (Zydrate Anatomy & Legal Assassin come to mind) and if you watch the movie again or buy the soundtrack you quickly realize there are a number of good songs in this. The gore factor is pretty good as well- maybe there could have been more but, I forgive them. Overall, I say: Definitely check it out, it’s well worth your time.
purely amazing!
I almost fell asleep in this movie. I love the gore but singing the whole time and no action bored the hell out of me. By the end, I was exhausted and didn’t care about anything.
This is FANSTASTIC ! ! !
It’s rather cheesy but it’s with out a doubt the cultiest film I’ve ever seen. It’s cultier than the EVIL DEADs
But totaly awsome
Now I see why SpookyDan loves this movie. It IS purely awesome! Despite the fact that it is an opera, I love this movie. The music is awesome, the film is original, stunning, brilliant, heartwarming; for me, it is hard to hate this movie. The only thing that may be a problem for some people, like me, who watch it for the first time, is that, because it is an opera, the plot can get just a bit complex and a bit hard to follow (it’s the music; it hypnotizes you!). Another thing about the music, unlike Poultrygeist, the songs do not get annoying as fuck. Even if you don’t like musicals and operas, watch it as horror film and and you will love it.
While the songs and lyrics were terrible, I enjoyed the movie’s story.
I was looking forward to this movie for a long time, and when I finally got to see it it lived up to my expectations
I didn’t really pay attention to this movie but the preview in my bloody valentine special edition caught my eye. This movie was amazing!!! the music was brilliant, the story was the most original i’ve seen ever and, the acting was good…one of the best movies i’ve seen in awhile…and keeps Darren Lynn Bousman up on my list of best directors…can’t wait to see his next film!!!
A Pleasant Surprise. A Little Worried With The Musical Shit, But It Turned Out That This Movie Had A Pretty Cool Story And It Was Rather Entertaining When They Would Sing.
“YOU CAN NOT CONTROL ME FATHER, DADDY’S GIRL’S A FUCKING MONSTER!”
i found it pretty intresting. a little weired with it being a musical horror never seen anything like it.or never been interested in musicals but it got me liking it i give it 3 skulls
great songs,great movie
I thought this was absolutely amazing and original, if you have not seen this go out and BUY it. 8 skulls.
The first half was interesting, but the second half dragged and the music got repetitive.I give the writers credit that had to be a bitch to write the songs. Worth a rent but be warned there are some bad singers .Especially that skank hotel heiress.
visualy good , but the talk singing made me wanna punch a dolphin in the blowhole!
i thought it was really good, really really enjoyed it, thought it was incredibly original and thought the songs where fantastic and really really stay with you to the point where your humming them during the day, i thought paris was fantastic in this aswell i thought before watching that she may ruin it but she didnt she was amazing my only critique would be that i didnt understand why every attempt was made to make the film different and original and then the film blatantly referenced Blade Runner a number of times some of the scenes in the film could very well be deleted scenes from blade runner, just didnt understand that but this is a good film and i would certainly recommend
This was absolutely fantastic!!!!!Addictive, I can’t stop watching it and I listen to the cd in my car. True talent from production to performers. I hate Paris Hilton, however in this she was good! I LOVED IT, LOVED IT,LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!
When I first started Repo to be honest I was disapointed. I mean come on Paris Hilton… I though it was going to be yet another movie that ruiend my night.. BUT I stuck it out and honestly and trutfully FELL IN LOVE! This musical is AMAZING. NO IF AND OR BUTS FUCKING AMAZING!
“Zydrate comes in a little glass vial..”
I first read about this film on a message board, in which I learnt that Darren Lynn Bousman of the Saw series was working on a horror rock opera.. While intresting, I completly forgot about it until the teaser trailer hit the net, and suddenly my intrest was peaked.. What was this thing I was watching, and when was it coming out.. As more videos, information and a trailer appeared, I got more and more excited, and I got my friends just as exicted. We were counting the days till the release date.. and then it didn’t come to theatres out here. I was so angry, but figured I’d rent the DVD.. I did, and two days later, I bought the movie.
