Episode 26: RENT

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ENTIRE CAST: “It was easier to play a decade younger on stage.”

Listeners, this week Mike leads us through the movie version of RENT which Vinnie has never seen.

The 2005 film unites much of the original cast which seemed like an exciting idea at the time – until you have a close up on a 30-something trying to sell the uniquely narcissistic arrogance of the mid-20s. It also illustrates how very much “of the time” the musical was in 1996:  ten years later and the themes, topics, and music do not age well. A period piece rather than a timeless classic.

Perhaps the greatest stumbling block is uninspired and clunky (and strangely sanitized) direction that manages to take an ensemble of incredible talent and render them lackluster.

Join us as we cover RENT (see what I did there?)!

“WHO is directing??”

Rent (2005)
	Rating: 6.8/10 (55,741 votes) Director: Chris Columbus Writer: Jonathan Larson, Stephen Chbosky Stars: Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Rosario Dawson Runtime: 135 min Rated: PG-13 Genre: Drama, Musical, Romance Released: 23 Nov 2005
Plot: In New York City's gritty East Village, a group of bohemians strive for success and acceptance while enduring the obstacles of poverty, illness and the AIDS epidemic.