Recently, I got to see a movie I had been very interested in seeing since director Darren Lynn Bousman (most known directing for the Saw sequelfranchise) started raving about this movie on his myspace.  There has been lot’s of talk of Repo!, and unfortunately a lot of it was negative. However, I still believed this project would surprise even the most pessimistic cynic, for it breathes with originality and creativity. So was Repo! a bang or a bust? Read on to find out!

Repo! The Genetic Opera takes place in the not so distant future, in a chaotic world where a mysterious epidemic of organ failures has taken over society. Geneco is an insatiable company which profits on selling transplants to those in need through a trusty payment plan. However, if one can not afford to make payments, they will have their organs repossessed by “Repo Man” Nathan, (played by Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s Anthony Steward Head.) a man who is forced to take the gore-filled job by the evil Geneco President Rotti Largo (played by Paul Sorvino.) in order to save his very sick daughter, Shilo. (played by Alexa Vega)  Repo!( which is told all through song) takes on an even more deranged turn as more characters are introduced to the plot in this sick and twisted futuristic tale.  Heavy metal, blood, and mayhem ensues.

I have to give it up to Darren Bousman for delivering this film, which will define him as a soon to be a visionary director. Helming both the stage and film version, Bousman demonstrates his undying passion for this project and although trying to set himself apart from the franchise he had left behind, he still remembers who his fans are and delivers both Saw fans and newcomers a movie experience they will never forget. The first 15 minutes of this horror musical are absolutely mind blowing on a visionary level. It sets the tone for the rest of the film and the audience is offered a film that blends in the perfect elements from films such as Blade Runner, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Phantom of the Opera. (A combination that I would never expect to see in a horror film.)

Bousman also takes his experience as a music video director in terms of how he shot the many musical numbers. All of them were slick, and sharp, and they made me feel like I was on an acid trip.  (Kudos to him for creating such a bizarre and trippy atmosphere.)

However, credit can’t all be given to the director, because the cast was just as important to the success of this project. Anthony Steward Head and Sarah Brightman were the ones that shined the most however, for they were both able to give their all in terms of acting and singing. Anthony Steward Head will make fans cheer with his surprising knack for singing heavy metal and for his ferocious hostility as the killer anti-hero. (Anybody who is expecting to see the sweet and lovable Rupert Giles is in for a rude awakening.)

The most surprising performance however comes from Miss Paris Hilton herself. Her performance as the spoiled and plastic surgery addicted daughter, Amber Sweet was actually quite good. So good in fact, it made me feel guilty for all those times I ever doubted she would be the worst part in this film. Although her role is minuscule compared to the rest, all her scenes are quite memorable (especially the comeuppances her character gets on stage) and she can actually hold her own in terms of singing as well. If Paris is the reason you are avoiding this film, you should reconsider, because if anything she is one of the strongest parts. (Yup…I can’t believe I said that either! :P)

On the downside of things, the film’s biggest weakness is actually its biggest strength. The film is actually too unique for its own good at times and because it’s a non-stop musical, it will in fact likely turn off a lot of viewers for this fact.

Also, the film faces a problem typically shown in other musicals featuring celebrities who are not trained as singers. There were a few stars in particular who were able to give serviceable performances as actors, but really were cringe-worthy when it came to their vocals. Alexa Vega who is the film’s star and does well as the young protagonist, Shilo was a hit and miss when it came to her songs. (Something that was quite apparent since she’s in 90 percent of the film.) Also, as much as I love Bill Moseley, I have to say I was glad his songs were far and few in between. (Great actors don’t always make great singers.)

Lastly, although I initially felt the comic strip angle the film would project into the film to tell back stories of certain characters was clever on a visceral level, it got fairly repetitive after a few scenes. I would have rather much seen more of the flashbacks acted out, instead of drawn out on a comic strip.

Repo! The Genetic Opera is a film that showcases a level of imagination and bravery so rarely seen in most mainstream horror films today. Although not for everybody, Repo! still has all the elements of tragedy, dramatic irony, and innovative songs that essentially make a great musical. If blood, guts, and catchy tunes are something you would like to see onscreen, then Repo! The Genetic Opera is the film to see. A guaranteed crowd pleaser!