This was my first real exposure to the visual aspect of the show, and overall, I really enjoy the movie. Ted Neeley is a wonderful Jesus, and as I've said before, the soundtrack from the movie is my favourite recording of the show. The way they chose to do this movie is probably not the way I would have done it, but if you take that into account at the very beginning, I think it works. The symbolism of all the scenery can be very effective, as can the costumes. And I really enjoy most of the cast. Right up on the list of favourite scenes would have to be I Don't Know How to Love Him and Gethsemane...both of them are beautiful songs, and the way they were filmed really brings out the emotion of the pieces. Also, Pilate's Dream is up there in the same category. The orchestrations for the whole score are really wonderful...they manage to bring out the rock feeling of the music and still somehow fit with the backdrop.

Things I didn't like? The tanks! :-) What's up with those?? My poor friend Melanie had nightmares about those tanks. Also, I didn't particularly enjoy the way they did King Herod's song. I don't know if I like how they did it on stage either (as an Elvis-type parody), but that at least makes a bit of sense (although it reminded me too much of "Song of the King" from Joseph).

Still, whether you're familiar with the show on stage or not, I think this movie is an interesting watch.