Repo! was everything I wanted it to be, everything the trailer promised.. This is a dark, bloody little musical,like Rocky Horror meets Sweeney Todd and it prides itself on that.. While not for everyone, I gotta say this does have cult movie written all over it. The songs are well-done and catchy, the effects are good, and the cast (yes, even Paris Hilton) are great in thier roles. While the story does seem somewhat rushed and the finale as well, given how little faith the studio seemed to have in the movie, Im not suprised they cut corners. I’m sure there will be an extended cut of the film released on DVD someday, and I look forward to it. An excellent flick in my book, and well worth a look, at least for creator Terrance Zdunich’s narrator character the Graverobber, he alone is worth the priced of admission.
LOVE IT!…Grave Robber is SEXY!
‘Cause we all end up in a tiny pine box,
A mighty small drop in a mighty dark plot”
I really thought I wasn’t going to enjoy this film but it turns out I love it!
The music is amazing, the acting is wicked.
Anthony Head is mind blowing as Nathan Wallace/ Repo Man … he was just WOW!!!!!
Even Paris Hilton was great I love Amber she’s aweful..
Amazing movie so underrated my most a true classic in the making!!!!!!
10 out of 10
I’m usually not a big fan of musicals, but I decided to give this a chance. I bought this with Max Payne and Saw V a few hours before Obama’s Inauguration. I thought Repo was really good! I love how it had the goth look and feel of the movie! I also loved the style, music, visuals, and beautiful scenery it had! Darren Lynn Bousman did an awesome job! In the future, an epidemic of organ failures plagues the city, but GeneCo gives organ transplants, but if the person never pays up, GeneCo sends out the Repo Man. Repo Man happens to be the father to Shiloh, played by the beautiful Alexa Vega. The owner of GeneCo, Rotti Largo is dying and wants to give GeneCo to Shiloh. Rotti’s children, Luigi, Pavi, and Amber Sweet want to inherit GeneCo, but Rotti hates them. I loved the rock music! I highly recomend REPO! THE GENETIC OPERA!!!
I wait for this movie for about a year, and i got to say it was all that i wanted it to be, the songs i love everyone of them but about 2, and the point that i hate paris hitlon and she was not to bad in it
So, I am not surprised by all the bad reviews I’ve read on this as much as I’m not surprised by the good reviews. When I watched it, I knew it was a love it or hate it kind of movie. I personally loved it. I’m not going to lie, I love musicals. I can watch Grease and Moulin Rouge over and over again. I am that kind of dork. So, if you hate musicals, you’re going to hate Repo, that simple.
Casting was not bad. Yes, including Paris Hilton. She fit her role. I don’t think rich, spoiled, slutty heiress is a big stretch for her really. The only big complaint I really had was that Ogre from Skinny Puppy’s role needed to be bigger (so says the Skinny Puppy fan girl at least).
I would mostly recommend this movie to anyone whose done theater. It is very, very gothic, but also the sets are insanely gorgeous and the cuts from comic book style to live action are well, well done. Costuming is a gothic wet dream more or less but excellent all the same.
It is not a movie for everyone. If you don’t like musicals, don’t watch it. It’s not musical-lite, it’s a real musical. If you don’t like artsy movies, you’re probably not going to like it. I loved it. I’m going to buy it and put it in the Grease/Moulin Rouge rotation to drive my boyfriend crazy.
*DISCLAIMER: It would have been a 10, but I’m still getting over Ogre’s role being so small.
This movie was something akin to a Religious experience for me. The song crawled under my skin and have yet to come out again… I could sing you ‘Thankless Job’ if you want some proof… It is beautifully shot and edited.. And the Characters are engaging… I would actually like to see them expanded upon. It is rare that I would love to see a sequel. If only to see Pavi or Graverobber get more screen time. But of course, only if they get the actors back.
