Rated R for for strong bloody violence, grisly images, language and some sexuality/nudity.
111 Minutes
Directed By: Miguel Sapochnik
Written By: Eric Garcia and Garrett Lerner
Staring: Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Alice Baga, Liev Schreiber, Carice van Houten, Chandler Canterbury, and Liza Lapira
Review
There are a few actors in every movie goers arsenal that require viewings of all their work. After viewing the less than gripping trailer for Repo Men, followed by abominable reviews from critics, and a lukewarm reception from movie goers, Repo Men still found it’s way into my living room. The only logical explanation is Jude Law. Sure, he might be a box office jinx, but the talent and charm that he brings to each role is undeniable, and for me, became what made this movie ultimately a good two hours of fun.
The setting is a bit difficult to grasp at first. The film sets itself somewhere in the future where bodily organ replacement is now up for sale by companies that build these techno-body pieces. But just as nothing is for free these days the medical world is now an official business, selling these life saving pieces of metal for profit. The problem is, if you don’t make your payment, the company comes to get their product and their Repo Men don’t care how they reacquire their property. If this means slicing you open while you are possibly still alive and removing it it is a definite option.
Visually you get knocked over by the blood, gore, and effects. An intense in your face method may initially stun you, but it’s a relentless amount of extreme violence mixed with a world of unknown technology that is captivating in spite of the constant brutality. The barbaric content isn’t intended just for mindless entertainment, but is somewhere hinted at having a greater message about humanity, which is simply lost in the glorification of the massive bloodshed.
Jude Law may be one of the finer actors available right now, but he isn’t what one would consider a money making name at the box office. Even though he isn’t your typical action guy, he buffed himself up for the role, and gave his character as much legitimacy as the writing would allow. When he is faced with a life altering change, the motivation just doesn’t sell. Nor does his relationship with his wife. The film makes a point of showing that Law’s character had been a ruthless and nearly mindless meat head most of his life. Clearly she married him as this type of man, so why the utter disdain with his career choice? It would be a component easily overlooked if not for being the catalyst ignites the change. It’s a huge, unbelievable hole that no action or suspense could distract me from. Playing his best friend and partner is Forest Whitaker, another Repo Man that revels in his job, taking extreme pride in not only the outcome of 
his job, but the methods in which he succeeds as well. Both characters are somewhat unlikeable, but retain some redeeming qualities and are what makes the film worth watching.
The basic story is plastic thin, but the action and frantic pace works to keep things moving. The focus is on humanity and technology, but the social message is delivered in a far too campy facility to take seriously. While Repo Men tries to go a little deeper than just a straight forward sci-fi action flick, it only flaunts itself as a repeat of better films that have come before it. In spite of it’s flawed, and somewhat confused fusion of character and plot, it’s still loads entertaining with good enough performances to forgive the nonsensical. You also get the payoff of a clever ending that stays authentic to the characters and universe in which the setting has been created. Blood, gore, great action, and Jude Law? Even at it’s worst it’s still worth a watch.
The terrible reviews turned me away from trying to see this but if it has your thumb of approval, I will give it a shot. I usually enjoy these futuristic sci-fi movies.
Castor recently posted..
Thanks for the review!
I got this on blu-Ray the other day.
I knew what I was getting into, given the relatively negative reviews, but then again, everybody needs a mindless movie every now and again.
I was going to review it on my aswell when I see it, then I can compare reviews.
I’m glad it got your approval though
Tom Brown recently posted..Movie Review- Fanboys
I was planning on seeing this in theaters, but just like Castor was turned off by critic reviews. I should remember my own motto of seeing whatever I want to see. This does look decent and I like Forrest Whittaker. Did any of you see his performance in Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai? Great movie for fans of him by the way. I loved him in Last King of Scotland too. Jude Law actually often gets on my nerves but I think this is a film that I will like him in aside from Sherlock Holmes.
Great stuff chosen here