I saw RENT tonight too - from a non- RENThead

[blaxx]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 1:52am

Well, I had the chance to see a private screening of the movie tonight (thank you for the invitation again, if you read this).

I have never liked the Broadway production of Rent for many reasons, but I do think that the music is very good and that J. Larson would have composed very interesting things if it wasn't for his tragic death.
The book, however, and the depiction of characters is something that I have always considered unpolished and problematic, but I'll stop here before I get attacked by those who consider it the perfect musical.

However, I must say - and sad that the creator is not alive to see it - that it works way better as a movie than it does as live theatre. I think that the messages have much more impact on the big screen, and kudos to the cast, who certainly deliver this as if they have all been doing movies forever (some have - but I must say that they are all in the same level).
Some other have given spoilers, so I won't give much away (unless you ask), but I do think, as someone who was not only not a big fan, but sopmeone who disliked the show very much, that this is a film that has a lot of artistic merit, and I hope will be liked by other non-Rentheads.
If it does well financially there is no way to know (I don't see how it can, as it really - thankfully- has more artistic integrity than it does have box office appeal), but it certainly was worth watching.

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 01:52 AM

[Elphaba]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 2:00am

oops

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 02:00 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 2:01am

He doesnt say he's never seen it....he says he never liked it live...

[blaxx]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 2:02am

Like does not equal seen

I have SEEN
I did not LIKE

Maybe you should learn how to read?

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 02:02 AM

[Elphaba]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 2:06am

darlin, never, EVER ask someone with a degree in library science if they know how to read......LOL
when you're this age, hopefully your eyes will be better.
my bad, sorry

Updated On: 11/3/05 at 02:06 AM

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 3:38am

Thank you for the review blaxx. It is very interesting to see what non-fans of the show think about the movie and I am very glad your opinion is a positive one !

[Urban]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 4:48am

Good review. I myself am a non-fan of RENT. But I am interested to see what Columbus has done with the movie.

[DramaDork925]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 6:47am

I'm also glad to hear that a non-RENThead loved it... Now I think we just need to hear what a person who has no idea what the show is about thinks...

[freeadmission]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 8:28am

Thank you for this.

I also do not like RENT (the music or the message -- as percieved by myself) and considered not even seeing the movie. I don't think my excessive love for Ms. Menzel would permit me to do that, however, so I'm glad that you enjoyed it . . . it gives me hope. LOL

[SSkankin]

Posted: 11/3/05 at 9:22am

Did you happen to have been the screening at Skywalker Ranch?