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Trailer for "Sweet Jesus"

In the finale of Jesus Christ Superstar, Judas chastises Jesus for bad timing: “If you’d come today you could have reached a whole nation…Israel in 4 B.C. had no mass communication.” This could serve as the launching point for Greg Sterlace’s new film, Sweet Jesus, which is more ambitious and provocative than his previous efforts, Ross and Gwen and Failure. The film screens at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Centre on Saturday, September 2nd, at 7pm.

Sweet Jesus depicts a visit by Jesus (bowing to public misperception, he now accepts “Christ” as his last name) to Buffalo when certain parties are monopolizing Christianity, and the population has forgotten the importance of spirituality in religion. Sterlace, known locally as a musician and as the host of a cable access show, and his co-writer, Paula Wachowiak, mine humor from Jesus’s efforts to convince area residents of his identity. But soon enough, the son of God, backed by new apostles (all women this time), embarks on a media campaign to remind people of the true meaning of his teachings.

In the title role, Richard Lambert, who carries the weight of the entire film on his shoulders, is a revelation in an extremely difficult role. Tall and paunchy, Lambert portrays Jesus as a likable fellow with a touch of everyman sincerity, reminiscent of Gary Cooper. I laughed at Jesus’s gentle banter with His Father, and found myself rooting for him on his mission. I also laughed at his encounter with a born-again Christian (Frank Giambra), and his admonishment of a televangelist (J. Saxman).

Other roles are filled by artists, oddballs and misfits from Sterlace’s show. Todd Mattina is a charismatic Satan, and Lukia Costello is surprisingly moving as a lost soul who finds temporary salvation. I liked many of the bit players, too numerous to mention in a film with so many speaking parts. Several local performers contributed to the soulful soundtrack, and Richard Wicka’s cinematography nicely captures the Queen City despite the limitations of video.

Although it tackles serious—and potentially controversial—issues, the film’s gentle nature and upbeat message reminded me of both Oh, God! and A Miracle on 34th Street. The lack of any real art direction makes for a theatrical, rather than cinematic, experience, but this homegrown entertainment earns the support of its home town. Hopefully, Sterlace and company will spread the word beyond our neck of the Rust Belt.