WEST SIDE STORY: Does Spielberg Get It Right?
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- čas přidán 8. 12. 2021
- Thank you for watching my spoiler-free review of Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story"! Did this remake need to happen or should Spielberg have picked a different musical? If you watch the video until the end - you know what I think, but what about you? Have you seen the movie? Are you a fan of the classic adaptation? Let me know what you thought and how you felt in the comments below!
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Great review! Mike Faist was so so good as Riff. He reminded me of James Dean and brought this swagger and roughness to the character that we never saw before. Rachel Zegler was born to play Maria and she is going to be such a big star. I could definitely see Ariana DeBose winning the Oscar for this. She was that good. Spielberg is a master of his craft.
I don’t know if you really reminded me of James Dean, and I guess the skinniness didn’t really help. It doesn’t really take away from the performance, and hell, if anything…it probably added to that performance, because James Dean wouldn’t have surprised me on his whole leadership demeanor.
WSS 2021 has many defective qualities:
Backgrounds with much distracting details
No Swing dancing styles for the Whites
Lack of romance
Group dancing too large
Maria looks like AOC
MALE LEADS NOT TALL ENOUGH
@@timberrr1126 Probably sounds like her too, ughh!
+Kyle Arking If she did win, that would be the first time that two actresses won Oscars for different versions of the same role. Also, if she's up for best supporting, she might be competing against Rita (Valentina) the original Anita!
@@appletree6898 That would be great!!
I think Spielberg should release more (and longer) musical clips of the movie.
Young people will be interested in having a preview of the singing and the songs that are not necessarily well known.
At least post the prologue scene like the In The Heights team did.
AGREEE
I personally liked the chemistry between Rachel Zegler and Ansel Elgort. But what did you think of Ansel’s singing? I thought he was great!
Yea, I briefly mentioned he can sing and dance well, credit where credit is due
Elgort is one lucky actor. He got to dance on-screen with Rita Moreno. Imagine having that as a keep-sake. Bastard.
Oh my gosh, his SINGING, DANCING and ACTING was PHENOMENAL, as Tony!!
He is UBER talented!!
Sorry MORE people don't feel that way!!
I'm a SUPER-FAN of the 1961 Movie; and, after seeing this new version earlier this week, I'm now ALSO a SUPER-FAN of Spielberg's Great Achievement. It was STUNNING!
Looks terrific
Ansel nailed the vocals as Tony. PERFECTION and gorgeous the way he sang Something and Maria. Spielberg's casting was perfect!!!
Agree 1000%!!
Ansel is PHENOMENAL as Tony in this and DEFINITELY does NOT get the recognition and kudos that he SO very much deserves!!!
I saw it last night and loved it. I was very unsure what I was going to feel about it as the original movie is one of my all-time favorite movies. The changes in this version threw me at first, but then I just found myself getting sucked into the story, dancing, and what Spielberg achieved. I need to see this again to fully appreciate the changes, but one viewing has already sold me on this being one of the best films of 2021.
Some of the changes definitely surprised me as well, but overall I think they were good, interesting choices.
Sorry but I can’t agree with you about Ansel … his singing and dancing was spot on. Ariana for me was the letdown. I felt she tried to outsing everyone on set (which can be easily heard in the cinema). Her acting and dancing was good but both her and Rachel’s lack of diction in the singing was off putting and took me out of the movie. Mike Faist was out of this world sublime … so freaking amazing. Wish we’d seen and heard him sing more. He stole the show for me. ‘Cool’ was the ultimate show of perfection … both in song and of course the dancing 🤯
As a die hard original movie fan (it’s my all time fave musical), I both really loved and at times loathed parts of this remake but overall I felt it was resounding success by both Spielberg but also the entire cast. I don’t think it will do well at the Oscar’s sadly just cos musicals never seem to do well 😢 and it’s got some great completion in the best movie category. I’d love for it to win Oscar’s esp for Mike Faist and best picture but sadly don’t hold out much hope esp with past musicals not doing well at either the box office or the awards ceremonies. It’ll be a shame cos I really enjoyed this remake and I’ll rewatch it again and again.
