Jesus Christ Superstar

Rating:
Summary: "...and now the film"
Review: Though it may seem dated, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is still a film worth checking out. Ever since its origin as a concept recording, the subject and how it was presented caused its controversy for the time. The film may not be what everyone expected, but it is visually incredible. The sunsets over the Israeli deserts are awesome. The music, though not groundbreaking, is still some of the best work Andrew Lloyd Webber has written, as well as the lyrics of Tim Rice. The performances are incredible, notably Carl Anderson as Judas and Ted Neely as Jesus. Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) and Barry Dennen (Pilate) are the original actors of the concept album and Broadway adaptation of the rock opera. Scenes worth relishing: Heaven on Their Minds; The Last Supper; Gethsemane; and the title song. For early 70s nostalgia, the choreography in "Simon Zealotes" is fun. An added bonus on the DVD presentation is the dubbed French soundtrack. If I'm not mistaken, the singers are the same ones who performed in the Paris, France stage production of the early 70s. View with an open mind and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Philiosophy with an attitude
Review: As a Filipino inclined to conservative aspects in religion and such aggressive ideas can be considered as heretic by the "religous" individuals who claimed that they would be the only one saved. Frankly speaking, the concept of the film does not really agree with my belief but this idea made me think twice because of the writers' objective does not really meant to falsify the claims that Jesus is the Savior but made an arguement that between the beliefs of Judas and Jesus. I think I would never have this editorial if not because of the packaging. Since high school I was a great fan of rock and by this factor attracted me to watch the film. From simple intrigue becomes the desire to watch the film as many as possible. Although Ted Neely is not the best actor who portrayed Christ, he is the only christ who can make you love rock more. This legendary archive of rock should be watched by people who loves to attend Woodstock.

Rating:
Summary: Almost made a convert
Review: The rock opera tries to depict the human side of the passion of Christ and the events leading right up to it. When I saw this film it was the first time in my life that I considered Jesus and his circumstances as "real" or "human", instead of a dry saintly story written by men years after the events supposedly happened. The portrayals of Judas and Pontius Pilot are unique and written in such a way that they don't come out as the bad guys which is what Christianity has pretty much taught us. And call it cliche, but I think that Ted Neeley is a fantastic Jesus and very much what most caucasion people envision him as. I don't understand why people say that the film is dated, is Citizen Kane or Ghandi? Actually it was a bit ahead of it's time. The nineties has seen many Classics adapted to modern times in film and theatre (Will's Romeo and Juliet and an all male Swan Lake...go figure). And the movements in Christian sects to personalize religion or make it more accessible such as no latin mass or antiquitated words like thou or services that are almost all musical. Watch the film and be open to a different interpretation and enjoy the show!

Rating:
Summary: DATED but TUNEFUL
Review: For some reason, we were bombarded with all kinds of rock/pop interpretations of the Bible and of Jesus' life story in the early 70s. This one, which definitely rocked my socks then, seems the most dated of all of them -- the images of hippies pulling into the Holy Land in a beat up bus look like a warped acid trip; however, some of the musical numbers are still very effective, and I really enjoy Yvonne Elliman as Magdelene. Most of the other performances are way over the top, and Ted Neeley is whiny and unappealing as Jesus.

Rating:
Summary: Jesus Son of God or Son of the Flowers ?
Review: I liked this film,at the time.Great music,great scenery...but I find the Jesus of this interpretation a bit lame,less forceful than pathetic.Jesus was a man of strong personality,not the sometimes bland and unfazed hippy portrayed here.Judas is perfect .But when Judas and Jesus exchange hysterical accusations,I think they're a little out of kilter.Aniway,you can enjoy the music and the weird costumes.And the last scene,when one of the Great Questions about Jesus is asked (why haven't you appeared in a more advanced time,when you could have used mass communications ? ) is memorable.And when He ask his apostles if someone will stay whit him at Ghetzemane,to be met only whit silence,you want to cry for human shallowness. Conclusion:a great musical,but a little outdated.

Rating:
Summary: Pleasing memories...
Review: (NOTE: this is a translation of the review of "a viewer from Colombia" on July 14, 1999.) When this film was shown, I was not to be able to enter a theater to see it. Now that finally I saw it... the Wise One who is and will for ever be has touched me deeply. The music is very good. The sound is not spectacular but is to be expected of an old film such as this. I recommend it for the believers of Christ and lovers of Rock.

Rating:
Summary: it does not have whereupon to describe it
Review: good I never had thought about enamorame of one pelicula this way and I am going it to have in an altar and always hope that atodos those that they do not like do not put his criticizes so that it bothers wing people who if it likes the art

Rating:
Summary: Easily the Best Musical that has EVER been Performed!
Review: This movie changed my perspective of Christ's last days. I knew Jesus as: "I Am", "The Son of God", "Our Savior"....but he was MORE than that! We know him as those things, and as a PERFECT man! We know him as a man who lovingly does everything that God the Father tells him to. Well, think again. We never think that he had feelings. Well, everything human being, perfect OR not, has feelings, regrets, and wishes. So why should Jesus have been any different? He did NOT come to Earth to rule over us as an Earthly King who was to be worshiped, but as our friend who was to walk among us, feel our pain, our grieving, and to help us see God in a different way. Remember when he is saying in the song "What's the Buzz, Tell me what's Happening"? He is saying: "Why should you want to know about tomorrow......". The disciples were blind. He taught them, he grieved with them, He healed them..but inside He HURT! You must recall the scene in which He is climbing and is actually FIGHTING with God! He does NOT want to die, to "Taste the poison." We must realize that He was human, just like we are. All in all, it is a fabulous re-telling of Christ's last days.

Rating:
Summary: A movie for the critical thinker
Review: If you want to watch a movie that forces you to ask questions about commonly held beliefs, watch this one. I have never seen the stage production, but I can say that this movie is absolutely wonderfully done.

Rating:
Summary: Poor sound quality, pity
Review: The greatest musical (or should one say Rock Opera) of all times. But the sound quality is poor. The casting is bad, and it deserves more, much more. Save your money.