The most original cinematic experience I’ve had since Blair Witch Project. The songs are catchy, Paris Hilton is (SHOCKER!) not that bad, and Sarah Brightman is angelic in her role as Blind Mag, a woman who sold her soul for sight. Alexa Vega is a competent lead actress, and Anthony Head Stewart and Paul Sorvino are both thoroughly entertaining as the two male leads. The visuals are beautiful and the lighting bounces off the walls. The whole film takes place at night, with a huge movie-moon hovering in the sky along with the billboards. The city lies in shambles and the streets all look like back-alleys. A thing of beauty this film is, although it is somewhat imperfect, it is a refreshing take on our beloved genre, and is one of my very favourites.
First off, let me state this, I hate musicals. That’s right, I can’t stand them. It’s without a doubt my least favorite Genre in film. But, there have been acceptations on films such as; Phantom of the Opera and Moulin Rouge. I despise Across the Universe and Chicago. In fact, Chicago is probably the worst film to take home best picture. However, REPO THE GENETIC OPERA works for me in every single level imaginable. This review will cover why.
First, let me state that Darren Lynn Bousman is a terrific director. I know, he did the SAW sequels and I know they aren’t too good (Well, the 2nd and 3rd were pretty good) but, he did well directing those films even though he got some shitty scripts. Repo is a movie that shows his skills and his talent. Repo has a amazing visuals with some very catchy songs that didn’t take away from the film. The film had some great performances (yes, even from Paris Hilton) and the film is funny too. It was a satire on Health Insurance companies (If you can’t pay for your Transplant Repoman kills you) that amused me plus it made fun of snotty little rich kids (Paris Hilton was spoofing herself) then there was all kinds of dark humor.
It was like Phantom of the Opera meets THE REANIMATOR meets THE FIFTH ELEMENT seriously, very catchy and awesome. I think my favorite part was the Grave Robber, he had a cool voice and he had the best songs in the whole film. You also gotta love Paul Sorvino! I still remember him as Pauly in GOODFELLAS still a classic and he had a great singing voice too
Well, that concludes my opinion on this movie. It’s a fantastic film. It’s B-level and it’s 33453246456x better than mainstream musicals. Repo is an amazing film and I recommend it everyone who’s got any taste in a good film.
How could you hate this film? Now I may be somewhat biased because I love musicals, but it takes balls and courage to make a horror musical and they delivered one that is destined for cult classic status.
The music is the weakest aspect of the film in my opinion, but the overall story and visuals make up for it.
How did this movie get made??? Enough said.
Awesome movie!
Different from anything I’ve seen. Really original. Catchy songs. Gore!
this is a great film, one of my favourites. it is amazingly weird, i didn’t think i would like it but i do because of the catchy songs and the quirky characters. Sarah Brightman completely steals the show as Blind Mag. this is something you would want to watch again and again and never get bored.
*****
Out Of
*****
very very cool musical movie experience. While the music was not that much fun the acting and visuals more than made up for it! Finally a new musical cult horror film! Sarah Brightman’ last song was especially awesome!
three words.
BEST MUSICAL EVER.
sarah brightman at her bestest! ^_^
I absolutely adore this movie! I wasn’t really sure if I would like it or not at first but I went to the road tour because I wanted to meet Darren Bousman (huge Saw fan!) and I’m so glad I went. I loved the story and the songs are still in my ipod. The acting was great and, yes, Paris Hilton did a great job as well.
I was iffy on this to begin with. Knowing its a musical was just a complete turn off. Im a horror fan, not a sound of music kinda guy. But this worked. It was fantastic. The Grave Robber stole the show musically, and Bill Moseley is and always will be one of my fav horror actors. This is a definite watch. 8/10.
I was extremely excited about this movie’s release and ended up quite disappointed in the finished product on DVD. Some of the music that was on the soundtrack was missing and I found myself mourning it greatly (maybe its on the blueray versions…but I am not someone who owns blueray). I really am sorry to rate it so low…I wished I had liked it more.
