West Side Story

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source: West Side Story

Remakes are often letdowns, but this is an exception. Not that the original was bad, it wasn't, or that this deviated significantly, it didn't, but where it did, it was better. After seeing this version in the theater, I rewatched the original for comparison. Aside from one secondary character change and a few scene tweaks, the 2021 version is almost identical to the 1961 version. However, this one takes more definitive steps to place the setting in the mid-1950s, based on the autos and cultural references, as was the case in the book. A viewer of the '61 version could easily conclude it was taking place that year. There is also far more Spanish spoken by the Puerto Ricans. Some complain the movie needed subtitles, but in truth, there is enough "Spanglish" or English interjected in the conversation that a non-Spanish speaker could still get the gist of what was being said. Natalie Wood was a great actress but Rachel Zegler's accent was far less contrived. Finally, there was a slight relaxation of sexual mores. One thing that didn't change was amount ethnic grievance. It is a major theme of the story, but I worried the modern version might hype it even more to match contemporary trends. However, if one watches the original it was just as present, presumably to an audience that would have been far less receptive. It's unfortunate that it hasn't been more successful at the box office. I'd hate for Hollywood to conclude the only thing the viewers want is superhero films!

I have not seen the original West Side Story, but I had a blast with this remake. April burg is still one of the best directors working today and this movie proves that with nearly every shot. The acting and dancing is out of this world and the story kept me invested like the whole time. Really great stuff.

Full disclosure, I was and am a HUGE fan of the 1961 WEST SIDE STORY. I know it's every detail, every word of every lyric, every emotional cue. Rita Moreno was the iconic Rita. So, I went to see this new Spielberg directed, Moreno produced, 2021 version with more curiosity than expectation. Not forgetting that WEST SIDE STORY was inspired by Shakespeare's ROMEO AND JULIET, the general structure of the movies is the same yet contemporary and musical. The 2021 version is grittier. The context of the drama is more developed, setting it in a disappearing New York neighbourhood, which makes the rivalry of the street gangs more a matter of life and death that either the play or the first movie. Rita Moreno is very much celebrated in this new film, with a newly created character and a reallocation of a song. Two musical numbers in the 2021 version paled when compared to the 1961: (1) the dance at the gym didn't have the battle fever of the original (probably solely due to the incomparable Rita Moreno in 1961) and by moving Tony and Maria's first meeting from the actual dance to behind the bleachers it lost the transcendent quality of their love at first sight; and (2) Maria's "I Feel Pretty" scene being moved from a Dress Shop (where the girls worked) to a department store (where they were but a small part of a cleaning crew), despite the clever use of store displays, changed the context from dreaming of a wedding to dreaming of blending into Americana. I also felt that 2021 suffered from the loss of (a) priest, which stripped away marriage vows in a church for promises in a museum (??), and (b) the the loss of the potion separated the lovers and the tragic death of love at the end. HOWEVER, ALL COMPARISONS OR DISAPPOINTMENTS EVAPORATED when Rachel Zegler's soaring soprano lifted Maria's first note. It was so beautiful I had to remind myself to breath. Her duets with Amsel Elgort were transporting. What would have been a rating of 7 (good) was made 9 (superb) by Zegler's performance, making this a must see film. {Musical Drama}

West Side Story was my favorite musical yesterday. West Side Story is my favorite musical today. Until yesterday the 1961 version was my favorite, but this new version is better in everything, except for the novelty factor (although the 1st movie is also an adaptation of the play). Spielberg improved what was right and corrected what was wrong. DeBose, Zegler and Faist are sensational. Cinematography, choreography and editing outstanding. Perfect direction, with some of the most beautiful shots ever.

What is this with everyone crying about no subtitles? Most of what was said in spanish was immediately translated or given context in the next sentence, and everything else was obvious from context anyway. I don't get it. There were no subtitles needed. At all. I absolutely loved this. This is so many levels above No Way Home, which I saw on Saturday. It's such a stark contrast to see a legitimately good movie versus a bunch of fan service tied together with the thinnest of stories. Can't recommend this more. Rachel Zegler is AMAZING. She will be big.

One of Steven Spielberg's finest films which comes as a surprise because I was very spectical when it was first announced that there will be a remake of West Side Story and never had the impression Spielberg is the right director for a musical. But this proved me wrong, although there was a lot of emphasize of the non-musical elements which was when Spielberg came up the strongest. The way he put it in scene is pure magic. The camera ankles, the color of the film. Its just special and gave the impression to really watch a movie made in that period. The acting was very good. Ansel Elgort was fine, better than expected. Not outstandingly great, but got very good towards the end. I loved Rachel Zegler who gave the most perfect debut performance you could imagine. She was angelic and brought so much soul into that role. When she sang the first time it was like angels singing. Awesome. Loved Ariana DeBose who was heartbreaking and funny as Anita. Her "America" was just the highlight of the film. Rita Moreno was so much more than just a glorified cameo. She gave another award worthy performance. I really loved Mike Feist who was extremely natural. Great ensemble all together. The art direction and cinematography was absolutely outstanding and some of the best work of its craft since a long time. Choreography was sometimes a bit odd but I guess it fitted the film well. Great interpretation of the songs thanks to fantastic sound and editing. A true winner and so far the best film of the year!

Steven Spielberg can do no wrong. Everything about WSS 2021 is honed to perfection - the diverse cast, visual spectacle, music, stupendous dance numbers and exquisite cinematography. I'm glad Spielberg deftly addressed the negative stereotyping of the 1961 movie by including proper LatinX representation, relevant racial inequality discussions and a sprinkling of Spanish language dialogues. Will the Academy please give the 90-year-old Rita Moreno her second WSS Oscar recognition for that unforgettable live "Somewhere" performance. Long may she live, act and sing !