Rent (2005)

It's Christmas Eve, 1989 New York East Village. Mark Cohen (Anthony Rapp) is an aspiring documentary filmmaker. His roommate Roger Davis (Adam Pascal) was a rock star but is now withdrawn, recovering-addict, and suffering from AIDS. Their former friend Benjamin Coffin III (Taye Diggs) married rich. He is trying to evict everybody and redeveloping the building. Maureen Johnson (Idina Menzel) has dumped Mark for new girlfriend Joanne Jefferson (Tracie Thoms) and organizing a rally against the evictions. Mimi Marquez (Rosario Dawson) is a burlesque dancer who falls for Roger but he is still struggling with many issues. Transvestite Angel Dumott Schunard (Wilson Jermaine Heredia) finds Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin) beaten up in an alley. They are both afflicted with AIDS.This is transferred from Broadway. As a musical, some of songs rock but most are forgettable. As a movie and as a story, this is kind of soapy. The characters feel very written. I see the characters rather as a take it or leave it proposition. I never got swept up in any of their stories but it is able to hold together. The actors are all solid. It is probably not my kind of material anyways.

Rent (2005): Dir: Chris Columbia / Cast: Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Jesse L. Martin: Depressing yet engaging musical about survival. Eight people are threatened with eviction yet strain to fulfill their dreams. Among them is a struggling guitarist; a drug addict exotic dancer; a filmmaker; a Santa Claus transvestite; and a cheating lesbian. Strong material sometimes overlaps subplots with an ending that may leave viewers with hope or depression. Director Chris Columbus handles the musical numbers with energy and flair. This is much different from anything he has directed including two Harry Potter outings as well as Mrs. Doubtfire and Home Alone. Broadway cast includes Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs, Adam Pascal, and Anthony Rapp among others. Dawson plays the exotic dancer who is HIV positive, and Rapp plays a filmmaker under the same circumstances. Diggs plays the landlord issuing the eviction. Pascal plays a musician also with HIV and a drug habit. Jesse L. Martin plays a gay dancer who is HIV positive, and that is themed throughout the film. Outrageous dance numbers throughout within a variety of locations, which adds creativity. Disturbing themes dealing with the AIDS virus that are extremely depressing but it also champions a message that voices our vulnerable limited lifespan. Score: 8 / 10

Wilson Jermaine Heredia and Jessie Martin steal the show, especially Wilson as the ever caring Angel ... the name suited the character perfectly, and Wilson's act was just as flawless! The only part of this movie that I hated was Idina Menzel's solo performance at Maureen's protest performance in the night ... the entire number was a waste of film, and I usually fast forward passed that portion of the film ... as her number at the engagement party was far better, I must assume the scripting was at fault ... that night performance was like nail on a blackboard for me ... like ... jump over the moon already! Quite the lame production.The opening of the film is reminiscent of Chorus Line ... but sort of a waste of talent as not all the characters had even met yet ... so I think, that production would have better placed elsewhere in the movie.The acting is superb on all counts ... as is the singing. There were a few obviously mistakes in filming ... like when our two main characters are walking through the village singing about them moving in together, a great number by the way ... the pass two policemen ... one black and one white, approach them, but they seem to become two white cops after they pass the couple. The subway routine was obviously shot in many takes as some of the scene were not cut properly, and just didn't match up.However, when you take everything into consideration ... including Rosario Dawson's night club act which was totally outrageous and wonderful ... that whole section of the film is a well cut gem! Also need to note that Tracie Thoms' part in the film was just as great as the top two that stole the show! I do have one complaint ... why does it seem that these movies seem to always kill off the drag queen? Granted, they do make them out to be really wonderful people ... but they kill them all off ... makes no sense. Perhaps the writers are trying their best to make the world more acceptable to trans-genders? I can accept that ... I've met good and bad ones, just like every other category of human beings! The stigma should end ... afteral, they aren't just campy stage personalities is some run down gay club in the ghetto that everybody loves on-stage, but not off-stage. Listen to me, I'm always fighting for the rights of somebody! Anyhoots ... I shall enjoy this film again and again, for many years to come***!!!

Such a beautiful movie! I adore the way in which this movie portrays life in a realistic and relatable fashion. RENT certainly does not contain a great deal of comedy and is not for people who are wishing to see a light- hearted movie. It is deep and thought provoking portrayal of serious situations in the lives aspiring adults who are struggling through life. The idea that most of them are struggling with Aids makes this the movie take on an intriguing form. This is the first play (then movie) to deal with the rising issue and it is truly groundbreaking. A very well done production that stays true to the integrity and brilliance of the original Broadway play.