Rent: B+

Rent, a one-word movie title for a movie that is anything but one-word. Based on Johnathan Larson's tony/pulitizer prize winning book and musical this movie follows 8 different middle-class "bohemians" as they struggle to survive in the coming "Me" generation. Yeah, the plot is scattered and soapy. The actors though, they're great. Especially newcomers Rosario Dawson and Tracie Thomas (the other 6 originated their characters on the stage). Anthony Rapp (Mark) is way too eager though and his performance, being the main one, serves only to irritate anyone watching the film. Little things like wierd characterization (Benny sold out and was put out, the Mark sold out and nothing?) and the fact that Benny is really more of a ubiquitous extra than a cast member (but boy can Taye Diggs sing!) make me question the film's overall structure.

All of this doesn't mean a hill of beans when they start singing though. All the music is from Larson himself and it is a masterpeice. From the opening number "Seasons of Love", to the witty and angry "La Vie Bohem" to the heart thrilling final mix-up of all of the above and more you are blown away and into Johnathan Larson's wonderful songs. Lyrics that are humorous, soulful, witty, sad, and clever it's like watching a wonderful concert mixed into a wierdly constructed story. With occasional un-defined characters and plot twists. But who cares? Because oh my god is "Out Tonight" not the best ever!!