Jonathan Larson is best known as the composer of Rent. This movie takes the musical he wrote earlier and expands it with dramatic interludes that explore the writer’s personal life and inspirations. In the lead is Andrew Garfield, who’s energetic, yet troubled character is captured with playful energy and delightful singing/dancing skills. Director Lin-Manuel Miranda has tendered the offstage life and musical moments with enthusiastic skill. Look for him as a line cook in the cameo-laden “Sunday” (also featuring André De Shields, Bernadette Peters, Joel Gray, Chita Rivera and more). Fans of musical theatre (and Rent, of course) will be thrilled with this engaging portrayal that’s full of heart and appealing musical numbers. 
(4 / 5)
