More Than Just a Chariot Race: Easter Entertainment Picks

Happy Easter, folks! Enjoy your bunnies and Jesus.

As XC's resident film critic (and really, technically, its only resident), just thought I'd recommend a few classic movies to watch to commemorate this rejuvenating time of year... and a few things to stay away from.

Things You Should Watch

• Ben-Hur (1959)-- Famous for its pre-climactic chariot race, this 222-minute classic (212 without the overture & intermission), features so many more great scenes: a stunning sea battle, a daring attempted prison break, a procession through Rome that involves absolutely no CGI, and Christ scenes that are reverent without being cheesy or regrettable. The great performances by Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, and Hugh Griffith only enhance the film, as does the music and the mind-bogglingly wide widescreen photography.
• Godspell (1973)-- The gospel of St. Matthew comes to 1973 New York in this presumably low-budget cult classic, in which a cast of ten incredibly talented people (including Victor Garber and Carmen Sandiego's Lynne Thigpen) reenact Biblical parables in between weird but no less compelling songs. The choreography is great, and the city incomparably beautiful, even if the hair and costumes are dated (and believe me, they are; America's farthest-right right winger would notice). It all leads up to a powerful reenactment of the Last Supper and an eerie interpretive presentation of the Crucifixion and resurrection.
• Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)-- Actually filmed on location in Beit Guvrin, Israel, this amusingly retro but no less dramatic rock opera (directed by Fiddler on the Roof's Norman Jewison and co-produced by Grease's Robert Stigwood) features some of the best vocal performances in the history of rock and roll. A few critics say it's disrespectful (most publicly Archie Bunker) but it's actually based directly on the layout of the Gospels and treats Jesus, oddly enough, with the reverence a Christian should expect.

Things You Really Shouldn't:

• It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown (1974)-- Okay, so Charlie Brown is fun, but it should never be dated. With its cheesy 70s music and dreadful voice work, this lesser special does not belong in the same league as the ubiquitous Christmas and Halloween shows. Although the climactic appearance of the Easter Beagle is great fun.
• The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)-- Seriously, baaaaaad George Stevens! Misusing the super-wide screen format of Ben-Hur, the widescreen-hating director churned out this overlong, laborious, mind-numbing and waaaaaaay too preachy account of the life of Christ. Max von Sydow plays Jesus, but his eyes are terrifying. And the film is punctuated with dismal, tacky, inappropriate cameos-- most notably, John Wayne.
• The Silver Chalice (1954)-- Highlight: Paul Newman's film debut. Lowlight: Paul Newman's film debut. This lousy adaptation of a mediocre bestseller is poorly acted, poorly filmed, and hideously designed. Also-- worst. Use. Of. Lorne. Greene. Ever.