I like it. I understand all of the reasons why it is disliked. The biggest and most common complaint is that actors don’t make for good singers. And they’re not wrong. If you want good singing, this movie is not the best place to turn to.
There were also some other changes that affect the structure and larger themes of the play. Many of which I agree were to the movie’s detriment.
…But damn it, I cannot bring myself to dislike it, myself. It was a formative experience, and the movie that brought me into the Phandom at large. I appreciate its qualities, even if it stumbles at times in representing the musical.
Haven’t seen it, but was it really bad? I had interest in it because it was directed by Joel Schumacher. As much as people crap on his Batman films (I actually like Batman Forever and while Batman and Robin was terrible, it’s fun to watch), I think he was a really good filmmaker. I enjoyed The Lost Boys, I love 8mm and Phone Booth, and I even liked The Number 23.
I watched it during high school and whenver I think about it, it’s not very good.