Wow - even more excited now! Really cannot wait to see Ariana DeBose, in particular - the shoutouts she’s getting in reviews are so crazy positive
She's a STAR!!
If anyone is winning an Oscar, it’s her. She’s the perfect Anita and I dare say she does a better job than Moreno in the role
It sounded right. It looked right. It felt right. It wasn't an egotistical re-imagining. This WAS "West Side Story."
This movie was made without the box office in mind. It was born out of love and passion for the art of cinema. Unlike the money grabbing blockbusters clogging up the multiplexes nowadays.
Personally I loved ansel , he was a better tony for me than the 60s version. I felt more for him in this film.
Elgort is one lucky actor. He got to dance on-screen with Rita Moreno. Bastard.
I agree with you
ME TOO!!
I personally DO not understand the negativity and sometimes even HATE, towards his performance in this!!
I have seen MANY Stage AND Screen versions of this timeless classic and I have NEVER found, SEEN, or HEARD a better, more realistic, talented, embodiment of Tony!!
Ansel Elgort IS Tony, he BECOMES him and is HIGHLY believable as him!
He also has the INCREDIBLE Talent and GORGEOUS looks to pull off the role impeccably, in my sincere opinion!
FAR from the Weakest Link!!
I also TOTALLY believed the Love Story, Chemistry and Relationship he has with Maria, Rachel Zegler and don't understand the criticism about that aspect of the new Movie, either!!
In my opinion, EVERYONE was FANTASTIC in their Roles, but Ansel was totally EQUAL to them, CERTAINLY not inferior in ANY way, shape, or form and I felt his intense charisma and sexy charm, yet a different degree of innocence and redemption, as well as a hint of danger, but doing everything he could to ESCAPE his past, OOZED out of EVERY pore!!
He also brought SO much heart, soul and SUBSTANCE to the Role, as well!! ❤️🩹
We saw it last Sunday, December 12-my birthday. LOVED LOVED LOVED IT! Thanks to Spielberg and Company!
I grew up listing to the sound track, my dad was a huge fan. WSS was the reason I took up ballet, Jerome Robbins has always inspired me. Excited to see WSS, I didn't go in with an expectation. I simply refused to believe that Spielberg would ruin a classic and be shamed for years - so many negative reviews out there. He's a brilliant director and his love of WSS was good enough for me. I went to see it for myself and sang each song under my breath. It's rich, opulent and a fest for all the senses. As the end was near and love could not conquered hate, I cried. Savoring the whole experience, I highly recommend seeing the film. While it's human nature to agree to disagree, I'm happy with the cast. Unlike the reviewer here, I thought Ansel Elorgt did a great job as Tony. Lots of poor reviews circulating and how he can't keep up with this stellar cast. Many reviewer's are using him as a scapegoat, give the boy a break, he did well. If you're going on just appearances, he is tall, lanky and he did tower over Maria but he's a Polish boy in the film dating a Latina, what do you expect. So maybe for some, they didn't appear to be a good fit. There is a scene where his performance moved me beyond words. I can see Ansel's eyes and the expression on his face when Valentina told him that Chino killed Maria. For me, it was that moment and why I believe, Spielberg choose Ansel Elorgt to play Tony.
Agree with you 100 percent!
Agree with you 1000%!!
Ansel Elgort is PHENOMENAL as Tony in EVERY way, TRULY a triple threat and has the GORGEOUS looks and impeccable TALENT to pull off the Role better than ANYONE I've EVER seen, found, or heard!!
@@janebarry-fraundorf4623 If you’re an Ansel fan like me, see the film The gold Finch.
@@OmLornaTHANKS, yes, I'm a HUGE Ansel Elgort fan and I just did recently see him in The Goldfinch and he's TERRIFIC in it, as he is in EVERYTHING he does!
