Product: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 3.0
Conceptually flawed
I don't think any one ever tried to pass off _Joeseph_ as a really great show. It is light, superficial entertainment that an entire family can enjoy, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, when a production of such a show is as ludicrous as this one, there is a problem. First there is the Assembly within a show concept. Throughught the movie There are these little pericriol school children who get up and clap after big production numbers as if to say to us the viewers: "That was supposed to be impressive." Sometimes, such as during "Close Every Door To Me" they just start singing along holding candles that apparently fell out of the sky (like most of the plot and story). Other parts of the movie are just cheesey. The director tried to maintain most of the elements of the recent stage production, which didn't transfer well to film. The performances, with the exception of Osmand's, play to the back of the auditorium, not the camera that is right in their face. Thus, everyone looks phony. If they wanted to preserve the elements of the stage production, they should have just videotaped a live performance of the stage production.There are some good things about this movie. Osmand is a pretty good Joeseph. He brings the right level of fun and wholesomeness to the role without overacting, looking fake, or appearing maudlin. Many of the musical numbers are generally entertaining, and the cast is very good vocally. The score isn't great, but its gimicky production numbers and pop ballads fit the show well. This show tries to be family fun, and on many levels it is. It is definately appropriate for the whole family, and younger people (I'd say jr. high on down for girls, 5th grade on down for boys) will find it enjoyable. Some parents may find it cute and most will find it tolerable. However, the bottom line is it isn't that good. As a family bonding expierience it works, other than that it just doesn't.