Visually stunning. Cool idea. Mediocre to awesome songs. Could’ve done without Paris Hilton. She’s just too vapid (even if that was the director’s intention, but I somehow doubt it).
It’s like the new Rocky Horror, but less gay.
Ogre!!! Fucking wierd ass flick!!! I hate musicals but this was pretty damn good and ogre is in it!(skinny Puppy)
This has to be one of my favorite movies. It’s a love-it or hate-it, though.
There are a few scenes where I was left staring at the screen and asking “…Why?” (Look at Mark It Up, and you’ll know what I mean),
but the great music and reposession scenes make up for it.
This movie is just to good. Its original, its stylistic, it’s funny, it looks gorgeous, the music is amazing, the acting is fantastic… I just can’t stress enough the greatness of this film. I hate to sound one sided but anyone who has anything negative to say about this film is just wrong and probably thinks that “The Dark Knight” deserves some kind of award. This is one of the finest movies to come out in a very long time and deserves to be regarded as a classic. This movie just speaks for itself and no amount of reviewing can really explain how good it is. Watch it, love it, watch it again and TESTIFY
Fantastic film. Anyone who doesn’t like it because it’s a musical is stupid. Even Paris Hilton was great in it. Ogre kicks ass. I can’t think of anything negative to say here.
An absolutely original feast for the eyes and ears. A fantastic film that will live as a cult classic and will probably be in midnight runs for the next 30 years.
oh my lord gore, sex, songs, blood, bright lights, and nothing but greatness? count me in the future too!
the coolest rock musical sine Rocky Horror Picture Show
Absolutely love this movie. I am completely shocked that I even liked the movie, let alone loved it. It was just so refreshing with a comfortable style of creepy. This movie gets a 10, because it fulfilled the requirements of what this style of movie should be. There are movies out there I scored lower that I like better, but Repo completely filled its own hole to the top.
Really enjoyed this movie.Pretty much all that can be said about this movie has been said so i will leave it at amazing!
so to start this off. i hate musicals. with the exception of phantom of the opera, mulan rouge(sp) chicago, and sweeney todd. that was untill i saw REPO THE GENETIC OPERA. i first read that DLB (director of SAW 2-4) was going to be doing a musical and my first thought was wtf is he thinking? has he completely lost his marbls? then i saw taht paris hilton was in it… and i was totallly against it. so after a while i kept reading about it, and got more interested, and more interested, then, the trailer came out. right then i was sold. i have now seen this film over 145 times i have been to 10 shadow casts, seen it in theatre 11 times before that, and i am urrently casting for a shadow cast for the pasadena, ca area! this is now one of my favorite movies! repo has completely changed my life. too bad that it didnt get a wide release. but that i believe is a blessing in disguise. had it recived the wide release, it would not be as special as it is to those who are obsessed with it as much as i, or more. the music is amazing. paris hilton, she was great! didnt even need to act. just had to play her self. i cannot wait for the sequel and prequel. i am now a zydrate junkie. i am totally addicted to the knife. i SSTRONGLY recomend this to people who love weird movies. this one is weird. it is crazy. it is the best opera i have ever been to! i cannot get tired of this movie. it has helped with my unhealthy obsession with saw. so please if you have not seen this film, go buy it, and find a shadow cast near you!
TESTIFY!
dissapointed i thought there would be more killings
repo was very strange movie.
it was inventive and original and the singing was a delight.
the repo man was really cool and the kills were pretty stylish.
maybe not a film i could watch over and over again but something you should check out.
I mainly saw this because i am a major buffy freak and seeing giles’ actor once more was too much to pass up. at first i was unimpressed with the score, but then i was like holy crap! everyone could sing (i even enjoyed paris hilton! what is the world coming to?!) anyway, i enjoyed the story line and the incorporation of narration and comic panels. i have never seen a movie quite like this. it was a treat and a delight, it even made me cry at the end. i will be buying it.
The only musical I like. It’s a great movie that you can watch a lot of times and still enjoy it.
