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superstar
 Jesus Christ Superstar $19.98 As a lifetime fan of Jesus Christ Superstar who has opened his mind to many interpretations of this story, and of the music, I must say that Jesus Christ Superstar 2000 is perhaps my least favorite "professional" production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's classic rock-opera. Perhaps I am biased from being raised on the 70s film starring Ted Neely in the role of Christ, and Carl Anderson as Judas, but I honestly don't think that I am biased, even having heard Neely live, for I have accepted many other recordings. The cast of 2000 is just not right! It is flawed in many, many ways. For starters I'm going to do presentation. The entire film is set in essential the same sets, which I have no problem with, seeing as I'm a proud fan of theater. My problem is not the sets, but the entire art design of this production. What I do have a problem with is that this production destroys what the best productions had aimed for, which was finding common ground for ALL audiences. One major appeal of the 1970s film was that they tried to not discriminate against the Romans, or the Jewish leaders; it was very open, and fair in its portrayals, even adding a song to Caiaphas and Annas to show that their reaction to Jesus' popularity wasn't of spite, but of fear (which, given the time, is COMPLETELY understandable). In this production the Jewish leaders are portrayed as evil, and I'm not Jewish, but this just is low, because anyone who has studied history should know that the reaction to Jesus was completely natural; no one wanted a rabble rouser to start a problem...because that would mean the Roman army would come back. Also, every character in this production - even the lepers - all look GREAT, as in fine specimens of the human race. Getting around to the performers; Glen Carter leads the cast and as Jesus falls short in every regard. He seems to have come for a church choir audition oblivious to the fact that this is a ROCK (key word being ROCK) opera. His soft, mellow voice is not fit for the role in the slightest. Even worse is the fact that he just isn't at all convincing in the role. Take away Ted Neely's beard and long hair in the original film and he STILL gave a convincing performance in the role; the intensity in his eyes as if he knew something was great and he radiated a strong presence. Glen Carter has no such aura. Jrme Pradon is the real problem with this production. His scratchy voice is not at all fitting for the role of Judas, who is actually SUPPOSED to be the real star of this musical. This musical is mainly from Judas' perspective, and he is supposed to be a sympathetic character whose path has been set by God and he can't change it. 2000's portrayal returns the nihilistic interpretation where Judas is shown as nothing more that a schemer, and given the way Pradon sings the part it's obvious they wanted the most snake-like voice they could find when casting. Whoever lead the production seems oblivious the fact that this musical's point was to show Judas in a human light. In all there are a few good numbers in here, but nothing that really stands out. What I remember most is just how dumbed down they've made the story. For the flogging here there is more blood than the original film, but no where near as brutal (they have people SLAP him in this one...SLAPPING!). They've turned a musical that shows the complex, human aspects of these historic figures and turned it into a simple "Good and Evil" story. In one line they even have Annas say "Is that it for the Jewish dream?" in a maniacal tone while Jesus is taken to trial...isn't' Annas SUPPOSED TO BE JEWISH?! The logic of this lyric particularly has me baffled because people into history should know that the Jewish leaders acted on what they believed to be their best interest, not to destroy their own dreams. So its little things like this that make an otherwise stylish production lose all value with me as a fan of the musical. I guess this version is meant for the more traditional Christians than the original, but at that price it totally ostracizes anyone outside the Christian faith. As a Christian, and a fan of this musical, I was not at all impressed by this production. Numbers that should have rocked the house such as Heaven On Their Minds, Gethsemane, and Superstar fall horribly flat while the only good numbers are small ones such as Pilate And Christ, Jesus Must Die, Simon Zealotes, and Peter's Denial. This is the most forgettable version of the musical I have ever seen and I recommend you sticking with the original which is a thought provoking, timeless classic with rocking tunes and performers with sheer talent. P.S. Pretty arrogant of Andrew Lloyd Webber to have them title it "Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar 2000" when fans should know that the story concept, and lyrics were written and conceived by Tim Rice.  Superstar $9.98 Molly Shannon developed the character of Mary Katherine Gallagher for Saturday Night Live! There isn't really enough material to expand the sketch to a full length movie, but they made a valiant effort. Hey, it worked for Wayne's World. Parts are funny, but like Mary Katherine Gallagher's auditions, a lot of parts just fall flat. Mary works as a video store rewind girl, and that provides her the opportunity to watch tons of films, classic and trashy. She memorizes parts and then says things like, "my feelings are best expressed by this dramatic monologue from ________ (insert classic yet incongruous movie title here). Will Ferrell plays a dual role, and is perhaps funnier in his second role. Tom Green doesn't have much to do, and frankly that is a blessing. Emmy Laybourne was great in a little bit as Helen Lewengrub, Mary's friend from Special Ed. At a boring assembly, they amuse themselves by playing Supermodel documentary hour. Though it was just an interlude that did nothing to advance the plot, it was nevertheless a most pleasant excursion. No need for a sequel, the material has already been stretched thin enough. I confess that I liked parts of this, but it would be a sin to say that this is a great movie. ------------------------ Mary Katherine Gallagher: Sometimes, when I get nervous, I stick my hands under my armpits and than I smell them like this! ================================== Year of the Dog (2007) Molly Shannon was Peggy Marie Antoinette (2006) Molly Shannon was Aunt Victoire Talladega Nights - The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (2006) Will Ferrell was Ricky Bobby; and Molly Shannon was Mrs. Dennit Anchorman - The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (Unrated Widescreen Edition) (2004) Will Ferrell was Ron Burgundy Old School (Widescreen Unrated Edition) (2003) Will Ferrell was Frank Ricard Freddy Got Fingered (2001) Tom Green was Gord Brody; and Harland Williams was Darren Road Trip (Unrated Edition) (2000) Tom Green was Barry Manilow The Suburbans (1999) Will Ferrell was Gil A Night at the Roxbury (1998) Will Ferrell was Steve Butabi; and Molly Shannon was Emily Sanderson Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997) Elaine Hendrix was Lisa Luder ---------------------------------- Helen Lewengrub: You know what it's time for... Supermodel documentary hour! =========================================  adidas Originals Men's Superstar II Sneaker,Whte/White/White,10 M $69.95 The shoes came quickly and were a perfect fit for my son. He loves them. Thanks.  adidas Originals Men's Superstar 2 Sneaker,Black/Black,11 M $70.00 I am always fasinated with addidas brand. I look forward to proudly wearing this type. My first purchase a bit too big because it was a male size bought for a female. However, I re-ordered the correct size and know that I would be satisfied with my new choice. I like my addidas wear, there is nothing like it. |
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