Same with Baby Driver, The Fault in our Stars, Jonathan, about dual Personalities, The Billionaire Boys Club, November Criminals, etc.; even his VERY first Movie Role as Tommy Ross, in Carrie!
More currently, catch him in "Tokyo Vice" on HBO Max!
He plays a real life Person, a Journalist Named, Jake Adelstein, who ends up getting a Job in Japan and joining forces with Vice/the Police to help with ALL the corruption and Mob activity he sees and experiences all around him! He's never the "bad guy" and instead, tried to EXPOSE the bad guys!
He is also PHENOMENAL in this limited Series and had to learn how to fluently read, write and speak Japanese and he absolutely NAILS the Role!
He's really just INCREDIBLE in it!
A MUST see, if possible!
It's a bit racy and violent, but could be SO much worse!!
Check out, if you can and Thanks much for the suggestion!
Blessings to you and take care!
Awesome
I'm happy that the film uses both English and Spanish, without subtitles. They aren't needed
I'm now very excited to see the film. Love Steven Spielberg
I just saw the new movie. I've seen the '61 musical several times and seen youth theater presentations of West Side Story. I was an active participant on West Side Story discussion boards going back quite a few years. I've even participated in discussions with David Winters who played A-Rab in the movie and Baby John in the original Broadway Production.
My first impression of the new movie conjured up Mickey Mantle's famous homerun hit at Detroit's Tiger Stadium where the ball kept going up after it had cleared the upper reaches of the stadium. This is what Spielberg accomplished with this film - Wow! Double Wow! Doesn't get much better than this.
Spielberg and his screenplay guy, Tony Kushner did some things differently with the story like the "Cool" scene and I was happily surprised.
I admit I was skeptical about the inclusion of backstories to the characters and the story itself, but they worked brilliantly. I would not change a thing or revert to the way things were done in the '61 film.
I have to disagree with you about Ansel Elgort's portrayal of Tony. I get that you felt he was flat and maybe not so passionate in his scenes with Maria. I don't think it's the actor, it's the role. Tony is not supposed to be this dynamic, charismatic and passionate character. He's a guy going through a critical transition in his life. He's torn between the small, but rough world of his Jet friends and the bigger, less predictable world of adults and relationships. So, in my opinion, the character is meant to be played a little understated. I thought Ansel played it very well and like everyone else, he owned his scenes. And this leads me to another pleasant surprise.
Like Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is ripe for scene stealing supporting actors. Anita, Riff and even Doc and Anybodys are the scene-stealing characters. Bernardo could be, but he often yields to the fiery Anita. However, all of these character in this movie held their own. I was especially impressed with David Alvarez as Bernardo. Iris Menas was great as the butchy Anybodys, but the big surprise for me was Josh Andres Rivera as Chino. His Chino was arguably the most transformational character in the whole movie - I did not expect that, but I loved what they did with him. Rita Moreno as Doc's widow, Valentina, was another of this movie's special treasures.
This was a great movie and I wish for everyone to get out and see it in theaters before it becomes just another streaming video.
THANK you!
I SO agree with ALL you said, including all the comments about Tony and Ansel Elgort portraying him SO well!!
Ansel actually IS a more understated, subtle Actor, in general, but that does NOT mean weak, as some people like to claim, or say!
He "plays" off of other Actors VERY well and has a "quiet confidence" and subtle, yet noticeable, understated charisma that leaps off the screen, but he's stated in more than one Interview over the years, that he lets and gives others the "Spotlight" and prefers to "Fly a bit more under the Radar", giving THEM their chance to "shine", but due to his magnetism and built-in, smoldering, underlying charisma, HE'S the one who ends up standing out, he doesn't do it intentionally, it just HAPPENS and he pretty much steals every Scene he's in!
Another Actor I love like that, is Josh Hartnett, who has done MANY Movies over the years, probably most notably, Pearl Harbor, The Faculty, 40 Days and 40 Nights, etc.; same with Jared Padalecki, of Supernatural and Walker Fame, among several others!
