Godspell

Rating:
Summary: Great movie for aging Jesus freaks!
Review: If you're over 40, and consider the term "Jesus Freak" to be a compliment you'll love this dvd. If you're under 40 you'll probably just stare at the TV and wonder, "What we're they thinking?" Godspell was my first exposure to Christianity at the age of 15 in the 1970's. Yes it's disjointed, it's weak on theology, but as a 15 year old pagan this movie touched my heart and was the beginning of an almost 30 year walk with the Lord. The musical score is excellent, and the movie is quite funny. Some reviewers have complained about the "clown Jesus"...the lack of the cross in the movie, etc. Please remember...IT'S ART FOLKS!!!! It's not the Bible and it's not meant to be a theology text. In this age of megachurches, and rich Christians with way to much political power, the simplicity of Godspell helps me to remember what's really important in my walk with God. Highly recommended!!

Rating:
Summary: The Aging of Aquarius
Review: Godspell is a sweet, sweet relic of 1960s of optimism and simplicity as applied to the story of Jesus. I first saw the play as a 15-year-old in 1972 at the Wilbur theater in Boston and was utterly captivated. The play at the time seemed daring and contemporary -- picturing Jesus in clown make-up and Superman t-shirt, inserting a whiff of vampy sexuality into some of the characters, setting up strawman "establishment" characters to protest against. Very light on theology (which may have been part of its attraction) Godspell was a welcome antidote to the harsh and sterile Church experiences that were the norm at the time. Godspell presented a Jesus that young people in the counter-culture could relate to, even if the real counter-culture was not terribly interested in cute, folk-inspired music. Godspell gave us a gender- and race-inclusive group of "cool" disciples we could imagine ourselves part of, who would be sad when Jesus died and glad when he returned. Godspell's funny/sad Jesus told amusing stories, was young and old (he drank wine!), loved everyone and stood up to the oppressor.

For the more theologically inclined, there were questions. What did the writers have in mind (if anything) by melding John the Baptist with Judas Iscariot? And was there a resurrection scene or not? But audiences then and now didn't worry too much about the details. Fun with Jesus was what mattered.

The film takes a light touch in translating the theater experience to the big screen. The mugging, clowning, long hair and flea-market clothes are still there. The music is still sweet, charming, and full of achy longing. But music aside, Godspell has not aged well. Young people of the early 21st century are likely to be as put off by the hippy-dippy costuming as their parents were attracted to it. And clowning that doesn't involve dangerous stunts or stuff blowing up (a la "Jackass") has completely lost its appeal, except to 4-year olds.

For Christians of a certain age (40-60) "Godspell" is still a worthwhile nostalgia trip. Enjoy it and "let's have some wine!"

Rating:
Summary: Interesting observation
Review: I think it is a testament to the timelessness of this movie that in 2004 (more than 20 years after its release), there are so many reviews within the past month.

I've loved the play Godspell, probably since it was first out on Broadway. It is a gentle and accessible way to learn about Jesus and his teachings. To me, it has always been quite moving. The movie, while obviously not as interactive an experience, is a wonderful portrayal.

It's quite dated - true 70's fare. I can't think of one 70's musical that's not. Also, remember this is an interpretation of a Broadway play, and often the interpretations lose a bit of something in turning them into a movie. (I'd say the same about Pippen, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, even Oklahoma!, etc...)

This is not for someone who is expecting "The Passion of Christ". I don't believe it was ever meant to be. But if it makes one person connect with the messages more closely, does it have to be serious and realistic?

I recommend this movie for those with an open mind who are wanting an uplifting musical.

Have fun.

Rating:
Summary: this is about the june 21, 2004 review..
Review: though it may be better than jesus christ superstar, the people who wrote godspell are not christian either. they are jewish.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: 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."

Rating:
Summary: Cashing in on the half-hearted early 70's Jesus Freaks
Review: "Acquiring a taste" in any sane mind connected to a pious believer's heart should go no further than trying a new soft drink. This film is all about visual style, eye candy, and tunes that fall in line with momentary popularity of the early 70's. Any attempt to connect the mortal with the mind-shattering Truth of Christ might have been discussed by the producers of this film after the wrap party, not before. Comparing the value of this film about Jesus with the "Wizard of Oz" is all you need to know about the previous reviewer. DON'T WASTE TIME OR MONEY ON THIS POT-DRIVEN OUTRAGE!