Rent (2005)

Based on Puccini's classic opera La Boheme, Jonathan Larson's revolutionary rock opera "Rent" tells the story of a group of Bohemians struggling to live and pay their rent in the gritty background of New York's East Village. "Measuring their lives in love," these starving artists strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, ilness and the AIDS epidemic. One of the longest running shows on Broadway, "Rent" was the winner of the...

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Movie Review

"Rent" was widely expected to do well at theaters and to be a contender come Oscar time. Unfortunately, no one took into account that the story, setting and songs were all helplessly out-of-date. Full movie review »

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Comments

Anonymous says:

July 9, 2006

Its understandable to say that Rent is not appealing. Majority of the general audiences have not accepted it. I know many people discriminate against homosexuals, and for alot of people watching it in a movie is less than entertaining. The story revolves around drugs, AIDS, and poverty- also very sensitive topics- but the story has a much greater meaning than that. The story of rent is basically about love. Its about finding love for others, finding love for yourself, and finding love in what you do. The reason that This movie wasn't exactly a hit was the fact that many people (mainly adults) can not look past the material to see the greater meaning. I guess that it also has to do with the play. I can only imagine how difficult it was to make changes in the play to fit a movie. Jonathan Larson tried to take New York in the late 1900s and transfer it into song. His musical had raw edge, comedy, and heart. Some of the lines in the broadway production you just simply can not get away with on film and thats where the movie flaws.While it was extremely cool for those of us who saw the play to see the apartment and the Life Cafe and the other scenes come to life, i can see why those who haven't would lose interest. The musical- as in most- worked off the audience for the humor. Film just can't do that. The director just simply chose not to throw in edgy jokes to make up for it. Im not saying that Rent should have been a comedy, but It just lacks the lighter side found in the play.I had no problems with the actors. I loved seeing most of the original cast back. Rosario and Tracie did amazing jobs covering their roles as the new Mimi and Joanne. The right songs we cut- though i did miss Cristmas Bells...oh well. In my perspective, Rent was created to service the fans of the play and thats basically all that Jonathan Larson's-(the creator's) family could ask for. its a great movie For those who love musicals, New York, And are ok with the more controversial themes. Its a tribute to the play. Its not a waste of time, nor is for everyone. I, myself, am a fan of Rent and i was very pleased with Rent, but like I said, It doesn't appeal to all.

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Anonymous says:

July 3, 2006

Its understandable to say that Rent is not appealing. Majority of the general audiences have not excepted it. I know many people discriminate against homosexuals, and for alot of people watching it in a movie is less than entertaining. The story revolves around drugs, AIDS, and poverty- also very sensitive topics- but the story has a much greater meaning than that. The story of rent is basically about love. Its about finding love for others, finding love for yourself, and finding love in what you do. The reason that This movie wasn't exactly a hit was the fact that many people (mainly adults) can not look past the material to see the greater meaning. I guess that it also has to do with the play. I can only imagine how difficult it was to make changes in the play to fit a movie. Jonathan Larson tried to take New York in the late 1900s and transfer it into song. His musical had raw edge, comedy, and heart. Some of the lines in the broadway production you just simply can not get away with on film and thats where the movie flaws.While it was extremely cool for those of us who saw the play to see the apartment and the Life Cafe and the other scenes come to life, i can see why those who haven't would lose interest. The musical- as in most- worked off the audience for the humor. Film just can't do that. The director just simply chose not to throw in edgy jokes to make up for it. Im not saying that Rent should have been a comedy, but It just lacks the lighter side found in the play.I had no problems with the actors. I loved seeing most of the original cast back. Rosario and Tracie did amazing jobs covering their roles as the new Mimi and Joanne. The right songs we cut- though i did miss Cristmas Bells...oh well. In my perspective, Rent was created to service the fans of the play and thats basically all that Jonathan Larson's-(the creator's) family could ask for. its a great movie For those who love musicals, New York, And are ok with the more controversial themes. Its a tribute to the play. Its not a waste of time, nor is for everyone. I, myself, am a fan of Rent and i was very pleased with Rent, but like I said, It doesn't appeal to all.

Reply

Anonymous says:

May 17, 2006

To say that Rent is out Dated in ridiclous, people in this day and age still have problems with gays and lesbians, and drugs. Thats why many people still refuse to see this movie. To say this this movie is bland and lacks creativity is also ridiclous. I have never been more moved by a movie in my life. The singing and the acting were outstanding. The movie is about opening your heart, to accept all people, and if you have seen this movie, and have not felt anything, you obviously must be cold hearted. Bravo to chris columbus for directing this master piece, and to the whole cast who did an incredible job. The work in this movie never receieved the good reviews it deserved, but there will always be people, like me, who will never forget this musical.

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Anonymous says:

November 24, 2005

What more can I say it is amazingly done. I went with a bunch of musical theatre buffs and they said it was done to perfection. I loved it and will buy it when it comes out. Go See It!

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