Very disappointing...

Really Surprised!

Memorable, crazy movie

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

I read this has not had entirely glowing reviews, and having watched it for a third time I feel compelled to counter that negativity.I have never been as blubbery during a film! As I remember I loved it, but had forgotten quite how much. I have become more familiar with all the songs, and I guess these had everything to do with it. What this film does is, I believe, not just capture the essence of the musical, it magnifies it. Musicals tend to aim at two showstoppers, one for the end of each half, numbers which leave you absolutely and totally in awe, making you stand up and cheer and clap and saying "wow that's the best thing I have ever seen". In Rent it seems like every song is a showstopper. As the chords for each one chime in with the recognition it is like a new delight, like when you watch Jersey Boys you think at the end of the first half there can't be any more great songs left in the catalogue but you are left open mouthed at the strength and depth. Wowzer! So, songs apart, 'cos tunes alone can't carry a movie.. The story is kind of unremarkable. That is not a negative, what I'm trying to say it is a tried and trusted formula, which is conducted more than adequately; this has a great deal more in common with I Daniel Blake than might be intuitively considered, SPOLER ALERT, employing the tried and trusted trope of the exploited underdogs overcoming the man and their own demons through bravery, initiative and unity against the odds. It is not happy endings all round, but there is resolution in a conclusion that garners ones thoughts, sympathy and fundamental satisfaction (I didn't say happiness there!). As for the dramatis personae, each single one of those eight people stood on the stage at the beginning has got it going' on, each one has a narrative that is a feast, arching through the whole film that had me hooked from the back-lit silhouettes and that simple piano. Look - I know, this is no way going to be everybody's cup of tea - but it IS mine, absolutely, totally hook line and sinker. It's in my top ten. It's in my top six. It will fade, but I just know that cosied up on that Friday night all on my lonely self and indulging myself in a coconut, a mango and a bottle of Chianti and this heart rending tragedy I have rarely, if ever, enjoyed a film as much. And if you get offended because I say that's 'gay', well I pity you.

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

This film is a musical journey though a bohemian neighbourhood, with most residents living their own dream but struggling to pay even last year's rent.Being a landlord myself, it makes me cringe when they sing about not paying last year's rent, this year's rent and next year's rent. Maybe that's why I never got into the film. I find the characters sing far too repetitively, with one message stretching minutes. I got it the first time, please don't repeat it for the twentieth time!The Broadway musical is about Aids, but in thus film adaptation it is sidelined by constant bickering and erm... very expressive and passionate communication. I just find the film really boring, which is quite unfortunate as I have heard so many good things about it.

In this timeless classic, viewers are shown the true power of love. It shows the lives of eight misfits trying to make it in New York City. As the movie goes along you got an inside look at what each character struggles with and What lessons they learn. Many times in the movie, the characters learn that love is a very powerful voice that can sometimes save lives. Time and time throughout the movie we see the characters celebrate life , even in the face of death. They continuously help each other up when the other has fallen. This movies is one of the best portrayals of real life events and struggles. The story of Jonathan Larson is a very powerful one. The night before Rent's first preview, Jonathan went to his dress rehearsal, and later went back to his apartment where he died. Ever since his passing, Jonathan Larson has become an instant sensation.