Rent is a big pile of crap.

So I saw the new movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, "Rent."

I fucking hated it.

Now, this has nothing to do with the actual movie, or the job Chris Columbus did adapting it to the screen. Like all Chris Columbus work, it's servicable. The problem is with the original source material. This was my first exposure to the musical. I know, as a New Yorker, I guess I should have seen it now, but Broadway shows are not my thing (although, I really do want to see Huey Lewis in 'Chicago').

"Rent" is about a bunch of unsympathetic assholes who think they could live for free, just because they are bohemian "artists". They write shitty songs, make shitty movies, and perform shitty performance art. They claim they want to change the world, but all they really care about is themselves.

The only sympathetic character is Benny, portrayed by the always awesome Taye Diggs. Benny is the friend who got out, and is now successful, and wants to help his friends by providing them with a place where they could create their art. They spit in his face, and call him a sellout, even though he's the only one actually doing something with his life.

And Trey and Matt was right, everyone does have AIDS.

-Steve!

iPod: still awesome.

iPod: still awesome., originally uploaded by VitaminSteve.

Steve + Applebees 4EVA?

Dear Applebee's,

Listen I know you'll hate reading this letter as much as I hate writing it, but we need to talk. Five years ago, when you first entered my life, I thought I had finally found my soulmate. A delicious appetizer sampler, great entrees, and unlimited refills? I thought it was a match made in heaven. Throughout the last five years, things have come and went. We stood by and watched as the 42nd St Food Court disappeared, as well as the Chili's, but our love stood the test of time.

But then things' started to change. You changed your appetizer sampler, and it was obvious you weren't trying to impress me anymore. You stopped taking care of yourself, handing me my dinner on dirty plates, and half full portions. It was obvious the magic was gone.

I tried to make it work. I thought after you delivered the boneless buffalo wings, that we could stick with it. But that's not enough. You can't build a relationship on boneless buffalo wings alone. We need more than that. But I feel that I'm the only one in this relationship that's giving, you just take and take.

So I'm sorry, it's over.

Let's not focus on the bad times at the end, let's remember the good times. Like after we celebrated the first time I saw "Dude, Where's My Car?", or when we took advantage of the peaceful protester discount when the Republican convention was in town.

We had a good run there, didn't we?

-Steve!

I told you he was real.

I told you he was real., originally uploaded by VitaminSteve.