WEST SIDE STORY – “A richly lush harmonious experience”

westsidestory

RATING

DIRECTOR

Steven Spielberg

MAIN CAST

  • Ansel Elgort as Tony
  • Rachel Zegler as María
  • Ariana DeBose as Anita
  • David Alvarez as Bernardo
  • Mike Faist as Riff
  • Rita Moreno as Valentina
  • Brian d'Arcy James as Officer Krupke
  • Corey Stoll as Lieutenant Schrank

SYNOPSIS

Is the second feature-length adaptation of the 1957 stage musical of the same name with a book by Arthur Laurents.

Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks -- two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.

REVIEW SUMMARY

What can I say, Steven Spielberg’s first musical film attempt is better than most I’ve ever seen! A richly lush harmonious experience, West Side Story is a wholeheartedly worthy remake. The movie stands as a true visual delight, with every nook and cranny filled with eye-popping colour and layers of detail. The shots are really something else here, as the camera whirls right along with the characters. The musical/dance numbers flash across the richly drawn urban landscape in truly magical ways. It’s effortless in its fluidity! The cast is equally effective, with Rachel Zegler proving to be a wonderful delight in the role of Maria. Her chemistry with Ansel Elgort is palpable, making the love story a truly compelling one. In fact, the story as a whole is just as enthralling today as it was in the 50’s (not to mention timely, given the great divides out there). And for all you musical purists out there, just know that here are no big changes or reinventing the wheel being done, as Spielberg just simply (and masterfully) gives the classic a fresh coat of contemporary shine and panache.  Needless to say, it worked!

BOX OFFICE TOP 5

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6

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Venom: The Last Dance
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