The Producers--it's own worst enemy?

I think critics have a tendency to not let the past stay in the past and, of course, they will constantly compare the two films, which I don't think is completely fair.

I think that the Producers is its own worst enemy, but not in the way that you have said. I predict that the movie will be a big success, but with a huge, huge backlash: the musical itself will slowly stop selling tickets. As I have said on another thread, the only reason why people want to see this show is because of Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, Once the movie is released, they will no longer have any need to go to the theatre and see the movie. After all, why should they pay full price for a ticket if they can see the so-called superior originals for only five bucks? See what I'm saying?

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When the show opened, to a certain extent it was compared to the original movie. But nevertheless, it managed to do pretty well. While they were comparing the two, the critics also almost univerally hailed it as the best thing on Broadway in a decade or so (if not more). I suppose that when I first heard the recording, and subsiquently saw the show, I compared the actors from the two different versions, but Broderick and Lane are so wonderful that you soon stop thinking about that, and enjoy the show for what it is, and don't think about the movie that it was originally.

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Although this is in some ways a remake, it's one in which the original author (Brooks) had a very large hand. It's not like the remakes that are made just to pump money out of old investments of talent (for example, the new Willy Wonka movie, which Gene Wilder denounced before it even began shooting--and, despite its eye-popping sets, I had to agree with him). I think RENT will have a much harder time--critics will be preoccupied with the fact that it seems dated now (fashions and styles, including the "bohemian" lifestyle, have changed since the late '80s, and AIDS is no longer a quick death sentence) and it's the kind of picture that needs critical acclaim to survive.

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When one of the shows best songs "The King of Broadway" is cut, it is all downhill from there. Sort of like the film version of Sound of Music without "Do Re Mi" or Damn Yankees without "Heart"

I will catch this on cable

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That song wouldn't have worked on film anyways. "KIng of Broadway" is just a typical "opening" song setting up the characters and stuff. It doesn't really need to be in there for the show to make sense, as with most openings.

i completely agree with tz0o also. I think it will give the show a little boost for a while, but may ultimately hurt it--where the Chicago and Phantom movies gave the shows huge boost was because they were far enough removed from it: See either of these movies is very different than seeing the Broadway show. I think this will be the case with Rent also--the movie will really help it.

The Producers' problem could just be that it is too much like the Broadway show--just with a more ideal cast. The trailer certainly makes it look like the stage production on film.

If you feel that the new movie is going to suffer by comparison to the original, don't see it. It's only a movie and you won't die if you skip this film.

I HATE MOVIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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It will be interesting to see how this film sells in markets outside the U.S.

The Australian production opened strongly in Melbourne in April of 2004 and ran eight months(three months short of its projected season length), moved to Brisbane where it limped along for three months before moving to Sydney for a disapointing five month season where it closed recently. Suggesting that show didn't create the excitement here that it has in the States (it would seem that the London production too is struggling somewhat).

Previous posters here have mentioned the potency of the Lane-Broderick partnership. While this may sell the show in the U.S., here, and I suspect in other markets as well, neither are big names, in fact I would hazard a guess and say most people here wouldn't be familiar at all with Nathan Lane. I wish the film well but doubt that it will be the blockbuster they are hoping for.

i think will farell will be AMAZING :)
but thats just me

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Mel Brooks biggest hit in Australia was years ago, Blazing Saddles. I can't see The Producers (sadly) changing that track record. Australians , unlike Americans, for the most part aren't that enamoured with showbiz themed stories.