Rating: 
Summary: incredible music, ok movie (3 1/2 stars)
Review: No matter how it is interpreted visually, Jesus Christ Superstar is still an extraordinary piece of musical art. It is foremost an album which is much more effective than a visual interpretation because like a book, the album requires us to use our imaginations. And similar to a book turned into a movie, naturally at least some of our visual ideas will be disappointed. But aside from how the movie compares with my imagination, this movie is Just OK. Ted Neeley as Jesus does a bad job to a Superstar fan, but a very good job to a regular viewer unfamiliar with the possibilities of a better singer in place of him. Barry Dennen (Pilate) Yvonne Eliman (Mary Magdalene) and Carl Anderson (Judas) are good no matter what your experiences with Superstar are. The major problem with the film is the setting. They made things modern, (costumes, tanks, drag queens, guns) but then they didn't go all the way with making it modern, so what the viewer gets is characters of the 20th century who are in the desert during biblical times. I know it doesn't sound that bad, but when watching it, it is confusing. It is also dated, but I guess that's the price of making a visual interpreation of JCS. The 2000 revival was great to me because it was in step with the 90's or the 00's; I'm sure it will be dated thirty years from now. This movie should be seen by all JCS fans to see how they think it compares to their own ideas, and anyone who wants to see a thoughtful, interpretation of the last seven days of Jesus. interpretation= 6 music= 10
Rating:
Summary: Good, but flawed
Review: There are many powerful moments in this movie, and it is good to see a Jesus who "offends" His followers as well as His critics. In that sense, this is truer to the Gospels than some other Jesus portrayals. Though I like this movie, it is flawed in some major ways: 1. Jesus seems ambivalent and unsure about why He is to die and about God's (His Father's) purpose for His death. This is an unnecessary detraction, for Webber & Rice seem to be familiar enough with the Gospels so as to recognize that Jesus spoke of and understood the sacrificial & atoning purpose of His death. Ultimately, a Jesus who doesn't know why He is dying becomes inexplicable, not just to Himself, but to those hearing and/or watching the story. Rewriting some of His lines could help this film/play immeasurably in this regard, even if it was having Jesus coming to realize the purpose of His life and death as He walks the path He walks - i.e., a gradual increasing understanding, rather than an early-realized one. To just reduce his death to that of an innocent good man who wanted to establish God's kingdom of love, who for whatever reason "forgives" those who are crucifying Him because "they know not what they do," leaving us to ponder what meaning that might have for our lives - as some humanistic portrayals of Jesus do, and as Webber & Rice seem to do here - is, to me, a fatal flaw. It leaves Jesus as a puzzle for humans to figure out in whatever way is "meaningful" to them. As much as I like much of this film, this is - as I said - a fatal flaw. But ... when Jesus and the crowds come to Jerusalem, and they sing "Hosanna" and then in one verse sing, "Hey, J.C., J.C., would You die for me?" the image freezes for a second on Jesus's face as He drops His smile and realizes that indeed He will have to die for them. It's a fantastic shot. 2. The implication or suggestion that Mary Magdalene had or sought to have physical relations with Jesus. If, per the Gospels, she was one from whom Jesus had cast out seven demons and/or one whose many sins Jesus had forgiven, her relationship to Him would be other than as portrayed in this film. Apparently Webber & Rice wanted to portray a different Magdalene. 3. Pilate seems too sympathetic to Jesus, and too desirous of saving His life. But Brian Dennen is a superb Pilate, or a superb rendering of this characterization of Pilate! 4. The Jews (not just the Jewish leaders) turn on/against Jesus too quickly and too violently after He is arrested, moreso than the Gospel records seem to indicate, I think. In the Gospels, Jesus indicates that it is the Chief Priests and the Scribes and the Pharisees and the Elders who will turn Him over. The people had some part in this, but not so strongly as the film portrays. 5. Jesus acts angrily toward Judas in a couple scenes, once when confronting him about Mary Magdalene, and again when He sends him away to betray Him. This doesn't fit the Gospel tale, but it does make sense if, per my first criticism, Jesus is confused about the reason He must die and views it as fate and knows that Judas is fated to arrange His arrest (and this does seem to be Jesus's view, per his statement to Pilate after Pilate has had him flogged and tries one last time to save His life - and Jesus tells him that it's all "fixed"). Carl Anderson is a fantastic Judas, though, maybe the star of the show. These flaws in the characterizations of Jesus and Mary Magdalene (and slightly in Pilate's case) ultimately make the whole work flawed, in my opinion, and if someone would rewrite some lines, I think it could be truer to the Gospels and just as powerful (though maybe there'd have to be some redoing of "angel" Judas's chorus-accompanied song & dance number to Jesus of the show's theme song after Judas has died and before Jesus is crucified - I still don't quite get that scene).
Rating: 
Summary: After 25 Years, Jesus Christ Superstar Still Moves Me
Review: The performances of Ted Neely and Carl Anderson are so passionate and powerful. This movie has had such a profound effect in my personal understanding of the life of Christ. Ted Neely protrays Jesus in such a way that you can actually feel inside your chest the pain of his persecution. Carl Andersons portral of Judus brings some understanding of how he betrayed Jesus. He shows how difficult it was for an apostle to turn on Jesus while at the same time, thinking he was saving him from being destroyed. The music is outstanding as each song fills the moments with intense emotion. With the movie filmed in location in Israel, one could wonder if Jesus really stood on the same spots. This production has entertained each generation in my home, from my nine year old son, to my mother-in-law, all whom when watching, are completely consumed with its passion. This truly is the best movie and musical ever produced.
