This is more than a remake of the 73 version, it blows it away.
It's strong cast is it's fine point, Glenn Carter makes a marvellous Jesus, and his rendition of 'Gethsemane' is truly heartrending. Jerome Pradon (although clearly subject to debate) does make a very good Judas. He does what Carl Anderson fails to do and makes Judas human. He adds depth and character and also, importantly, pitiful for want of a better word, wheras Anderson left me cold.
Renee Castle makes a good Mary Magdalene, and although not perfect, is definetly better than the simpering Yvonne Elliman, who simply made my blood curdle.
Fred Johanson as Pontious Pilate could have been a risk, as he hasn't a wonderful voice, but he manages it well and it is his acting that truly makes this the best performance of Pilate I have ever seen.
When I saw Rik Mayall on the cast list, I originally thought he was just to draw inconsumers, but I was pleasantly surprised. He gives an absolutely sidesplitting performance as Herod, enough to make you totally forget any other Herod you've seen. Some may complain that he mostly speaks his way through his song, but I wouldn'r find this a point to quibble over, he still makes a stellar performance.
The sparce set is perfect, as are the modern costumes (just wait til you see the angels dressed in skintight black pvc and white feathered wings!) and the details such as the diciples' machine guns and crucifix tattoos on some of them, adds a new twist to the original film version, which although has a breathtaking set, leaves you feeling slightly cold. This, in comparison, will not leave as soon as the movie ends, but will be in your thoughts for hours.
If you are any kind of music fan, WATCH THIS FILM. The music is amazing, truly the best musical ever written.
