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7:15 PM
Scott Tepperman
Hands-down the best film of 2008 (and boasting one of the all-time greatest soundtracks), Repo: The Genetic Opera is a relentlessly original “horror” movie with 99% of its dialog delivered in an operatic fashion laced with heavy gothic undertones. Steampunk styles mixed with mind-blowing set designs make for an extremely effective and unforgettable movie watching experience.The thoroughly-engrossing story concerns Shilo (Alexa Vega – Spy Kids), a young girl with a rare blood disease who is secluded from the outside world by her overprotective father (Anthony Stewart Head – Buffy the Vampire Slayer). What Shilo doesn’t know is that her “perfect” dad is actually a contracted killer who repossesses organs from various victims who default on their payments. The film brilliantly weaves violence, gore, humor, and sentimentality into a very satisfying package that delivers something NEVER seen before – an experimental underground cult film with a high degree of quality and competency.
In addition to a great script, wonderful cast, and stunning visuals, Repo: The Genetic Opera also has an infectious soundtrack (which has the distinction of having the most songs EVER recorded for a film). Every song is brilliantly delivered by the talented cast who all display surprisingly strong vocal performances. Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas) is an accomplished opera singer and gets quite a bit of material to work with here, but make no mistake – Anthony Stewart Head (an accomplished musician himself) OWNS this movie. His vocal ranges, acting, and delivery outshine everyone else on screen (which is quite a feat considering that everyone is exceptional). The Repo Man is actually the main hero of the film and Anthony Stewart Head draws the audience in with his sympathetic and complex character.
The film moves quickly from one elaborate scene to the next, never losing any steam along the way. It is an exciting, engrossing and completely unique production that will undoubtedly please fans of experimental cinema. There are no wrong turns or shortcomings whatsoever in this film - Repo: The Genetic Opera is nearly flawless from beginning to end.
My Score: 10 out of 10