Also, I DO agree that the Role of Tony is usually REALLY "milquetoast", bland and boring......but in my humble opinion, Ansel portraying him was anything BUT that! LOL!
Agreed Marianna. Just saw it yesterday literally alone in a movie theatre here in Tbilisi, where I don't think any promotion was done at all, including the trailer. I was quite surprised by how good it was. I noticed a couple sops to modern times that I could have lived without, but over all I do believe there are many ways that this improves on the original. Maria is clearly superior, Riff magnetic, Anita stunning, Bernardo more human. The violence felt stronger.The music was well conducted with just enough difference to stand out, yet retaining Bernstein's majesty.
Tony is indeed the problem. Always was. I do feel Elgort's performance was slightly better them Beimer's, but that's not saying much. I think the problem is with the conception of Tony. In both versions he doesn't feel like he was ever a Jet. They are all wisecracking JDs a la the 50s. He needed to be re-imagined with more edge and humor. You have to believe that he and Riff were best friends.
A few noticeable changes that didn't quite equal the original for me. I missed Doc, who is in no way a romantic character. He functions as the Prince, and brings a hint of the Holocaust. And the placement of the song 'Cool'. In the 1961 version it is perfect after the rumble, more menacing and cool. Here it is more an anti-gun statement. And finally I felt that Officer Krupke was not as strong as the original, with several inexplicable lyric changes. But overall I agree. They stand side by side. Get thou to a movie theatre!
I have tickets for myself and 2 people, theater is still empty on reservations at 9pm. So sad that people don't like musicals like they did in the past. I hope its as good as I'm hearing
@@gorsching It is stunning. I actually like it better than the 1961 version. I for one loved "Tonys" performance. He sang and danced great and he had a charming vulnerable quality. Choreography was amazing. Loved it all around.👍
Agreed!
Just FYI, the "lyric changes" in Gee, Officer Krupke, were, in fact, the original Sondheim lyrics. If I am repeating what others have said, I apologize, but just something to note.
@@susanlewis0611 Thanks.
You are wrong about Elgort. He is charismatic, sings so well and it is certainly believable that Maria fell for him. In regard to you not believing that he is a man who has been to prison, his character has changed and he is in the process of redemption, one of the main themes of the story. I had a problem with the actor playing Riff. He is very good at what he does but he looks too young. To have founded The Jets and be its current leader he would need to be in his late 20s. He looks 21 and he does not look half as nasty as the leader of a street gang needs to look. IMHO.
Oh wow. This review piqued my interest enough to consider seeing this in theatre. Also glad to hear that Ariana DeBose gives a stand-out performance. She blew me away in The Prom. Happy to see her talent being showcased and recognized.
Honestly, it would be worth seeing the movie for her alone, but there is so much more to enjoy as well... Definitely a great theatre experience!
@@ImpressionBlend Just saw it tonight! Agree with everything in your review. I found Elgort especially weak in the romantic scenes, while Zegler was magnetic and sold it very well. Surprised it’s her 1st feature film. Ariana DeBose deserves any award she gets this award season. All the emotional weight I felt was because of her performance. True star of the film. 😍
I liked this remake. It fixes the flaws from the 1961 film, and Spielberg wasn't going to use brownface again. The decision to use the incoming construction of Lincoln Center and nearby terrace apartments opens a portal to how minority communities were destroyed by postwar construction. One thing Spielberg made things right was character development. We got to know Tony, Maria, Anita, Bernardo, and Chino a lot better. Future theater productions should use the 2021 film for character reference.
The main cast, aside from Elgort, phoned in an Oscar-caliber performance. Elgort performed a lot better than his predecessor, Richard Beymer. Zegler and Alvarez outshined Natalie Wood and George Chakiris respectively. Faist did an excellent job as Riff. Rita Moreno's presence reminded me of Gloria Stuart's performance in Titanic, almost as if she's the 'old Anita'. You definitely felt that in 'Somewhere'. She breaks down as if history repeated itself. Not sure if the movie will rake Oscars, but you never know.
