'West Side Story' Is An Instant Classic (Again)
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'West Side Story' Is An Instant Classic (Again)

Fans of the original 1957 broadway play and its 1961 movie adaptation will find plenty to love in director Steven Spielberg's take

87
A group photo of the ensemble Jetts and ensemble Sharks following Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria in a promotional still for "West Side Story."
Walt Disney Company/20th Century Studios

Director Steven Spielberg is a legendary filmmaker, and his repertoire including iconic adventure films to science-fiction and historical war dramas. But he hasn't tackled a musical movie until now with "West Side Story," and he knocks this telling of the classic star-crossed lovers out of the park.

"West Side Story" is one of the most awe-inspiring movies of 2021 with breathtaking cinematography, wonderful acting and powerful choreography.

Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" | Official Trailer | 20th Century Studioswww.youtube.com

Classic tale comes back to life

Most people know the story by now, but the whole point of this new film is to share the unforgettable story with a new generation. There are two male street gangs fighting for control of the slums: the Jetts, which consists of Caucasians who never knew love until they met their brothers in this gang led by Riff (Mike Faist), and the Sharks, Puerto Ricans who immigrated to New York to start a new life led by Bernardo (David Alvarez). After a fateful encounter, former Jett member Tony (Ansel Elgort) falls in love at first sight with the Sharks leader's sister Maria (Rachel Zegler).

Memorable songs like "Someday," "Tonight," "America" and more are back and bigger than before thanks to technological advances, larger-than-life choreography and gorgeous costumes.

At two hours and thirty-six minutes, the movie flies by and there's never a wasted moment on the screen.

For her feature film debut, Zegler makes a great first impression. She perfectly embodies the passion and innocence of Maria. And going forward, all eyes are on Zegler as movie-goers prepare to see her in the "Shazam!" sequel. Ariana DeBose, who plays Bernardo's girlfriend Anita, also deserves all the praise for nailing Anita's vivacious attitude and bold personality.

One character deserved better

Jett-wannabe Anybodys, who is now a trans man portrayed by nonbinary actor Iris Menas, is thankfully given more visibility than past "West Side Story" productions. But throughout the film, they're seen creeping around the foreground following the Jetts and trying to be "one of the guys," which makes the atmosphere feel more awkward than intriguing. So unfortunately, any attention to the character feels like a fourth-or-lower priority in the film.

Overall, you need to see this

Even though it's been 60 years since "West Side Story" first enchanted viewers, the 2021 cast and crew prove that there will always be untapped good in the musical for generations to come.

Score: 9.5/10

See "West Side Story" in theaters starting Friday, December 10. Follow the reporter Samantha Incorvaia on Twitter at @s_incorvaia or on her podcast Plot Devices.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

44658
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28131
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952831
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

154531
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments