Reviews
Repo! The Genetic Opera
Reviewed by: Burt Wilson
Rating: 8 out of 10
Movie Details: View here
Cast:
Paul Sorvino as Rotti Largo
Paris Hilton as Amber Sweet
Bill Moseley as Luigi Largo
Anthony Head as Nathan Wallace/Repo Man
Alexa Vega as Shilo Wallace
Sarah Brightman as Blind Mag
Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman
Review:
Last night I was invited to an early test screening of "Repo: The Genetic Opera," which was directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, who directed all of the "Saw" sequels to date. All I knew about the film was that it starred Paris Hilton and Paul Sorvino, and that it was a musical. The trailer I saw on You Tube didn’t exactly thrill me much, but hey, free movie. So I was surprised to find I really enjoyed it, though I don't think that will be the universal feeling (the guy next to me walked out after a half hour).
The film's multiple storylines all revolve around Geneco, a company that specializes in organ transplants, which we are told is the new plastic surgery (the film takes place in 2057). The company president is a dying Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino), and his children, including Paris Hilton and Bill Moseley, are eager to take over once he expires. Meanwhile, a young girl named Shiloh (Alexa Vega) is suffering from a rare blood disease, and her surgeon father ("Buffy's Anthony Stewart Head) is perhaps a bit too overprotective of her. He works as a Repo Man for Geneco, "reclaiming" organs from patients who failed to keep up with their payments, but is having second thoughts about his line of work, especially when his new target is Blind Mag (Sarah Brightman) who was a dear friend of his late wife and also Shiloh's godmother. How all these plot threads come together is part of the fun of the film, so I don't want to say much more.
What I really liked about the movie, besides the fact that it was just so out there and different, was how the songs never really stop. If the characters aren't singing, there are always instrumentals to bridge the vocal numbers. At first it's a bit strange, because I am used to musicals that are more song - talk - song - talk, and not all of the songs are full-fledged numbers (more than a couple are just a few lines), but once the movie's plot picks up steam there is no reason for the music to stop, because it's pretty fast and pausing would only hurt the pace. The energy the film has is unparalleled; if you thought "Moulin Rouge" was a sensory overload – you haven't seen anything yet.
I wasn't familiar with some of the cast members, such as a guy named Ogre (he's from a band called Skinny Puppy – sorry to say I am not familiar with them) as one of Sorvino's sons, but I was still surprised to discover that they were all pretty good singers. Even Bill Moseley carries a tune quite well, and I have to admit, Paris can sing. The cuts I heard from her album sounded like a machine, but you can tell it's really her singing here, and as an actress she fares far better here than in "House of Wax" (her role is also not very large compared to Vega and Head). There might be hope for her yet. The film's co-writer, Terrance Zdunich also has a role as a grave robber/drug dealer, and he's largely in the film to dispel exposition, but he also has one of the film's catchiest numbers. Bousman has cast from all sorts of backgrounds – opera singers (Brightman), rock singers (Ogre), child actors (Vega), theater actors (Head), old school actors (Sorvino) horror stars (Moseley), and...whatever it is Paris Hilton does, and it actually works almost flawlessly. The songs vary from ballads to opera pieces to big rock numbers, so the varied cast fits the bill.
One thing I'm not sure about is the "horror" aspect. While there's a lot of killing and gore (mostly courtesy of Moseley and Head's characters), it's not exactly scary or suspenseful (nor is it supposed to be). But I think Lionsgate will have some trouble marketing it to the people who are expecting "Jigsaw Sings!" or something, because the violence is mostly played for laughs. The closest film I could compare it to would be "Phantom of the Paradise," but even that doesn't do it justice. I don't envy whoever has to figure out the best way to cut a trailer for the film (the current one is basically just one song in its entirety – doesn't really explain what the film is about though). It's hard to even write a review. I wouldn't even know what genre to call it – it's horror, it's a musical, it's a comedy, it's even got some light sci-fi and dramatic stuff.
