All Rent Reviews (Place Here)- Page 8
All Rent Reviews (Place Here)
#175Two new reviews.
Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:28pm
"Evelyn, you lazy thing. How dare you not post a link. You march right up to your room and STAY THERE!"
NO. I. WON'T!
ndbt05
Swing Joined: 11/14/05
#176Two new reviews.
Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:47pm
First post *shakes in seat scared*
I'm actually seeing an advanced screening tonight. (Wildaboutmovies.com has officially become my bestest friend. 
) I'm keeping myself away from reviews until then, then let the "Critics are Idiots." spew forth from my mouth.
Chloe
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/28/04
#177Two new reviews.
Posted: 11/21/05 at 1:54pm
A little OT, but better than starting another thread - here's a picture I haven't seen before.
Updated On: 11/21/05 at 01:54 PM
inma30
Swing Joined: 11/21/05
#178Two new reviews.
Posted: 11/21/05 at 2:45pm
I saw it last night at the Tribeca Film Institute Gala at the Zeigfield.
As much as it pains me, it was not good. Performances were pretty good, but the direction was awful.
I love the show and know a couple of the folks in the film, so I hate to be negative, but it is a big disappointment.
Updated On: 11/21/05 at 02:45 PM
algy
Broadway Star Joined: 10/19/05
#180Two new reviews.
Posted: 11/21/05 at 3:11pm
*first post - shaking like a leaf*
Is that picture a publicity still or a cast photo? Either way, who is sat on Adam's lap (I'm sorry if that's a stupid question)?
kates422
Understudy Joined: 1/16/05
#181Two new reviews.
Posted: 11/21/05 at 3:14pm
Rosario Dawson...who plays Mimi...is on Adam's lap. :)
And, it looks to just be a cast photo.
Updated On: 11/21/05 at 03:14 PM
#182Two new reviews.
Posted: 11/21/05 at 3:34pm
A new review...
By Dustin Putnam, Online Film Critics Society
***1/2 our of ****
Based on the 1996 Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by the late Jonathan Larson, "Rent" has taken almost a decade to reach the silver screen. In a nutshell, the wait was well worth it. A beautifully produced adaptation that really puts the rock in its nearly constant rock-and-roll numbers, director Chris Columbus (2002's "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets") has opened and expanded the scope for the film version, bringing an almost epic event feel to this grandly effective portrayal of addiction, poverty, love, illness and AIDS among eight twentysomething friends living in Manhattan's East Village, circa 1989-1990.
Set over approximately a year in the lives of these well-meaning, troubled bohemians, the eyes and ears of the piece are that of aspiring filmmaker Mark (Anthony Rapp), who watches as three of his best friends—new lovers Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin) and heart-of-gold drag queen Angel (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), and struggling musician/roommate Roger (Adam Pascal)—come to terms with living day to day with AIDS. Roger, a former drug addict, falls in love with beautiful downstairs neighbor Mimi (Rosario Dawson), but her own reckless drug abuse puts to the test just how much he is willing to take when it becomes clear she may not be able, or willing, to quit.
Meanwhile, Mark tries to warn Joanne (Tracie Thoms) that his ex-girlfriend—her current girlfriend—tempting performance artist Maureen (Idina Menzel), has a legendary wandering eye. Joanne doesn't want to believe him at first, but it soon becomes clear that, although Maureen loves Joanne, it may not be enough for her to fully commit to their monogamous relationship. When one of their own ultimately succumbs to the AIDS epidemic, will this life-changing event make these friends realize before it's too late what is really important?