I actually enjoyed this movie. I’m not a fan of musicals, but this and sweeney todd are the only two musicals i actually enjoyed. This movie was different, i enjoyed the music, the cgi was pretty cool as well. I did enjoy this movie, if you enjoyed sweeney todd, i’d check this one out.
We don’t have the same defintion of original!
This movie is just a mix of Dark City, Blade Runner, The Crow & The Rocky Horror picture Show with horrendous evanescence singing.
I simply Hated it.
I will agree with many in saying that the movie could have been better, but I will not lie, I loved it. And not to step on any toes here but the “sing songy” singing that seemed to get on a lot of peoples nerves was infact done in style with original opera. Opera is just play that is sung instead of spoken And Repo! never declaired it’s self a musical…but an OPERA! And the fact that it stuck to original opera made this film even better for me. It didn’t hurt that it had Anthony Head in it.
“Come take these eyes….I would rather be blind.”
this was absolutely AMAZING. completely original in my mind. it took 2 of my favorite things, music and gore, and combined them into one of the best movies i’ve seen in a long time. i never would have expected to see paris hilton in this, but i have to admit that even she couldn’t ruin this. absolutely phenomenal.
This movie is my second favorite movie. so it gets 10/10 for me. The music is great, Especially from Anthony Stewart Head, Sarah Brightman and Paul Sorvino. The Atmosphere and settings are great, i love when we see the city from afar Really futuristic, but with this gothic style to it that makes it so much more awesome ^^
The only flaw for the movie could be Paris Hilton, but still she fits the role pretty well lol. (But i really would have wanted to see a better actress and singer)
The perfect movie, I’ve seen it at least 50 times.. NOT JOKING
I absolutely love this film! The whole premise of it is just amazing and creative, which is so rare when it comes to horror films these days. I love the idea of a Repo man reposessing organs, it’s hysterical! I also happen to love musicals but I must say, Alexa Vega gave me the shits when she sang…. she really sucked. But this is totally made up for by the wonderful Sarah Brightman who I’ve always suspected to have a dark side! The story is flawless and the whole film wonderfully entertaining! You must watch this film!
I thought the story line was actualy a pretty horrific scenario, but alot of the Opera was pretty much 80′s cheese, which got so sickening for me….and before anybody bashes me for that, know that I play Drums, Violin and Piano with a background in both Classical and Rock/Metal, so I’m not just some dope who can’t appreciate the Opera…it just wasn’t done very well here! Other wise it was a pretty good film.
Right on par with Sweeney Todd. this is the best musical i have ever seen. definitely worth five corpses.
The story is very close to a modern day (or futuristic if you want to nitpick) Shakespearean tragedy. Vengeance, deceit, mystery, death, it’s all there.
Casting was spot on, Anthony Head blew me away with this first song Legal Assassin, as did Paul Sorvino. Sarah Brightman, was amazing. Even Paris Hilton was perfect for her role. Character customes rocked (especially Blind Mag), the cinematography and mood of the film definitely enhanced the experience. The music had very intense lyrics, some were funny, others tragic. I have seen this a million times and still get very emotional at the end.
I am so obsessed with this movie, it’s kinda scary actually. It’s definitely a must see.
When I first heard the movie was going to be a horror musical, I was a little skeptical, but took a chance on it because Anthony Head is one of my fav. actors. I’m glad I did, this was one of the best movies overall that I have seen in a long time. Not gonna waste time on a summery of the movie, but I’ll say that I even like Paris Hilton in this movie, and thats saying alot. Head was incredible in his role, he basically has to play two completly diff. characters, switching from one personality to the other (in the middle of a song, no less)beutifully. His duets with Alex Vega was amazing and heartbreaking. Sarah Brightman has such a beutifull voice.
I LOVED this movie.. BUT, only after I watched it a thrid time? My husband did the same thing.. the sing-song sort of gets you at first.. but I thought to give it one more chance.. and I’m glad I did! So I would say. if your not loving on it at first, watch it again!
