Godspell

Amazon.com

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:

Godspell a big hit with my Christian school kids!.......2007-09-09

This movie is based on the play by the same name. The music is fun and my students love it. I use this movie to help review the parables of Jesus we learned in class. The only downfall is that Hollywood totally ended this movie the wrong way. While they're singing about "Long Live God" at the end, they walk around the streets of New York with Jesus dead. Not true, Hollywood. The lyrics were meant to show that Jesus lived after he died.

Godspell again.......2007-09-06

The rock opera was filmed in New York in the 70s. The twin towers were prominent. It was very good.

Nostalgic and Fun...and Extraordinarily dated.......2007-08-26

I saw this movie probably a half dozen times when it first came out, and thought it was amazing. Of course, I was 13 then and rock musicals were something new and different. It was one of those films that pointed me in the direction of Musical Theatre performance and direction.

Watching it recently as a reference for a production I am directing and choreographing, I found it to be trite, dated, missing large portions of the musical itself, and just so terribly dated it was of little reference value for a modern production of the show.

There are some things I still love -- the cast (I can imitate half of the facial expressions on command); the songs; the whimsy. I do love that they replaced We Beseech Thee with Beautiful City -- a change not permitted for current productions, and a prettier song at a clumsy transition point in the stage musical.

But watching the movie is almost impossible without cringing now -- the orchestrations are terrible, the videography dated, the colors washed out. Victor Garber looks more effeminate now than he did when I was 13, of course, but it detracts from the overall taste. NYC looks dirty, dingy, and...well...smelly in this movie. Yeah Yeah, I know, I lived there for 14 years shortly after this movie was released and it WAS dirty, dingy and smelly...but it's a NYC most of us would choose to forget rather than glorify.

For a far superior musical theatre interpretation on film, set in NYC, see HAIR.

Don't get me wrong, I love the show, once upon a time this was a solid movie musical, but it is just an empty shell of itself at this time. For serious musical theatre nostalgia buffs only.

BUY THIS MOVE+ONE FOR A FRIEND!.......2007-08-26

Godspell is something like a deceptively whimsical "Sesame Street" style synopsis and presentation of the very real, hard hitting, teachings and ministry of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The music and acting are both enchanting and thoroughly enjoyable.

Watch this movie a few times -- carefully -- and you'll have more than an elementary grasp of the essential teachings of Christ and the foundation of His Church. That is, apart from the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Scribes (called lawyers here), and what was ungodly and godly, common Judaism.

I very highly recommend Godspell to anyone over age 15. Kids will find it funny and amusing, whereas it is hoped that older, more thoughtful and open minded people, should come away from this amazing movie both disturbed and greatly exhilarated.

FYI, Godspell was filmed (partly) atop one of the yet-unfinished World Trade Center towers. (Just before their completion, whilst filming Godspell: circa 1972-73.)

May this movie plant a holy seed within you, to grow into something beautiful -- and bear much good fruit.

godspell dvd.......2007-07-30

we love this movie and I knew that i would be able to find it on amazon! thanks!

Rent (Widescreen, Special Edition) & Godspell, 2-Pack (btb)

Average customer rating:

Rent (Widescreen, Special Edition) & Godspell, 2-Pack (btb)
Starring: Sony Home Picture 2pak
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000E41MJU
Release Date: 2006-02-21

Rent (Fullscreen, Special Edition) & Godspell 2-Pack (B2B)

Average customer rating:

Rent (Fullscreen, Special Edition) & Godspell 2-Pack (B2B)
Starring: Sony Home Picture 2pak
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000E41MJA
Release Date: 2006-02-21

BiscuitHands, the Animated Musical (WideScreen)

Average customer rating:

BiscuitHands, the Animated Musical

BiscuitHands, the Animated Musical (WideScreen)

Manufacturer: CustomFlix
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0007UMOF2
Release Date: 2006-07-13

Product Description

A contemporary musical based on the works of Mathew, Mark, Luke & John; comprised of 25 original scores: Pop,(mild) Hip-Hop, Rock, R&B & Classical tempos. A 110-minute extravaganza with no spoken dialog for all ages & musical tastes to enjoy!

Customer Reviews:

BiscuitHands, the Animated Musical.......2007-02-13

In another time, in another place, on another planet (much similar to our own), one man challenged the oppression & injustice of those who ruled with an iron fist with a message of love & peace as his only weapons!

DVD:

DVD

DVD