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Comparing Godspell to its near-contemporaries Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair is unavoidable, but Godspell has developed its own unique following. With their thrift-store-meets-circus-performer garb, the characters in David Greene's adaptation of the popular off-Broadway production may look more like the hippies in Hair than the biblical personages of Superstar. But Godspell isn't really about the "Age of Aquarius," nor does it adopt a dark or operatic tone towards its subject matter, the Gospel according to Matthew. The mood is, instead, upbeat and uplifting (at least until the crucifixion sequence).
The film opens with youthful city dwellers from various walks of life dropping their activities to follow John the Baptist (David Haskell from the original New York production). They sing ("Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord") as he leads them into a fountain where they are (metaphorically) baptized. There they meet Jesus (Victor Garber). Frizzy hair and mime makeup aside, the handsome young Garber (Titanic, Annie) is convincing in his film debut. Once baptized, they follow him around various scenic New York locations, singing and acting out passages from the Scriptures.
The largely unknown cast is talented and charismatic, but the film is only fitfully engaging on an emotional level because only Jesus, John, and Judas (Haskell again) emerge as distinct characters. Stephen Schwartz's pleasing pop-rock score, however, helps to smooth over the rough spots, and Robin Lamont's hit version of "Day by Day" remains a highlight. --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
By urspenguin
Format:DVD
Great film - still makes me laugh and sing along!! Will use some of it for school reflections and I'm sure the kids will get a kick out of some of the antics.
Format:VHS Tape
You have to be able to remember the 70s to truly love this trip back...today's veiwers may have lost too much of their innocence to accept the simplicity and joy of this clever retelling of the gospel according to Matthew. This is not only a parable in itself, but also a great "period" piece for those who long to go back in time a couple of hours. It made me smile, think and remember.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
Someone said that this musical is horrible and if you wanted to see a Bible-based retelling of the Gospels to see Jesus Christ Superstar or !Hero. First of all, Jesus Christ Superstar is not Biblical and denies the diety of Christ (the writers aren't even Christians). !Hero is a well-intentioned try, but it's not the Bible, its paralellism (like sandwiches out of a backpack instead of bread and fish for feeding the 5000). Godspell, while at first seeming entirely bizarre and maybe even mocking, once you take a good look at it, you can see that they are really presenting the teachings of Jesus (whereas Superstar only presented the 'drama' of the story) in a fun and creative way that doesn't take away from the message. The songs are great too, although they may need some time to grow on you (because it is very very 70's).
One thing to keep in mind is that this movie is told in presentational form, where the audience is acknowledged and talked to. The actors in the movie are playing *actors*. The movie is meant to be understood that the people in the movie are *actors* acting out the stories. Once you get this, it's a very entertaining movie with great songs, dancing, and creative ways of modernizing some aspects of the Gospel without completely changing the message. I suggest getting it if you enjoy musicals in general, or if you're looking for a good alternative to Jesus Christ Superstar.
One thing to keep in mind is that this movie is told in presentational form, where the audience is acknowledged and talked to. The actors in the movie are playing *actors*. The movie is meant to be understood that the people in the movie are *actors* acting out the stories. Once you get this, it's a very entertaining movie with great songs, dancing, and creative ways of modernizing some aspects of the Gospel without completely changing the message. I suggest getting it if you enjoy musicals in general, or if you're looking for a good alternative to Jesus Christ Superstar.
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4.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!
Touched my heart and soul. Kept me there through the whole movie. Highly recommended for all ages and secular aduiences. YOu don't have to be a church goer to enjoy this movie.
Published on Mar 21 2009 by Smylie
4.0 out of 5 stars
Day by Day
A snippet of time. The film made in the 70' with a seventies version of 60's hippies. There are some great views of the twin towers. Read more
Published on Aug 3 2006 by bernie
5.0 out of 5 stars
When wilt thou save the people?
I love Godspell, but this film won't be for everyone. The plot is confusing, since it's basically just Jesus and his disciples acting out parables from the Bible as the plot... Read more
Published on Jun 22 2004 by Colin
1.0 out of 5 stars
THIS MUSICAL IS TERRIBLE!!!
THIS MUSICAL DOSN'T MAKE SENSE! IT'S STUIPED! WHY DID THEY PUT JESUS ON A BASEBALL GATE INSTEAD OF PUTTING HIM ON A CROSS?!?! Read more
Published on May 24 2004
4.0 out of 5 stars
When.. you.. feel.. sad..
My sister and I have been fans of this movie almost since it came out. It is by far my favorite musical. Read more
Published on Mar 21 2004 by Paul M. Varga
2.0 out of 5 stars
God hasn't been this painful since the old testament
The only reason I hesitate to give this a lower rating is I revel in how incredibly trite this film truly is. The true value of this film is New York City. Read more
Published on Mar 20 2004 by Rachel K. Sreebny
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great Movie
Godspell is a wonderful expirience. I found it quit interesting and exciting. I heard of parables in the movie that I never heard of before. Read more
Published on Mar 5 2004
4.0 out of 5 stars
inspirational and unique
though not as popular as jesus christ superstar in my opinion it is the best. this movie, based on the gospell acording to matthew takes place in nyc in the early 70's as a modern... Read more
Published on Jan 15 2004 by rye
5.0 out of 5 stars
still fresh and fun after 30 years
This colorful hippie romp through the Gospel According to Matthew is a classic for kids of all ages, with its attractive, talented cast, and Richard Heimann's wonderful... Read more
Published on Nov 13 2003 by Alejandra Vernon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fun movie
I put this movie in my DVD player fully intending to have it play in the background while I cleaned house, but I soon found myself drawn into the story and the songs. Read more
Published on Oct 24 2003 by K. Stuckey
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