The BEST movie I have ever seen. WATCH IT!
this is a must see, alot of style and visual, music is good too. lost interest somewhere towards the end though.
This movie is in my top five. The music was great and I loved the story line.
I felt like the movie “Repo Men” got its idea from this movie.
A really engrossing storyline, I was really surprised by the casts’ singing! Sarah Brightman is amazing and gorgeous, even with freaky eyes…so jealous…
Repo! The Genetic Opera
7/31/2010
“Repo!” is a very unique film that almost never gets made. It is an attempt to recreate a movie experience in the same vein of the 70′s cult phenomenon “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”. Director Darren Lynn Bousman who created the Saw franchise really has puts his heart and soul into making Repo, but it is made for a very select audience.
“Repo!” takes place in a distant future where organ failure is a worldwide epidemic. The Geneco Corporation will provide you with the new parts and financing, but miss a payment and the Repo Man will come to collect. Earlier this year a very similar movie with Jude Law and Forest Whitaker called “Repo Men” was made with mixed results. Thank got it wasn’t a musical as well; although it would be worth the price of admission to see Jude and Forest sing a duet.
More than anything “Repo!” seems to be a big exercise in style over substance, but saying that I have to admit I did buy the DVD. The storyline is pretty average and melodramatic. Being that it is a musical; the songs are pretty good but not great. All the metal and modern rock songs do fit the movie well and compliment the films bleak and gory landscape. Now looking at the acting, I never thought I would say this until hell froze over, but with a cast that includes Paris Hilton, the acting was pretty good. Paris plays the surgery addicted daughter of Geneco’s president Rotti Largo, played by Paul Sorvino. Opera singer Sarah Brightman plays, wait for it, opera singer Blind Mag, in her first acting role. Horror genre favorite Bill Mosley is cast as one of Rotti’s son’s. Mosley is a character actor who is just about perfect in every role he plays from all the Rob Zombie films to the little independent movies.
“Repo!” is an interesting little experiment of a film and a good addition to your Netflix Queue. Also to set the record straight “Repo!” is really no “Rocky Horror”.
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Genetically innovative! A must see.
This movie is great fun. It’s got fine gore and the music is really good.
Anthony Head and Sarah Brightman did a great job in their roles and they’re singing is spot on.
I thought the visuals were lovely and the whole film in general is weird and wacky ride.
I recommend this film!
Crap! probably one of the worse movies I saw in 2010, everyone sounded off pitch, no song actually seemed that great and the costumes looked horrible. Seriously I felt like this was a HUGE F***ING WASTE OF TIME! to the point where I was recasting better actors who have better vocal skills as well as a better. Watched it on Netflix with my girlfriend who’s a huge fan. Other problems I had with it is the pacing ass so stale
This movie was amazing I really loved it it is one of my very favorite movies
I can’t understand how this movie has such a high rating. It’s one of the worst movies I’ve seen. It was so boring and pathetic I actually stopped watching it and I almost never leave a movie unfinished — especially a horror movie. It’s complete shit. Both my gf and I were excited about it and it turned out to be a complete let down.
I hate musicals, but this little gothic horror musical was one entertaining piece of greatness.
This movie is like when you take a swig of your first beer of the night..just magical.
I never got into the whole “Musical” movie idea at first, but it’s character just shines through every little detail.
“Repo: The Genetic Opera” is a full-on gothic rock opera with a lot of music, a lot of dimly lit camera angles, and a lot of talented actors; all of which are squandered in a not-so-unique little musical. “Repo” perhaps does not appeal to me because I am not a part of the Hot Topic crowd, I do not fall in love with a movie just for its gore, and I don’t find the music in “Repo” to be catchy. It’s a nigh unwatchable experience brought up a notch by good ambition.
You see, “Repo” has its heart in the right place. If you go for gothic visuals and rock-and-roll musical numbers, then that is what you’re going to get. Win-win.
