Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) Reviews

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
Member Rating:  
The second Biblical epic to be turned into a musical by composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, this box-office disappointment recounts the last week in the life of Jesus Christ in rock-opera format and from the surprising point of view of Christ's betrayer, Judas Iscariot. Carl Anderson stars as Judas, who has begun to believe that Jesus (Ted Neeley) has sold out and started buying into the mythology that's quickly springing up around him. Particularly disturbing to Judas is the relationship between Jesus and his friend Mary Magdalene (Yvonne Elliman), a prostitute. When Jesus throws a temper tantrum at the moneylenders in a temple, Judas determines to work with the Pharisees who want to put Jesus on trial as a false prophet. Following his success with the adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof (1971), director Norman Jewison experimented with a hippie-influenced sensibility on Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). Among such touches are depictions of the cast arriving via bus to mount the show, modern high-tech weaponry in the hands of the ancient Romans, and on-location filming in Israel. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Starring:
Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, (more)
Director(s):
Norman Jewison
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
G
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Average Ratings

(12 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

MURDINA M.

I remember waiting for late night showings of Jesus Christ Superstar around Eastertime. I owned the album and the sheet music. Artistically, of course, it's wonderful but I was jolted, even as a child, by the spirituality of the story. For the first time, Jesus was made accessible to me. He was a man, he had doubts, temper, frustration and he loved Judas like a brother. He was not fooled by him and Judas was not a snake. I had a hard time with the story of Jesus when I was a child because it never seemed like "suffering" if he knew all the time that he was the son of God. This rendition of the story left me awestruck in the 70's and it still does. The casting is so perfect, you almost forget it's just a movie an not an actual recounting.

Yes   |   No


Thomas and Maranda W.

I enjoyed this movie immensely. The songs are wonderful, and the story is beautifully told. It is a good idea to watch with an open mind. It may not mesh exactly with your personal faith, but it does not disrespect anyone's, either. Appreciate the film for its artistic merit, if anything else.

Yes   |   No


Janice L. P.

Though it may seem dated, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is still a film worth checking out. Ever since its origin as a concept recording, the subject and how it was presented caused its controversy for the time. The film may not be what everyone expected, but it is visually incredible. The sunsets over the Israeli deserts are awesome. The music, though not groundbreaking, is still some of the best work Andrew Lloyd Webber has written, as well as the lyrics of Tim Rice.

Yes   |   No


Marcia B.

The music and movie treatment of this story were so different from what I was used to that I didn't enjoy either of them very much the first time around. I felt the same way about "Fiddler on the Roof." But the second time around--for each of these movies--I saw more, heard more, and understood more. Now they are two of my all-time favorite operas/musicals.

Yes   |   No


Stephanie P.

I really enjoyed this musical. It was witty and well done. I thought it was a nice spin on an old story. It still gets across the point of Jesus' life, but in a fun way. I can only imagine how much better it probably is on the stage!

Yes   |   No


Brian W.

Considering I was born in 1970 and this movie was made in 1973, it's the first film I can remember seeing as a young boy. I haven't seen this movie since the mid to late 70's and was thrilled with it being in the Blockbuster inventory. Although rock operas have fallen to the way side, what made me rent it after over 2 decades? Of course at the time I really didn't understand the meaning but dramatics of the cinematography and the music made a life long impression. Being older now, I understand the words. I think what would be a good review is to have some of America's church leaders all converge to a theater to watch this movie and see what they say.

Yes   |   No


Joseph W.

For the singing and blocking of the movie; I would say it was done very well. A timeless story but I don't believe considering the severity of the subject, it is hardly one to dwell on in a positive manner. Perhaps the real question at hand is "what would Jesus think of what was done here"? Did anyone start to believe or did it just put what happened in a more friendly light? It would be too early to say that it will be a cult classic however it would seem to headed in that direction.

Yes   |   No


DEIRDRE H.

I enjoyed seeing this movie again. Just saw the live muscial with Ted Neely and wanted to see him perform it in the movie version. It was as good and powerful as I remembered it in 1973.

Yes   |   No


Thomas C.

I saw this musical years ago on stage at the Chicago Theater and it was goose bumps the whole way through. This movie version was a let down. It was excellent performances, but the overall package did not give me goose bumps until the very end of the movie. It was a good movie, but I was expecting more since I enjoyed the stage version so much.

Yes   |   No


Tony C.

The only thing good about it was the music, singing and dancing. This is not a movie made to understand anything about Jesus and/or the mission of his life. I found myself laughing once when they portrayed the rulers as angry homosexuals. The most impressive thing about Jesus here is his vocal range and control. Other Reviews: +++++ The Greatest Story Ever Told - I believe that this as more accurate account of recorded history. **** The Passion of The Christ - Capitalizing on a generations' lust for gore, this movie has little dialogue and is bloodier than it needed to be. But it still depicted the reality of how Jesus unjustly suffered at the hands of mankind. **** The Life of Brian- This is a comedy about a fictitious character that is crucified during the times of Jesus. It was clearly designed to be a hilarious joke, and not a twisted interpretation of History. +++++ Jesus of Nazareth - I enjoyed this movie very much. +++++ King Of Kings -Another great movie.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (12)
     
    MURDINA M.

    I remember waiting for late night showings of Jesus Christ Superstar around Eastertime. I owned the album and the sheet music. Artistically, of course, it's wonderful but I was jolted, even as a child, by the spirituality of the story. For the first time, Jesus was made accessible to me. He was a man, he had doubts, temper, frustration and he loved Judas like a brother. He was not fooled by him and Judas was not a snake. I had a hard time with the story of Jesus when I was a child because it never seemed like "suffering" if he knew all the time that he was the son of God. This rendition of the story left me awestruck in the 70's and it still does. The casting is so perfect, you almost forget it's just a movie an not an actual recounting.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Thomas and Maranda W.

    I enjoyed this movie immensely. The songs are wonderful, and the story is beautifully told. It is a good idea to watch with an open mind. It may not mesh exactly with your personal faith, but it does not disrespect anyone's, either. Appreciate the film for its artistic merit, if anything else.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Janice L. P.

    Though it may seem dated, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is still a film worth checking out. Ever since its origin as a concept recording, the subject and how it was presented caused its controversy for the time. The film may not be what everyone expected, but it is visually incredible. The sunsets over the Israeli deserts are awesome. The music, though not groundbreaking, is still some of the best work Andrew Lloyd Webber has written, as well as the lyrics of Tim Rice.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 12 Reviews
       

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