Expectations were mixed for this remake of 'West Side Story'. The 1961 adaptation of Leonard Bernstein's classic is one of my favourite musicals and an all time favourite as well. Have always loved Steven Spielberg as a director, despite him being hit and miss for quite some time. Not to mention the awards attention. Remakes do not have the best of reputations, with many being pointless and bad on their own terms (i.e. 'Psycho', 'The Wicker Man', 'Rollerball').
Likewise with major directors directing one musicals, look to Sidney Lumet for 'The Wiz' and Richard Attenborough for 'A Chorus Line (actually found it hard to believe that they did those films). John Huston's 'Annie' also has a not so good reputation, have personally always loved that film while acknowledging that Huston was not the right director. While not loving it as much as the critics and understanding the division, 'West Side Story' does not disgrace the original and is one of Spielberg's better films in recent years, while also having a huge amount to love on its own terms.
There are issues. The weak link is the stiff, bland and one note performance of Ansel Elgort as Tony, who also overacts unintentionally humorously towards the end. Also would have liked a lot more romantic chemistry between him and Rachel Zegler, which is nowhere near as well developed or interesting as the gang rivalry.
What would have made it a little more believable would have been to have had "Tonight" more stripped back and straightforward and not have the amount of clambering there was. Did think too that it was misjudged to not have subtitles, which is likely to confuse those with limited or no knowledge of the language and the idea to give "Somewhere" to Rita Moreno's character and at the time it was placed made no sense.
However, so much is great. There are improvements here, the rivalry between the gangs is much grittier as is the portrayal of the Sharks (if the film did exactly how they were portrayed in the original it would be seen as problematic). Really appreciated that a backstory was given to Tony and Riff has a lot more depth too. The diversity did not bother me at all. It is beautifully made, with stunning photography and absolutely loved how they opened up the action with more authentic and uncompromising locations. Spielberg is far from out of his depth, directing it like a love letter to the genre and with affection while not being overblown.
Bernstein's music is still timeless and vibrantly arranged, especially "America". Many of the musical numbers are staged incredibly well, with "America" being a hugely colourful showstopper. "Officer Krupkee" is absolutely hilarious and the montage in the second rendition of "Tonight" was beautifully put together and sweet. And then there is the showdown, which is full of fierce brutality. The rest of the performances are terrific. Zegler is a revelation and it was like she had been doing film and musicals for years, she really charmed and moved me. Her one failure was Maria's indifferent reaction to Bernardo's death, but that was a directing issue rather than her. Ariana DeBose is amazing too as Anita, the fire and passion she shows sizzling. Mike Faist brings so much nuance and depth to Riff.
Concluding, really liked it while not loving it. 7/10.
Likewise with major directors directing one musicals, look to Sidney Lumet for 'The Wiz' and Richard Attenborough for 'A Chorus Line (actually found it hard to believe that they did those films). John Huston's 'Annie' also has a not so good reputation, have personally always loved that film while acknowledging that Huston was not the right director. While not loving it as much as the critics and understanding the division, 'West Side Story' does not disgrace the original and is one of Spielberg's better films in recent years, while also having a huge amount to love on its own terms.
There are issues. The weak link is the stiff, bland and one note performance of Ansel Elgort as Tony, who also overacts unintentionally humorously towards the end. Also would have liked a lot more romantic chemistry between him and Rachel Zegler, which is nowhere near as well developed or interesting as the gang rivalry.
What would have made it a little more believable would have been to have had "Tonight" more stripped back and straightforward and not have the amount of clambering there was. Did think too that it was misjudged to not have subtitles, which is likely to confuse those with limited or no knowledge of the language and the idea to give "Somewhere" to Rita Moreno's character and at the time it was placed made no sense.
However, so much is great. There are improvements here, the rivalry between the gangs is much grittier as is the portrayal of the Sharks (if the film did exactly how they were portrayed in the original it would be seen as problematic). Really appreciated that a backstory was given to Tony and Riff has a lot more depth too. The diversity did not bother me at all. It is beautifully made, with stunning photography and absolutely loved how they opened up the action with more authentic and uncompromising locations. Spielberg is far from out of his depth, directing it like a love letter to the genre and with affection while not being overblown.
Bernstein's music is still timeless and vibrantly arranged, especially "America". Many of the musical numbers are staged incredibly well, with "America" being a hugely colourful showstopper. "Officer Krupkee" is absolutely hilarious and the montage in the second rendition of "Tonight" was beautifully put together and sweet. And then there is the showdown, which is full of fierce brutality. The rest of the performances are terrific. Zegler is a revelation and it was like she had been doing film and musicals for years, she really charmed and moved me. Her one failure was Maria's indifferent reaction to Bernardo's death, but that was a directing issue rather than her. Ariana DeBose is amazing too as Anita, the fire and passion she shows sizzling. Mike Faist brings so much nuance and depth to Riff.
Concluding, really liked it while not loving it. 7/10.