Although set fifteen years in the past, the serious topics touched upon in "Rent" are just as relevant, if not more so, in today's world, further blessing the picture with a timeless quality that anyone with an open mind to character's bursting into song should find difficult not to get caught up in. Close-minded individuals with personal prejudices against diversified sexual orientations need not attend, but for everyone else, "Rent" proves to be something of a groundbreaker—a wide-release studio motion picture without a big-name cast in which half the characters happen to be gay. It's nice to see in 2005, with director Chris Columbus remaining largely truthful to the stage show, even giving six of the eight original Broadway cast members the chance to reprise the roles. They originated them, after all, and seeing the film it becomes clear awfully quickly that no one could have done a better job than these actors. With a PG-13 rating, some of the language has been cleaned up and the depictions of drug use are fairly innocuous, but otherwise Columbus cuts no corners to present this story without compromise and in as clear-eyed a fashion as possible.
The plot threads running through "Rent" are involving in and of themselves, especially as they play out gradually over the liberal 135-minute running time—the quiet, introspective scenes set at the support group for people living with AIDS are the most touching—but all is enhanced to a loftier degree thanks to the music. Over half of the dialogue is sung—a rarity in modern film when studios have long shied away from musicals—and if there is any justice, a whole lot more will be made in the near future. "Rent" is the best movie musical since 2001's "Moulin Rouge" (narrowly beating out other extremely fine entries like 2001's "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," 2002's "Chicago," and 2004's "The Phantom of the Opera"), alive with such a boundless energy and joy that it is one of the year's most purely entertaining cinematic efforts.
Director Columbus wouldn't appear at first glance to be knowledgeable about how to make a musical (although his opening credits sequence with Elisabeth Shue dancing and lip-synching in 1987's "Adventures in Babysitting" was admittedly fun), but he pulls it off with great success. The camerawork by Stephen Goldblatt (2004's "Closer") is exquisite pretty consistently, retaining a gritty feel while widening his scope and committing to a great deal of impressively rendered swooping camera shots. There is no sense of needless freneticism and flash MTV cutting, Goldblatt and Columbus trusting that the innovation within each shot and the superior level of acting and vocal performances will carry the musical numbers and tapestry of stories. The choreography by Keith Young (2003's "Something's Gotta Give") is top-notch, as well.
Because of all of these elements, and because the songs themselves are so brilliantly written and memorably arranged and orchestrated, the musical numbers are show-stopping delights. In this respect, there isn't a weak song in sight, although some of the standouts include the curtain-opener "Seasons of Love;" the story proper's first number, "Rent;" the flirtatious love ballad, "Light My Candle;" the dizzyingly elaborate, awe-inspiring "Out Tonight" that segues into "Another Day;" the funny, complex bar-set "La Vie Boheme;" and the millennial American anthem "What You Own." One thing is certain: after this rapturous, unforgettable song listing, you won't be able to get them out of your head for a long time after.
The whole ensemble are terrific vocalists with a real talent in emoting, making the viewer believe in these people as characters, believe in their friendships and romances, and believe that they are really going through what their characters are. After their work here, they deserve to be catapulted into superstardom, none more than Anthony Rapp (2000's "Road Trip"), who does Oscar-caliber work as the good-hearted, camera-wielding Mark. Narrating through the visuals he picks up while filming, Rapp is an astounding singer and wholly captivating whether he is the central focus of a song or simply in the background reacting. This could be just the film role he needs to make people finally perk up and take notice of this long-underrated performer. As Mimi, Rosario Dawson (2005's "Sin City") is one of the two new actors taking over for her Broadway counterpart, and she slides into her role with such conviction and magnetism that the less informed would never be able to guess she didn't perform on Broadway along with her costars. The rest of the thespians are just as strong, with only Taye Diggs (2003's "Malibu's Most Wanted") not getting much to do as Benny.
As a big-screen rock opera, and more generally, as a motion picture, "Rent" is an emotional, exhilarating experience, showing that song is every bit as powerful—more, in many cases—as the spoken word. With only a single scene putting a temporary lag on the pace—Maureen's performance art set-piece, which could have been cut out without losing anything of importance—"Rent" never stops moving, engrossing, emotionally hitting the right notes, and being ingeniously innovative in translating the stage show to the outside landscape of New York City. A toe-tapping, vividly articulated gem that in the privacy of one's home could have you up on your feet, singing along and jamming out, the film is a further shot of adrenaline for the musical genre, proving that the nearly lost art form deserves a comeback in a big way. "Rent" is destined to be on this reviewer's top ten list.
