"525,600 minutes... 525,000 moments so dear... How do you measure a year in the life?"

Homosexuals, Coke, AIDS, death, life.. That's the world that the characters in Rent revolve in. Sometimes by choice, sometimes by chance, either way they are stuck and the dilemma is whether to go on or build a wall around one's self.

Based on Jonathan Larson's award-winning musical play, the movie version does *not* disappoint. From the opening sequence of Seasons of Love to the final scene, you will be hooked. Sure, it's a musical which may make people shy away from this movie, but the music and lyrics are great, if not downright poetic. It's a tribute to the MTV generation, more pop, less Broadway classic.

The actors who played the characters were the original cast members of the Broadway play-- save for Rosario Dawson (Mimi) and Tracie Thoms (Joanne). All are great singers and performers, although sometimes some get a little too theatrical-- as in the case with theater people performing on the big screen. I just love the voice of Jesse L. James (Collins),someone like him should be recording CDs, not chasing goons on Law and Order. :D

Chris Columbus did a fine job, although some scenes are a little too literal when it comes to the MTV concept. Most of Roger's songs for instance, are like music videos reminding me of MB20 and Bon Jovi... But hey, it's a rock opera. Take it or leave it.

If you're homophobic, insanely moralistic and think musicals are God's gift to corny men.. then don't watch it. You'll never see this movie's worth. But if you're all three but with a penchant for artistic appreciation, at least watch the opening sequence. If the song doesn't nudge you from your uptight a** then I'll conclude that you're deaf, asleep or half-dead.

This may be a bitter pill to swallow for some but Jonathan Larson's message is simple: Measure your life in love. All the other complications in life are just bubbles waiting to burst. Measure your life in love.