Elgort is one lucky actor. I would've been honored to dance with Rita Moreno. Bastard.
Agree with everything you said, except for criticizing Ansel Elgort 's performance as Tony, or saying it didn't measure up to the others, or wasn't "Oscar worthy" enough!
Sorry, we'll have to just agree, to disagree!
I thought he was PHENOMENAL as Tony and in EVERY way!
Best Tony, HANDS down, I've EVER seen, found, or heard and that's saying a LOT, since I've seen MANY versions of this timeless classic, BOTH Stage AND Screen!!
As someone not from the US I didn't knew this was a remake of a classic movie and it looked kinda corny when I watched the trailer at the film.
Thanks to your video I'll give it a shot. I hope the Spanish is actually good in this one
Well, it's technically a re-adaptation of the stage musical - Spielberg said he didn't want to remake the classic film, and only took his inspiration from the Broadway musical
I really enjoyed it, and I'm a huge fan of the original. All of the four leads sang wonderfully. Rachel Zegler's voice reminded me of Emmy Rossum's in Phantom of the Opera, so beautiful and clear, and almost operatic at times. I love me some Ariana DeBose, and she was fantastic as Anita, singing and dancing up a storm. Ansel Elgort, Mike Faist, and David Alvarez shone as well. Casting Rita Moreno as Doc's widow was genius and she stole just about every scene she was in. I was so happy to see that Spielberg approached this as less a remake of the 1961 film than a re-adaptation of the original stage musical. If I had to criticize one aspect of the film, it would be the decision not to use Jerome Robbin's original choreography, particularly in the dance at the gym (Mambo) scene. However, I could tell that some of the dancing was obviously influenced by Robbins.
When Rita Moreno sang 'Somewhere', she turned into Anita as if she's living in 2021. Valentina hopes for the best, but when Bernardo dies, she has that 'not again' reaction.
I just finished watching it a few hours ago and.....wow. I haven't been this impressed by a Spielberg movie since his 80's hey days. It hits on all cylinders: music, cinematography, direction. Only the writing felt off to me, a little too "on the nose".
But I feel this is the only millenial Spielberg project to capture the heart and inventiveness of his classic 80's films. I cant recommend this one more highly
I saw it yesterday and loved it! The best parts for me were simple. No dubbed voices here! That was huge considering the lead's voices were dubbed in the 1961 version. Mike Faist as Riff was INCREDIBLE! Such a wonderful dancer who did justice to Justin Peck's fabulous choreography! Plus, I loved the "broken" quality Faist gives to Riff who is trying to hang on to the only family he has ever had. Ariana DeBose is a beautiful Anita who does not put a foot wrong throughout the entire picture. Love...love...love her!!! Finally, the number "Cool" is beyond description. So many layers lie within Peck's choreography and Faist and Elgort's wonderful, almost effortless dancing. The choreography is NOT easy and the set for this number is, literally, full of holes, but the number is so beautiful, so powerful and gives unique insight into the Riff/Tony friendship. And the soft yet gripping "Pow" uttered by Faist at the end....Wow! I wanted to watch it again as soon as it was over, but life, and movies, go on.
I am a purist and had trouble wrapping my head around this remake, but it was wonderful and I am so glad I took the time to see it.
AMEN!!!
I saw WSS today for the 9th time. I love this film. I think that it was cheated out of 2 Oscar Nominations: Editing and Best Adapted Screenplay. Rachel is great. She sings like an angel and is the perfect Maria. I loved Tony. He is not the weak link in this production. Tony was at a change in his life with no direction until he saw Maria. The chemistry was magnetic between Tony and Maria. I loved Bernardo, Anita, Tony, Maria, Chino, Riff, Graziella, Anybodys, The Policeman, The Detective, and Valentina. A Stellar Cast!!! No weak link.
Monique LaCosta
I agree COMPLETELY with EVERYTHING you said and COULDN'T agree MORE!!
SO glad you Love the 2021 Movie so much!
SAME here!