Whiteboy Spice
Stand-by Joined: 10/29/04
#183Context
Posted: 11/21/05 at 3:35pm
I thought this was an interesting exploration of the evolution of the context in which Rent has been received over the years.
http://www.ctnow.com/movies/hce-rent.artnov20,0,3922923.story?coll=hce-headlines-entertain-top
#185Context
Posted: 11/21/05 at 3:43pm
broadway86, just for future reference, you can't post an entire article here because of copyright laws. You can post excerpts and then a link to the rest of the article.
AH! I thought that last article was just on the history of Rent and almost read straight through the review part! My abstinence from reviews was almost ruined one day early! Maybe I should just stop reading this thread.
Like a firework unexploded
Wanting life but never knowing how
Updated On: 11/21/05 at 03:43 PM
Wanting life but never knowing how
WiCkEDrOcKS
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
my2cents
Featured Actor Joined: 10/18/05
#187Context
Posted: 11/21/05 at 3:53pm
Anthony congrats! Great mention in the above review!!!
"After their work here, they deserve to be catapulted into superstardom, none more than Anthony Rapp (2000's "Road Trip"), who does Oscar-caliber work as the good-hearted, camera-wielding Mark. Narrating through the visuals he picks up while filming, Rapp is an astounding singer and wholly captivating whether he is the central focus of a song or simply in the background reacting. This could be just the film role he needs to make people finally perk up and take notice of this long-underrated performer."
#190Context
Posted: 11/21/05 at 4:15pm
Anthony- how is everyone feeling about the release in just two days? nervous? I promise a hit down here in Philly- it is already sold out for wednesday afternoon in one theater. I honestly cannot wait!!
All the best- Sammy
"...but it was us, baby, who were the lucky ones."
algy
Broadway Star Joined: 10/19/05
WiCkEDrOcKS
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
#196Context
Posted: 11/21/05 at 5:26pm
Theres a very positive review from broadway.com
http://www.broadway.com/gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=521730
algy
Broadway Star Joined: 10/19/05
#197Context
Posted: 11/21/05 at 5:30pm
I'm in the UK but I have a serious musical theatre problem and a friend pointed me this way for all the Broadway news. So far its been great - but when I do make it over theres so much that I want to see (stupid student budget).
All I can hope is that the film does good grosses in the US and they shift the UK release forward.
Whiteboy Spice
Stand-by Joined: 10/29/04
#198Anticipation
Posted: 11/21/05 at 5:31pm
I think we're all feeling optimistic, especially since more and more critics are weighing in with positive responses. There are certainly some mixed-to-negative reviews as well -- as there always have been for this piece -- but it looks like the positive reviews are outweighing the negative reviews.
Anecdotally, lots of folks I'm encountering have no doubt it will be a big hit. They seem to be even more certain of that than we are. We're a little more cautious, cause you *never know*.
But screenings in the middle of the day on Wednesday already selling out? I don't know about you, but I consider that a very very good sign.
We're all very proud of this film and eager to see the degree to which the greater world -- especially in smaller markets -- embraces or rejects it. Me, I'm a fan of proving naysayers wrong. I remember back in 1996, even after we received near-universal raves and were a bona fide box office hit, hearing lots of chatter that Rent wouldn't work on Broadway. There were folks who didn't invest in its Broadway transfer because they thought it wouldn't run longer than six months. Well, nine and a half years later, we see who was right about that assessment.
I have a hunch the film will exceed expectations at the box office this weekend, but I hesitate to try to assign a number to it.
All will be revealed in the fullness of time.
#199Anticipation
Posted: 11/21/05 at 5:40pmI hope it exceeds box office expectations too, Anthony. I saw the movie about a week ago and thought it was incredible. Even my mother has declared herself a Rent-head, which I find more than slightly amusing.
I recognize the addiction to being alive.
Videos