What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this offbeat horror movie/musical -- which is set in a near-future where people can buy plastic surgery and genetically engineered replacement organs on credit -- is extraordinarily violent (in some cases, the organs are repossessed). Livers, hearts, viscera, and entire spinal columns are pulled from unwilling victims, in many cases while they're still living. Paris Hilton appears in the film, which may attract teens' attention; but unless your teens have a strong stomach, they may not wish to see Ms. Hilton in special-effects makeup that makes her look like her skinned face is visible, with flayed musculature and blood showing over the bones of her skull. There's also plenty of strong language, some drinking, and brief topless female nudity.
- Families can talk about who this film is meant to appeal to. Horror movie fans? Musical fans? Do many people like both genres? How does a movie become a "cult classic"? Families can also discuss the film's messages. Is it meant to be taken seriously? Do you think healthcare corporations put profit before patients? What happens when people can't pay for life-saving medical treatments? Is there a danger of too much financial and political power being in the hands of one corporation?