I honestly CAN'T get enough of it!!
I personally think it's a Cinematic MASTERPIECE and is BRILLIANT in EVERY way!!
There are absolutely NO weak links and EVERYONE BEHIND and in FRONT of the Camera, is STELLAR!!
This an excellent remake. It was worth seeing. The only thing I didn't like was Moreno singing Somewhere. I prefer it at the end as Tony lays dying. The final death scene is not as powerful as the original film.
That was my only objective also. It was amazing to hear Rita Moreno, but this song is so obviously written for that specific scene.
Hi, Marianna. Your review was very enjoyable to watch. “West Side Story” has been my favorite musical since I first saw the 1961 film when it was re-released in theatres in 1965 (I was 5 years old at the time, and it launched a lifetime love of musicals for me.) I just saw the Spielberg version yesterday, and I loved it, despite being as skeptical as you were upon learning of this “re-imagining.” I love that Tony Kushner tied the battle for turf between the gangs to the demolition of San Juan Hill to make room for Lincoln Center. Regarding the character of Tony…I believe the problem begins with the way the character is written. Even with the added relationship between Tony and Valentina (those are, in my opinion, the most believable “Tony” scenes in the new movie), he’s just not given enough depth. I’ve seen numerous stage productions of “WSS” throughout the years, and with one exception, all the Tonys…as talented as many of those actors were, came across a bit dull. The exception was a community theatre production I saw some years ago featuring an actor named Aggie Roberts. He was not only a believable love interest for Maria, but he infused Tony with a lot of humor and warmth. In his early scene with Riff…just before “Something’s Coming,” he was painting a new sign for Doc’s store. He didn’t change or add any lines to the script, but he created such great stage business with the paint brushes and sign, that he had the audience laughing out loud. First time I’d ever seen the character of Tony be funny like that. Kinda wish others directors and actors would allow Tony to be played that way. It makes the final scene even more tragic when the audience really likes the character.
I saw the classic and was thinking about watching this at first. After hearing this, I am now sold. I'm off to the theater literally. Thank you.
Enjoy!!
I'd be more than happy to whisper in your ear the translation for the Spanish parts while snuggling with you with a glass of red wine in hand.
Seeing it now for second time and I vehemently disagree with your assessment of Ansel as Tony. His singing is gorgeous and absolutely perfect. Sparing length all I will say is I was initially opposed to the remake of this classic best picture but Spielberg delivers and made a cinematic masterpiece once again and improves on the original in many ways. The cast is perfection especially Mike Faist who in my opinion steals the movie and I hope wins an oscar for his performance. 9.5 out of 10 this movie is magical and will be a timeless masterpiece.
Agree with you that Ansel was fantastic and Mike Faist was utterly sublime … he stole the show for me too. I could leave Ariana … she put me off. Her acting is good but her diction or lack thereof was just ugh for me. I adore the original 1961 movie but also loved this remake. They should’ve be held against each other … both are different and have their place in history.
Agree 1000% with BOTH of you, in EVERY way!!
Saw WSS, loved it ! Agree with your thoughts exactly but still, when Rachel held Tony in that finale and reprised a bit of "Somewhere", i nearly lost it.
What saddens me more is that this great work of art has bombed at the box office. Will great directors like SS or Ridley Scott ever be able to create a screen vision again that doesn't include smart aleck flying heroes?
I really wanted to hear a review of the remake of West Side Story which I have seen over and over and over again and never tire of and love and adore (even with it's dated special effects which I feel add charm). I didn't see the need to remake a classic work of art but based on your fair and balanced review I will run out to see it.!
Spielberg really wasn't aiming to remake the classic film - it's a re-adaptation of the stage musical, so that keeps it fresh
@@ImpressionBlend I disagree. Scene for scene Spielberg did a horrible job copying and reordering scenes and messed up everything.
