Miss – Starring Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Taye Diggs, Rosario Dawson, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Idina Menzel, Tracie Thoms
Rent is the screen version of Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning rock opera. Rent tells the story of a year in the life of struggling artists living in East Village New York. A story centered around two roommates- Mark (Rapp) and Roger (Pascal) that follows their everyday trials and tribulations. This is the modern day version of Puccini’s La Boheme complete with AIDS, homosexuality, and drugs.
525,600 minutes is way too much time to cover in this awful story of living with AIDS. From seeing the previews you would think this is an uplifting tale of SoHo artists who are just trying to make a name for themselves. I think that this is what Rosario Dawson also believed the film to be about since her interviews reflected that she had no idea what the plot line was. Well, let me just say that I have been anticipating this musical ever since I heard the songs in my Broadway Musical class at USC, and I found it to be over-the-top (is there anyone in this film who doesn’t have AIDS?- rhetorical question) as well as dull.
What is to like? I really enjoyed that many of the actors are from the original Broadway cast (1996) including: Taye Diggs (Benny), Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Angel), Jesse L. Martin (Collins), Idina Menzel (Maureen), Adam Pascal (Roger), and Anthony Rapp (Mark). These actors are playing their original roles and do a great job of singing and acting. Rosario Dawson looks good as Mimi and has a fair voice.
What is to hate? The story. I know there are die-hard Rent fans out there who would disagree but unfortunately I found the best part of the movie is the music sans visuals.
Bottom Line: If you are going to spend money on this film, make sure it is on the soundtrack.
Musical
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material involving drugs and sexuality, and for some strong language.
Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes.
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