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Movie Reviews of GodspellMovie Review: A FUN, JOYFUL TRIP THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW! (Minor Spoilers) Summary: 5 Stars
"Godspell" is one of the more unique interpretations of the Gospels. Set in modern-day (ca. 1973) New York City, with characters dressed in costumes that resemble the characters of "Hair" more than the Bible. However, looks can be deceiving, and the movie is a fun, joyous musical journey that stays closer to the the Biblical personages than the more well-known "Jesus Christ Superstar."
Victor Garber, stars of such films and shows as "Titanic," "Legally Blonde" and "Alias," makes his film debut as Jesus, and it is a great performance. The supporting cast is magnificent, and the story does a good job of condensing the 28 chapters of Matthew into 103 minutes in fun and emotional ways. The songs are very upbeat, and have a quality to them that the viewer can't help but sing along to.
Of course, as in the Gospels, the story must come to an emotional climax, and the scenes of Jesus' torment and crucifixion are handled well, and you can't help but cry for Jesus as he dies on the cross. But while the Resurrection is not seen onscreen, the uplifting songs at the very end hint of things to come. Overall, this is a great musical film that people of all ages can enjoy, though small children may find the scenes at the end a bit too much for them.
Movie/DVD Grade: A-
Movie Review: It will move you. Summary: 5 Stars
I remember seeing this on stage at Loyola Marymount University in about 1975 or '76. I remember it being really good. I still listen to the album now and then, and still know every word to each song. I've thought about it over the years and alweays wanted to get my own copy of the DVD. Joined Netflix, and it was the first thing I rented. I had forgotten what the story was actually about and now older, really got into it and understood it.
The book of Matthew told in such a way that grabs you like nothing else. You really get what it means to Love, and do for others, and what a sacrifice in love is, and rebirthing, as well as betrayal. A lot of folks have trouble interpreting the bible, and this takes that frustration away. Too bad they didn't do a musical for each of the books!
I was reminded that I am a part of an inticate and beautiful group of people and that even though we often feel alone, that we are not.
That is very well portrayed.
The costumes and the scenery and the times are really neat.
The music is awesome and opens up your emotions to feel!
If your faith needs a little jump start, this will do it. If you have the faith already, this confirms it.
Excellent movie. A classic.
Movie Review: My favorite movie musical...ever! Summary: 5 Stars
I've loved this movie since I saw it on TV when I was a kid; and not as a "guilty pleasure", but as a great movie. I love everything about it; including the singing, dancing, face painting and even the skipping!! When I'm feeling blue, this movie makes me happy, and I'm not even that religious. I have it on video, DVD, CD, and even the original one sheet movie poster. Every song is awesome. The only number that's a little embarrassing and dated is "All Good Gifts", and that's just because of the choreography; the song is still killer. I love how it's a total ensemble and how almost every cast member gets their own song in addition to the group numbers. All the singers harmonize beautifully. I even like all the parables performed with broad humor and slapstick. I'd rank this one better than Grease, Chicago, and even Little Shop of Horrors (which is my next favorite movie musical). I've tried to get all my friends to watch it. They think I've lost my mind. I don't care. This film also has some of the best New York photography in any film ever. This should be considered one of the great New York movies like Manhattan or Taxi Driver. Rest in peace, Lynn Thigpen and David Green. Long live Godspell!
Movie Review: Amazing Summary: 5 Stars
This is an amazing musical. I laughed and I cried. I rented this movie a few months after appearing in a production of the show in Norwell. I was Judas. We did a totally revamped version of it. We had more than 10 people, we didn't have any face makeup, although some people had G's drawn on their hands and some people actually did wear makeup, and we did updated version of the Parables. We did the Prodigal Son like an episode of the Osbournes. I was Jack. We also tied Jesus to an actual cross instead of a fence. I thought I would hate this movie because I'd been hearing nothing but bad things about it. "It's weird. The choreography looks like it was done on the spot." I loved every minute of it. It never even hit me that these people were running around an abandoned New York. It's possible for New York to be empty like that sometimes if the day is particularly lazy. One of the most moving moments was the shot of the World Trade Center. When you saw that shot, it seemed almost prophetic. It was as if the cinematographer knew he wouldn't see it again. It's a great movie. You should see it sometime. I loved it. As a side note, the guy who played Jesus in our version played John O'Shea in the movie, "Mystic River."
Movie Review: Brilliant, Accessible and Celebratory! Summary: 5 Stars
The greatest stories are those that can be told using the simplest means, and surely the story of Jesus Christ, our Savior, is the greatest. Godspell tells this story in simple, accessible and very hip terms.
A travelling actor, in hippie attire, arrives in new your and takes the role of John the Baptist, calling various discontented New Yorkers who are tired of the hustle and bustle, to be Baptised and renewed. Another actor represting Jesus Christ arrives and asks to be Baptised. As they do this in a public fountain, they are renewed and transform into hippie outfits with costume-box style flourishes to tell the stor of Jesus's message, his parables and his last days using simples props, fantastic songs and the New York environment.
The costumes and locations are fitting for each of the lessons and songs - and it is all a lot of fun. The old cinema used for the story of the Prodigal Son is a good example. The actors make excellent clowns and vaudevillians and each are sincere and work well as an ensemble. Victor Garber as Jesus Christ is fantastic.
This is a very accessible, fun version of these improtant tales - with a very hopeful message and Steven Schwrtz's great songs. DFo not miss it!
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