Godspell
Godspell
G | 21 March 1973 (USA)
Godspell Trailers

A modern day musical telling of the ministry of Jesus Christ set in New York. The Apostles, portrayed as an acting troupe re-enact the parables and teachings of Jesus.

Reviews
robgst

Ew I've never seen Victor Garber in Godspell and I find it disgusting. It's like he's in drag but like drag to be young you know? I'm just so used to him looking a certain way, and he looks exactly the same except so young...it's uncanny and disturbing 1/10

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James N. O'Sullivan

I picked up a DVD copy of this movie for 6 bucks the other day and watched it. Knowing what I know now, I would have paid 20. This movie is a wonder to behold. From the very beginning, it is musically witty, vibrantly colorful, uniquely humorous, and interestingly romantic. It is romantic in that it shows a different side of the Gospel, and that is the love between Jesus and his disciples, even when Judas/John betrays him (I warned you - spoilers!). And probably the best part about this movie is the lack of objectionable material. Aside from one profanity, a slightly burlesque number (in which the singer jokingly proclaims in a Lauren Bacall-like voice, "Ooh, come here, Jesus, I got something to show you"), and a depressing scene at the end where Jesus dies, there is literally nothing objectionable in this great musical movie. The songs are genius, the comedy is palpable, the acting is great, and the overall production value is superb. I highly recommend this movie!

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moonspinner55

"Godspell" (a play on the word 'gospel') lived in the shadows--as an off-Broadway musical, a roadshow production, and as a motion picture--of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's "Jesus Christ Superstar". It doesn't help that the pocket of post-flower power young people who make up the cast are outfitted like happy refugees from a carnival: thrift-shop chic with vaudevillian makeup (it smacks of preciousness, and perhaps an old fogy's idea of being 'alive' and free). It's The Gospel According to Matthew as a Rock Musical (what a come on!), and yet the music isn't rock: it's ersatz folk. The real star of this movie-adaptation is New York City (looking beguilingly nonthreatening); cinematographer Richard Heimann gets some stunning shots of the Big Apple that are (as seen today) both wistful and vulnerable: lonely skyscrapers with only one another for company. The cast has been encouraged to play-up to the camera--to exaggerate, both comedically and dramatically, their actions and responses--so that audiences will respond only to what's in the moment. This may be why the picture barely leaves a trace of itself in the memory. "Day by Day" was the sole hit from the stage show, and no wonder: the rest is a whirling-twirling blur. ** from ****

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johnstonjames

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.

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