In short, some movies you just have to experience for yourself, and this is one of them. Put aside any expectations you might have based on the cast or the filmmakers, and just take it in.
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Comments
Posted by: Rick on March 5, 2008 at 17:22:23
I can't wait to see it. I have been waiting for this movie for a year, I just wish I didn't have to wait any longer. I love all the actors and I was suprised that Ogre from Skinny Puppy is in it, though they aren't really rock, they are industrial-goth. I am glad to see Anthony Stewart Head in it. He is not in enough things and he is an amazing singer. I think this movie will live up to my expectations!!!!!!
Posted by: Rick on March 5, 2008 at 17:27:00
Oh yeah. I am glad to see Sarah Brightman in it too. She is great!!!!!
Posted by: Hiram on March 5, 2008 at 19:19:51
This is oging to be amazing. I love Sarah Brightman and I love Paris Hilton, I never ever in my wildest dreams hought they both could be together, and now they are, singing and acting!!! I canpt wait for it I will go like everyday to the cinema LOL
Posted by: marrko on March 13, 2008 at 13:24:55
skinny puppy is not a rock band..
is industrial.. and is NOT goth.
Posted by: Jim Hemphill on March 13, 2008 at 15:45:26
I've been jonesing for this one ever since I first heard about it. Glad to hear it's as good as I hoped.
Posted by: Masquerade on March 14, 2008 at 04:36:13
a bigger sensory overload than Moulin Rouge, and a horror movie?!?
I'm sold, when's this coming out?
Posted by: Benjamin Bussey on March 14, 2008 at 05:00:01
And this after Sweeny Todd. It's like waiting ages for the bus, then two come along at once. Hooray for the bizarre subgenre of musical horror.
The supreme of which is, of course, the Wicker Man.
Posted by: Maggie on March 16, 2008 at 19:54:30
Is Paris Hilton tortured or hurt in this movie at all? If not, then I don't want to see her in it. This movie sounds awesome, but I don't want to give any money to Hilton.
Posted by: LiSi on March 18, 2008 at 13:33:28
Maggie: You sound ridiculous... whether you like it or not, I guess paris may have been receiving her paycheck... hatred is bad karma... besides,it's not worth it to sacrifice such a movie that 'you just have to experience for yourself' ...
ps: same with Hiram, I love Sarah Brightman and I love Paris Hilton.
Posted by: Adel on March 20, 2008 at 15:01:17
Maggie: Your instant distaste for the movie is a bit idiotic. I don't like Hilton either, but I'd be willing to set aside my personal bias against her for the sake of a movie that, from the visuals that I've seen, looks like a huge sensory overload bordering on complete astonishment.
There may be hope for her yet, but I personally find it a bit hackneyed that you're willing to completely set aside a possible amazing film simply because someone's in it, who you probably have no real reason for disliking other than she's famous for being famous.
Posted by: Maylen on March 21, 2008 at 18:17:50
Ogre's second movie stint and years of his appearance obscured by fake blood, make up, masks, etc during Skinny Puppy shows and what do us poor female fans have to look forward to? Ogre as another masked character! Someone please cast this man in all his unmasked electrifying glory!!!
Posted by: raine on April 7, 2008 at 15:38:37
personally, Ogre has way more talent than Paris, and should have been billed so, what the heck is she anyway, nothing but a "nobody"..
Posted by: Heather on April 10, 2008 at 09:45:49
Everyone, viperous comments about Paris Hilton are really unneccesary. Didn't the reviewer say she could sing? And haven't other reviewers said that she's actually rather good in this role? I don't understand this instant hatred for all things Paris. No, she wouldn't exactly be my best friend forever, but she's done me no wrong, so I have no reason to hate her. I'm looking forward to this film, and Paris Hilton is neither a pro nor con for me, I am indifferent.