Rating:
Summary: An Epic done the right way
Review: This is an epic of the last week of Jesus's life, done as if it were just one long rock video. The actors, Ted Neely, et al. were absolutely stunning. Their respective performances were breath-taking, and their ability to fit together to form the relationships in ancient Israel were outstanding. I was truly impressed. The movie was interesting, and not the normal religios epic that say Jesus of Nazerath or King of Kings are, but it can stand in its own category titled simply, wonderful. This movie is worth the purchase. The music and story are touching, and the sets are unusual, and the whole movie is very artisically done. I enjoyed it, and I hope you will also.
Rating:
Summary: Uneven.
Review: I thought Judas was superb. The Sets and scenary were fantastic. The music for the most part was wonderful. There was even some humor in this basically tragic story. But Jesus, who was suppose to be what it was all about, was totally unconvincing. If you have ever heard Michael Ball sing Gethsemane, Ted Neeley's performance strickes you like luke warm dish water.
Rating:
Summary: You have to see the stage show before you watch this:
Review: If you haven't seen the show, this film will put you of JCS for life. Saing thast, if you have you will find it...erm.....interesting and amusing. Highly amusuing. Although half the cast suddenly appear in the middle of the desert from nowhere, as they weren't on the bus in the first place and Jesus never goes back, it is very well done. There are a couple of extras songs in it which in my opinion are not as good as the rest. if you like sci-fi, this film is for you - how the hell do these people appear out of thin air in Simon Zealots/Poor Jerusulem? And as for Simon himself - my God, he's on E. Once you've seen that dance routine you'll never find anything quite as funny. And the best part of the whole film? Peter Simon's "Not me". Its so funny. And the second best part? The bashing of the scaffolding during 'This Jesus Must Die". I have to warn you that the mary is seriously bad and cannot sing. She starts on one note and goes up until she hits the right one before she actually sings a word. Herod is fantastic - what a jelly belly. Jesus and Judas are sincerely excellent - though if you're looking for a funny Jesus with a blond perm and a fit Simon Zealots, I'd recommend the new video. I have to warm you all - the flares take away the magic of the show.
Rating:
Summary: I've Been Living To See It....and so will you!
Review: It was absolutely uplifting and thought-provoking, introducing ideas like sex and love and racism without actually mentioning them. It's brilliant yet subtle, though some lines really throw at you some of the strongest emotions like when Judas argues with Christ at the Last Supper, screaming, ''You want me to do it-what if I just stay here and ruin your ambition, Christ you deserve it.'' It recognises Jesus as very much a man, displaying cowardice and feelings of love or even hate through incredible song, dance and music. Though the costumes etc. are very 'dated' JCS will never die because its ideas and expression were very much ahead of their time and at last can quite comfortably take a permanent place in modern society. It's become a classic musical and the movie beats any show versions, and to me it is the best film about Christ ever made. You have to look behind the bare facts about Jesus to find anything truly meaningful and this does that and more. A must for anyone to watch or even own (I own it, so should you!)... . The apostles crack you up too, panicking and overacting at any given time and grabbing each other whenever anything bad happens. Overall though it's THE BEST and I can't stop watching it! So get into JCS, you'll be glad you did!
Rating: 
Summary: To Young To See IT Live
Review: I thought that it was a great movie. I was of course to young to see it performed live and on atage when it first came out but, I believe that the other reviewers didn't take the generation gap into consideration because if they had then they would have realized that it was a very good movie to show youth that it is possible to understand the bible. Not only for theadults to explain it to them in an old fashion "safe" manner. I think that it dealt with the issues that are probably to harsh for younger viewers to deal with and that the words are to big to make any sense to the kids that are reading from the bible. So this movie basically broke it down for them to understand the actual hardships that jesus actually went through. So in my opinion the movie was really educational adn more of the youth today should be exposed to it if they aren't understanding the bible or what they are reading. I will be really enlightening.
Rating:
Summary: who are you what have you sacrificed ?
Review: smashing. This movie has some incredible perfomances except the extremely wimpy Ted Neely who just can't pull off a strong character. Judas' passion and world view are refreshing and the potrayal of Christ as a human was really well done. The best part that I liked in this movie was when Judas sings the same song 'Don't know how to love ..' as Mary ( Yvonne ..) with just a few modifications. All in all - a must buy if you are a JCS/Andrew Lloyd Weber fan. If you are not ... stay away from it cause all you'll see is the wimpy whining of Ted Neeley.
Rating:
Summary: Ted Neeley as Jesus
Review: No matter what anybody says, the movie is "inspired" in more ways than one. It's also a work of art for its time. Ted's voice range is so thrilling and God-given that most times I cry for joy when I hear it because it really speaks to something deep in me. Many will play his part, but none will ever attain his level. I had the privilege of meeting him several times when he came to my town in the production tour of JCS. Not only is he as gifted as in the movie version, he is the nicest, most genuinely kind and caring person that I would ever hope to meet. His excellent reputation apparently precedes and follows him. Some may think he is short in stature, but he is tall in sterling quality. I also had the opportunity to dine with him and a few of the cast members and so I got to discuss his role with him. But the first time I met him, the one important thing I could truly say to him for how his role effected me was: "Jesus loves you so much." And Ted, if you should ever read this review, "He still does."
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