Like its stage predecessor, Rent comes across as disturbing, depressing and distressing. With the exceptions of "One Song Glory," "Seasons Of Love," and "I’ll Cover You," the music isn't memorable. But if you're looking for a downer, Rent is for you. It's definitely a feel-bad movie. 

Director Chris Columbus makes few changes from the stage presentation to the film version of this popular rock opera. The most significant one involves setting the story in the 1980s at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Jonathan Larson, who created the hit musical, set it in the late 1990s. Also cut are three poorly written musical numbers (“On The Street,” “We’re Okay” and “Christmas Bells are the Casualties”).

Columbus wisely omits the opening that consisted of voice-mail messages. He takes the musical’s signature number "Seasons of Love" and places his actors -- all but two from the original cast -- on a bare stage to open the film. Instead of voice-mail we are then led into the film with the second number “Rent,” which sets up the plot concerning eight main characters.   

Roger (Adam Pascal) has not left the house following his diagnosis as HIV positive. He's haunted by memories of his  girlfriend who killed herself after finding out she was also infected. It's no wonder Roger has trouble writing one last great song before dying of the disease. 

Downstairs neighbor Mimi Marquez (Rosario Dawson, new cast member) doesn't help matters. She needs Roger to light a candle, which represents her only source of light and heat in an abandoned building the characters call home. While Roger is attracted to Mimi, he feels guilt over his last relationship and doesn't want to get involved.

Mark (Anthony Rapp), Roger's roommate, is a filmmaker who will not sell out to become a commercial rather than artistic success. His girlfriend Maureen (Idina Menzel), a conceited actress, dumped him for a lesbian lover named Joanne (Tracie Thoms, new cast member). Tom Collins (Jesse L. Martin), a friend of Roger and Mark’s, is lured into an alley and jumped by thugs. Fortunately, he's rescued by his new soul-mate Angel (Wilson Jermaine Heredia), a whirlwind performer who drums in the streets.

Finally there's Benny (Taye Diggs). Originally part of the group, he's now regarded by the others as scum and downright evil. Benny recently married the landlord’s daughter and is enjoying riches beyond his wildest dreams. Although promising to give his friends free artist space, he's now threatening them with eviction. The only thing linking the characters together is Maureen’s public protest against Benny’s interest in the building.

The film's plot is thin and its characters are not fleshed out, but Dawson and Heredia give powerful and moving performances. Dawson's "Mimi" and Heredia's "Angel" are truly believable.  

Having seen the musical and watched a friend, Gavin Hope, undertudy the role of Tom Collins, I feel Rent should be left to thespians on Broadway. While the movie is bound to captivate diehard fans of the musical, it will probably leave everyone else wondering why the Broadway production was so popular. Clearly, audiences are best served by the stage version.

(Released by Columbia Pictures and rated "PG-13" for mature thematic material involving drugs and sexuality, and some strong language.)