Godspell (1973) Review in 2025
Godspell is a 1973 musical film based on the 1970 Broadway musical of the same name, with a book, music, and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The movie follows a group of young people in New York City as they come together to perform a musical production of the Gospel according to Matthew.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Yes, this movie is suitable for family viewing, but parental discretion is advised due to some mature themes and mild language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of musicals and those interested in biblical adaptations. However, it's not a must-see, and viewers may find it a bit slow-paced and disjointed at times.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie is a loose adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew, with a modern twist. The story revolves around a group of young people who are brought together by a charismatic leader, Jesus, to perform a musical production of the Gospel. As the story unfolds, the characters face various challenges and conflicts, ultimately leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is a loose adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew, with a modern twist. The narrative is engaging, but it feels a bit disjointed at times. The pacing is slow, and the story could have benefited from a more focused approach.
acting7.00/10
The acting is solid, but it feels a bit uneven at times. Victor Garber shines as Jesus, but the supporting actors are a bit forgettable. The musical numbers are well-performed, but the singing and dancing could have been more polished.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but they feel a bit one-dimensional at times. The charismatic leader, Jesus, is the most compelling character, but even he feels a bit underutilized. The supporting characters are likable, but they lack depth and complexity.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, but it feels a bit inconsistent at times. The cinematography is beautiful, and the musical numbers are well-choreographed. However, the editing could have been tighter, and the pacing could have been more even.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of New York City and the musical numbers. The color palette is vibrant, and the lighting is excellent. The camera work is creative, and the use of close-ups and wide shots is effective.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a beautiful soundtrack, stunning cinematography, and a charismatic performance from Victor Garber. The musical numbers are well-choreographed, and the story is engaging, even if it feels a bit disjointed at times.
Cons
The pacing is slow, and the story could have benefited from a more focused approach. The characters feel a bit one-dimensional, and the supporting actors are a bit forgettable. The editing could have been tighter, and the cinematography could have been more consistent.
Notable Quotes
"Day by day, day by day, I'm far away from home."
"When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high."
"When you're not sure of what to do, just remember what I told you."
