Rent 2005

I know what I'm about to say will probably shock some people. But I feel compelled to say it anyway.

"Rent" (the movie version) is a better musical than "Once More With Feeling," the Buffy musical.

Barely. I know, I know. Heresy, but still. The movie is like a lean, mean, fighting version of the broadway musical. Most of the Stupid Musical Transitions(tm) have been removed, leaving just the pure raw, power of the songs and the story. The actual plot is a lot more clear and accessible (though they made decent-sized changes to the second act). Having never seen Rent with the original cast, I can't say how well the two new folks compare to the original actors, but everyone in this version was fantastic.

And the soundtrack fixes almost every single problem I had with the original broadway soundtrack. The guy who produced "American Idiot" for Green Day really threw down and got an incredible rock feel from these songs. It's how it was meant to be, and judging by comments from the cast, they feel the same way. On the other hand, Mrs. Elf prefers the broadway version, so what the hell do I know?

If you've never seen it before, it's a wonderful and uplifting and heartbreaking story with some amazing music. And of course, the story behind the story is equally heartbreaking and compelling. (click on About the Show, then History of Rent)

Anyway, you should go see it. And then Netflix Buffy Season 6, Disc 2 and watch the Buffy musical (episode 6). Which is really freakin' great as well, but requires a little more knowledge of the backstory to have the same effect as rent does in its self-contained package.
Vampire Elf on 11.28.05 @ 11:56 AM EST [link] [273 Comments]