But there are a few reasons not to
By Max Phillips • Originally published in Buffalo Current
We’ve all been there; a favorite musical finally comes to the silver screen but disappointment soon sets in as the film falls short of our expectations.
Can anyone say “A Chorus Line?”
This certainly wasn’t the case with Christopher Columbus’ film interpretation of the Broadway hit “Rent.” I walked into the sneak preview prepared to absolutely love or hate it — there could be no gray area here.
I came out of the theater somewhere in the middle and rather surprised.
While Columbus may not be known for his cutting edge directing, “Rent” purists may be satisfied with this pretty literal adaptation. Some numbers, like “Today 4 U,” fell completely flat on screen, yet others, like “La Vie Boheme” leaped from the screen with vibrant energy. And there’s no doubt that bringing the majority of the original Broadway cast to this project was brilliant.
Overall the music was strong, the sets were amazing and the screenplay stays true to the spirit of Larson’s story (even if the score doesn’t). A good film for “first time renters” and seasoned veterans alike.
