I come back to this movie every decade or so of my life, and I always walk away in love with it again.While in content it might diverge a bit from standard canon, in its soul i have always felt it was the BEST and truest to the essence telling of the Christ story ever made.Jesus after all, WAS a peace-loving, communal-living, drug-sharing hippie. (What drugs you ask? I remind you that the drug of choice in the time and place was alcohol, and refer you to a certain marriage scene in Cana.) Just like the hippies of the 60s, he violated the social and moral conventions of his day in order to say that there was a better way to live.JC Superstar is a far more impressive literary work. But Godspell to me says it all without the confusion and pretension that has crept in in the past 2000 years.

As I placed "Godspell" into my DVD player, I could feel a certain skepticism in myself that I don't normally get when it comes to movie musicals. Being a Jewish teen watching a musical based on the gospel according to St. Matthew really makes you wonder whether the film is meant for you. Thankfully, I enjoyed it immensely. "Godspell" is some kind of forgotten and underrated musical classic among the more contemporary movies and Broadway shows. It is relaxing, funny, entertaining, and heartfelt.The film takes place in NYC. Here we are introduced to eight common-folk just trying to make the best of their lives in the world. One is a clumsy waitress, another controls traffic, another is a struggling actress, etc. Then, a mystical being appears, a man by the name of John. Once he blows the shofar, the eight disciples abandon their lifestyle and meet up in Central Park, where John baptizes them in the nearby water fountain in song. That's when another person comes into the picture, a wimpy but outgoing man wearing light circus makeup and a "Superman" t-shirt with an afro by the name of Jesus. He is baptized also by John, who is rather stunned by his appearance. Jesus goes on to teach the eight other people of God's ways and his commandments.You get the point. Basically, "Godspell" is about Jesus Christ. You've probably seen this many times before. But this movie musical, based on the off-Broadway show, is fresh and original in its ways of storytelling.Of course, a heavy point of the movie is religion. "Godspell" came out in 1973, the same year as the film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's "Jesus Christ Superstar." Why do I prefer "Godspell" to the latter? As beautiful as the music from "Jesus Christ Superstar" is, Norman Jewison directed the film from a Christian standpoint. Therefore, it doesn't work for everyone. Obviously, "Godspell" finds its place among Christian viewers, but it doesn't favor that specific religion. You don't have to be Christian to like it, as you can already tell from when I mentioned I was Jewish. There are even great instances of spoken Hebrew in the film.Stephen Schwartz, known best for scoring the music for shows such as "Pippin" and "Wicked," makes great music for this film. It is not too difficult for the actors to perform, but it feels like Broadway through and through. Such songs as "God Save The People," "All For The Best," "By My Side," and of course "Day By Day" make their mark here and really stand out among songs from other movie musicals.The cast is relatively, and sensibly, unknown, but everyone shines here, even if they don't have major Broadway voices. At least three of the film's cast members starred in the original stage production, and do very well adapting to film. But many of you will recognize a young Victor Garber as Jesus. With a string of performances in his Broadway repertoire("Sweeney Todd," and "Assassins" came later in his career), this was Garber's big break in the film business, and does an amazing job here. He has a great enthusiasm and love for the role, and provides the character with the wisdom and importance he deserves, as well as a great singing voice.In the end, "Godspell" is a fun and lovable musical with positive morals, a good cast, great songs, and an ending that erupts with intense rock and roll beauty and emotion. The older moviegoers who have known the show since they were young will probably enjoy the movie version as well, but it deserves more appreciation from the teenage theatre buffs who are raised on the newer form of musicals. Thank God for "Godspell!"

for anyone that knows and loves 'Godspell', they know it to be truly inspirational and a joy. to others it's just a bunch of Christian gibberish with a bunch of corny pop tunes. even though i really love this film musical i can understand the latter somewhat. even for Christian gospel, 'Godspell' is pretty watered-down and inordinately wholesome and harmless. usually that approach seems cornball to me most of the time, but not here. especially when associated with a certain amount of piety. a truly pious person shouldn't ask for too much controversy or decadence in entertainment.'Godspell' is also a nice and friendly way to approach the gospel and teachings of Jesus without being too intimidating or scary. Gibson's 'Passion' teaches novices that sacrifice is a bloody, violent, horror show straight out of 'Texas Chainsaw'. Pasolini's 'Matthew' is way too dry and cerebral and feels like a lecture at some commie kingdom hall. even the musical 'Superstar' can feel a little too somber at times. 'Godspell' is one of those experiences, like 'Technicolor Dreamcoat', that makes the gospel seem friendly and fun, and inspiring in a positive way. let people discover the scary side to Christianity once they become more initiated and stable with it. i mean you don't want to creep anyone out when they're right out of the gate.the music by Stephen Schwartz is lyrical and lilting and of his usual top-notch accomplished quality. not to mention just plain cute and fun.the ensemble cast led by 'Annie' star Vic Garber is funny and lively with lots and lots of creative and inspired injection. their creative enthusiasm effortlessly sustains a full length work like this.the photography of New York city remains some of the most beautiful cityscape panoramas in film. even by the standards of today.i can't imagine anyone, especially Christians, being offended by any of this. i can understand if you're not a Christian and can't stand gooey wholesomeness like this, but if you are a Christian and you get uptight with this, then you probably should lighten up a little and join the human race.a wonderful experience for all that are interested in the gospel. i couldn't recommend this more. just great.

Frankly, this movie is silly.Like others have mentioned, I too was confused at how "John the Baptist" morphed into Judas. It is dated, however that part can be fun. Also, seeing the Twin Towers...well, that is another subject (possibly the most powerful part of the film for today).Outside of that...it is a guilty pleasure. Kinda like the Godzilla (hmmm...God..zilla/God...spell) movies that your afraid to admit you watch despite their silliness.If you watch this movie, do it for the camp and the music, not the "message".