RENT

Jonathen Larson would be proud.
RENT, the movie adaptation of the Tony Award-winning play, was absolutely fantastic. The movie managed to keep the original cast nearly intact, with the exceptions of Rosario Dawson as Mimi, the drug addicted-HIV positive-stripper, and Tracie Thoms as Joanne Jefferson, lawyer and girlfriend to Maureen the flighty selfish performer.

I didn't like that the film was dated. The best thing about the show is its lack of a time period. It's fairly modern and that's all the audience needs to know. The film took place in the years 1989-1990. All I can seem to do now is think about how old they would be today and it ruins the magic of the story a bit. The best part is believing that these young characters are still singing, dancing, living and dying on Avenue A in Lower Manhattan to this day. A bit of that magic is gone now with the dating of the movie.

I missed Taye Diggs. His voice is orgasmic, but as Benny the Former Roommate turned Evil Landlord, he seemed to be washed out. He sang and danced well, but was gone for most of the second half of the film. They made him less of a friend to the main characters. His divorce to Muffy (oh excuse me...Allison Grey of the Westport Greys)...where was that exactly? He paid for Angel's funeral because Collins couldn't afford it...where was that? He paid for Mimi to go to rehab because he really loved her, didn't he? Not according to the movie. I missed you Benny, although your performance in the rest was impeccable. My boyfriend looks just like you--lucky me.

Jesse L. Martin abandon Law And Order! Your talents are going to waste. You sing and dance so well. In the show the character of Tom Collins, gay college professor and boyfriend to the beautiful Angel, has truly evolved. It took a bit to get used to. Everything from appearance to temperament has changed. Your performances at Angel's funeral and during the song "Santa Fe" were two of my favorite parts. Your dancing on the MOVING subway car caused me to whisper to one of my guy friends, "wouldn't you like to take a guy who can dance like that to bed?" Mmmhmmmm.


MOVING ON reluctantly.

Rosario Dawson--holy crow. She sang her heart out. I questioned her casting from the beginning, but not anymore. She embodied Mimi right from the beginning. Her wardrobe was so sexy and her singing was on the mark. That girl is talented.

They broke up the songs. An entire song and a half wasn't even in the film. Parts that were sung were spoken instead, which I enjoyed. The increased emotion between actors and situations was a major bonus as well. Mark's remaining interest in Maureen, the stronger friendship between Mark and Roger, and Angel's love of everyone.

Speaking of Angel--I love you girlfriend. Your character pulls the entire show together. The final shot of your face was a strong closer. I blew you a kiss as the film ended Angel DuMott Schunard. I wish you were real, that people in the world are like you. Your acceptance of everyone is a beautiful thing. The sadness at your death scene, the pain in Collins' face as he held you in his arms after you died. The pain at the funeral, in which I bawled my eyes out. Angel is by far my favorite character.

In the true Bohemian spirit of RENT, which I find I relate to more than anything:

FORGET REGRET
OR LIFE IS YOURS TO MISS
NO OTHER ROAD
NO OTHER WAY
NO DAY BUT TODAY.

My credo--my life.

Thank you Mr. Larson, for giving the world such a masterpiece.