Posted by: Moritz on May 20, 2008 at 20:00:42
Actually I found this on a movie website
"Darren Lynn Bousman originally refused to hold an audition for Paris Hilton. He did not think she would be capable, and feared media backlash or accusations of stunt casting. When he finally caved in, Paris came to the audition dressed "perfectly for the part," and "rocked" the sound booth audition. After he audition, he was convinced she should play the role."
As much as I dislike Hilton I'll trust the director on this one
Posted by: Gen on May 28, 2008 at 14:53:22
Sadly, it's the enormous disrespect people have for Hilton that will keep them from seeing this film. To me, she is a bit of a blight on the overall cast. She can carry a tune, and had to take a lot of acting and singing lessons to prepare her for this role, so her "okay" performance does not surprise me. I will see the film because Paul Sorvino is in it, and I am great fan of his. As for when Hilton comes on screen, that will be the time I will go out to the lobby for a coke. Sorry, but I don't need to see one more second of her over-exposed presence.
Posted by: Gen on May 28, 2008 at 14:55:44
By the way, Hilton won the role, because -- as the director stated -- "she is this person." Ouch...not very flattering -- perhaps not much acting was needed.
Posted by: Will on May 30, 2008 at 08:43:49
Hilton has been doing Amber Sweet for years. REPO is not much of a stretch; she is intimately familiar with this “character,” or lack thereof. In all fairness, Ms. Hilton has a decent voice – not great – just relatively okay. With all of the voice and acting lessons she had in preparation, direction, and sound/film editing, she should look fine. She also had her people smuggle the REPO script to her while she was in jail, and rehearsed for her audition for the duration of her stay. (Sorry, folks, but she didn’t spend all that time studying the bible as she claimed.)
Many still feel that the directors made a mistake in casting her; all promo BS aside, her post-jail notoriety/publicity had a LOT to do with it. Why would they advertise a film that credits Hilton’s name in front of the far more talented, reputable artists in this film who have a lot more screen time? They certainly realized their mistake with the increased negativity about Hilton, and her vanity film that was widely panned and ignored.
I’m curious to see the musical, Sorvino, Head, Vega, etc., not cringe or hold my box of popcorn in front of me as I’m forced to watch Hilton play Hilton. At least they were savvy enough to make her look almost unrecognizable in her scenes.
Posted by: Michelle on June 1, 2008 at 09:00:41
I'd call it maybe a black comedy?
Posted by: George on June 1, 2008 at 10:23:51
I must say that watching Hilton play herself was a definite turn-off, and could hardly be considered an acting achievement. She portrays the very same persona she has thrust into our view for years through her obnoxious manipulation of the media. To be fair, she could always carry a tune; yet, despite the camouflage make-up, the childish whine in her voice is instantly recognizable as she stretches her limited range to the max. Viewers will also recognize her stiff and lanky movements.
Posted by: Ashley Williams on June 13, 2008 at 18:01:06
Anthony Stewart Head is just the coolest!!!!
Posted by: Melissa M on June 16, 2008 at 11:35:47
I can't wait to see it..my favorite singer sarah brightman is in it too which is the icing on the cake.
Posted by: Melissa M on June 16, 2008 at 11:38:48
I love Sarah Brightman..I can't wait to see it.
Posted by: Georgia on June 20, 2008 at 20:54:43
I'm not going to pay money to watch Hilton play Hilton for 20 minutes. Period.
Posted by: Carol Elaine on June 23, 2008 at 19:39:56
Repro looks fascinating to me, but I probably would wait until it came out on DVD (mostly because of the aforementioned Paris Hilton, who just annoys me), were it not for the fact that Anthony Stewart Head is not only in it, but has a nice meaty role, with tons of singing. And from the trailer I've seen, he's amazing (which doesn't surprise me).
So yeah, I will be in the theaters on opening weekend for this. Let's hope it doesn't get moved back again.
Posted by: Ceri Jamieson on June 30, 2008 at 01:16:40
It sounds like a very interesting movie one that I'll definitely watch.. Hey even if the storyline doesn't end up being as interesting to me as it could be.. The soundtrack will surely be impressive due to Yoshiki's input! ^^
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