Rent

Today my sister and I saw Rent, the story of 8 friends struggling to make ends meet in 1989 New York. 4 have AIDS, 2 can't pay the rent, and various other problems arise.

I really enjoyed this film. I have not seen the stage version, but wish I had. All but two of the actors originated these roles on Broadway and it seems like an old, much loved, hat. Rosario Dawson, however, is great as Mimi, and one wonders where she has hidden this voice of hers. Mimi dated Benny, landlord of Mark and Roger, who starts dating Mimi. Mark was dumped by Maureen for Joann. And Collins, Mark and Roger's former roomate, is mugged and taken in by Angel, a drag queen. While Roger, Mimi, Collins, and Angel are all HIV-positive, only Angel suffers it's full effects.

The songs are catch and I had to restrain myself from just singing along. Chris Colombus does a brilliant job recreating 1989 New York and the attitude of those living there.

While the first half of the movie is lighthearted and fun, it takes a hugely abrupt shift durring the second half, bring your tissues folks. However, the ending is sweet and life-affirming.

The only real grief I have with the film is the story of Roger and Mimi. It seems like there are huge gaps in their story. Maybe it was just me, but they would argue over things I never saw, and it seemed like they had known each other for far longer than I knew they knew each other.

Overall, a good film. While seeing it again is not on the top of my movie-going priorities, it was still and enjoyable movie experience.