Rent Jesus Christ Superstar (2000)

Good - mostly - Jesus Christ Superstar review by SB

This made for TV video version from 2000 takes advantage of improved technologies since the 1973 Jewison film and therefore comnparisons are slightly unfair. But nevertheless, this is a far better production in terms of direction and appearance than that hippyish desert-set film. It is much more tightly focussed, the songs are with a few exceptions better done, and there's a more consistent approach to the world in which it is set (a sort of updated militaristic state).

However, that's not to say everything is great. While Jerome Pradon is good as Judas in terms of both singing and acting, Glenn Carter makes a very bland Jesus. Although JCS is in some ways as much about Judas as it is about Jesus, it's not good when he is much more charismatic than the Messiah. And Glenn Carter's singing is only adequate at best. As Mary Magdalene, Renee Carter is a believable prostitute and sings reasonably well, but she is not up to the demands of 'I don't know how to love Him'. Amongst the supporting cast, Fred Johanson does well as Pilate. Rik Mayall camps it up as Herod, but looks like an after-thought. It could have been anyone under those disco lights.

There are one or two not-so-good moments. At one point the apostles (often the weak link in this work) veer dangerously close to a Monty Python and the Holy Grail vibe, and the ending is too drawn out. But overall, this is a version well worth seeing.