Me, I just think “Repo” is poor, and it has more in common with “Saw” than “Grease”. I think it intended to have a little bit of both, and through all the stylization, it tends to look ugly. And since I pretty much detested the music involved, it was not an easy film to sit-through. But it was an easy one to forget.
I’m a musical theatre major whose favorite thing in the world is horror movies…. THIS IS THE PERFECT FILM.
Maybe I shouldn’t rate this movie at all because I DESPISE musicals…
That being said, I didn’t totally hate this movie and I found myself laughing at some parts and I enjoyed some of the gore as well.
Wow, wow, wow. This is the most original movie I have ever seen in my 20 years on this planet. When I first saw the trailer, I knew the movie was going to be good. I was hyped up even more by the fact that it was from the producers of Saw, directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who gave me the awesome Saw 2, 3, and 4. Back in the day I wasn’t really a fan of musicals, but after seeing Tim Burton’s movie Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, I stood corrected. It’s because I never knew musicals could be that twisted. So when I found out that Repo! is a gory and twisted musical, I knew that it was going to be something great. I’m also a fan of metal and rock, so that was also an amazing addition to the songs. So when I finally got the DVD and whacked it into the player, I immediately got sucked in. What I got was some good blood and gore, great catchy songs that totally match the dark and twisted tone of the movie, great acting (surprisingly Paris Hilton was also pretty good, she usually can’t act to save her own life), and some amazing vocal skills. The only two minor complaints I have that prevented me from giving a 5 skull rating are the fact that there could’ve been a bit more rhymes in the songs, and the fact that there never really is any room for talking. Really, I’m totally and unequivocally disgusted at the bad reviews the critics gave this masterpiece. Really, I think they gave it bad reviews because it’s from the producers of Saw. They would then proceed to pretentiously say that Repo! has no substance or wit. This is quite a rash assumption, but I am sticking by it. Darren Lynn Bousman put his heart and soul into this movie, and I think it paid off royally. Thank you Darren for bringing the world a nice, original piece of cinematic gold!
kickass music
I love Repo! I’m like seriously obsessed right now! (Especially Terrance Zdunich
Honestly, I didn’t think ‘d like it at first. I was looking for a scary movie to watch on demand around halloween, and i clicked on the title because the summary was interesting. You don’t see a lot of original ideas now. The musical aspect was a turnoff at the first part because i didn’t know it was a musical. I almost turned it off, but i gave it a chance, and im glad i did 
Its weird because this type of stuff isn’t usually my thing. I’m not really goth, like at all, even though i have my moments. This was a pleasant surprise, and has left me singing Zydrate Anatomy in the shower. heh heh 
This was a very fascinating musical in the vain of Tommy and Rocky Horror, though it is far from perfect. It is visually stunning no question about it, but at times I was wondering if I was watching a Joel Schumacher or Alex Proyas movie. The music itself was decent and reminded me of the 90′s but the singing was off-key in parts, which is bothering because it’s a musical. That’s my main negative about it. I secondary negative is that it moved really slow in the middle for me. If a movie moves slow for me, than that’s saying a hell of a lot because good slow old/art film, but this was just slow. All in all a decent flick. I would recommend it for the fact that it’s semi-different than most of the polished shit that comes out in theaters or on T.V.
The movie was and wasn’t a disappointment, it was fucking bizarre and strange, but has fanatics gore, blood, bone, guts and violent that I excepted and only three to four of the actors did different do well in this movie both singing and acting (and Pairs Hilton ainâe(TM)t one of them no shock there). The visuals were great, as the story was iff, directions were really good and I like the whole Gothic opera and make âe” up, but god help if that what 2056 will be. (Must say really loved the Comic Book sketch scenes in the movie).
I saw this the week it came out and I still haven’t had enough of it! It’s amazing! Good storyline, great music, and good acting.
You’ve got to be kidding me. Whats wrong with people that they would like this. Flush this down the bemus with Rocky Horror Picture Show. There is no place for this in my world. Darren Lynn Bousman is the most overrated director going. Please retire from film making.