Furthermore, i think the worst thing in the remake, and there was a lot of bad things, was Chino. Spielberg delivered another example of the stereotyped ugly person, wears glasses, overweight, doesn't dance and no personality. No subtlety there. Yeah, we get. Maria isn't interested in him. Ofcourse she's attracted to Tony. The original Chino though he has a small but important part is more fully realized and acted beautifully although I don't know the actor's name. In fact, Chino is an extraordinary character as we see him develop from someone who is too shy to enter the ladies shop to a killer. The portrayal of Chino is an example of what distinguishes the brilliance of the original West Side Story to the very inferior remake.
Thank you for the space to make my comments.
One of the best things about this remake is those who fall in love with it, will now check out the original...
Great review I saw this in the late 60s I was 8 or 9 years old the fight seen scared me at that time, as a adult it's one of my favorite movies, looking forward to see this new version, thank you........!
I have to disagree with your review. I LOVED this movie! ALL of the actors/actresses did a fantastic job! I though they were cast perfectly, even Tony! West Side Story is by far my favorite musical! Everything else you said I mostly agree with, but Tony, Maria, Benardo, Anita, and Riff were ALL PERFECT in this !
So really you only disagree about Tony, because I also loved this movie and praised everyone you mentioned except for him 😆
Tony, Ansel Elgort, was FANTASTIC in this new Movie Version, I TOTALLY agree!!
I disagree strongly about Ansel Elgort. He sang gorgeously and fits the leading man persona. He looks innocent at first but shows a violent streak when pushed to the limit. I am now a fan.
This film is great. Steven Spielberg is the G.O.A.T. at directing.
It’s a story as old as time and if having to modernise it gets a new generation to watch it then so be it. Positive vibes all round.
Exactly! This is never going to get old, as long as storytellers keep breathing new life and creativity into it.
My exact thoughts on this film, that I reviewed on Facebook. The lead also took a long time to warm up with me; not sure who I would have replaced him with, either. She was terrific, as was all the directing, and the rest of the cast. Music: excellent. Costuming: excellent. Additional character background histories: excellent.
I saw this version, and all I can say is that I loved this version as much as the original! Both are equal!
Great review Marianna!.. This makes me change my mind back to wanting to see this.
It was fantastic! Agree with all of your shoutouts. Although I'm sad it didn't do well at the box office, it's likely driven by the pandemic and core audience for musicals. Hopefully awards season helps it a bit, and once it goes to streaming/iTunes, it'll definitely be one to own.
Really good review. For me, Spielberg has nailed it and by taking this on and delivering something so beautiful and beyond the original (as good as that was) has to be one of his very finest achievements, if not his best. Sorry that you didn’t enjoy Tony so much, but give that one time. All of these kids were young street kids and Tony had gone to prison almost killing a person in a fight. You could see that side of him in the fight with Bernardo. Nasty! But he’d had an epiphany and come back from prison a changed young man, and determined to do right despite his best friends’ expectations. I thought this character was the most complex of the lot and maybe over time you see how the direction and Ansel’s portrayal as Tony is very nicely balanced. Maybe you didn’t like the all-American look about him and prefer dark and brooding? But he needed to look different, Maria needed a Tony who looked different, and the kid sang and acted this role beautifully. Maybe he’ll grow on you over time. Thanks again. Great review. 😃
THANK you!!
I SO agree about Ansel Elgort's STELLAR Performance as Tony!!
I'm about to watch this and tbf Richard Beymer as the original Tony wasn't particularly charismatic either, so I have high hopes.
I just cannot believe even Steven Spielberg could touch Robert Wise's direction for West Side Story.
I love this movie. And I really hope Stephen intended to induce vertigo at the beginning in order to give you a very uneasy feeling through out the rest of the film.
I love that you're a film critic who is comfortable with speaking as yourself and giving an intelligent, straightforward review, and doesn't feel the need to do a dopey shtick for the camera, as so many CZcams critics do.
Love musicals and love some of the songs of West Side Story but the 1961 film was never a favorite of mine. Honestly I couldn't stand they hired Natalie Wood, an actress who couldn't sing so she was dubbed. It's essential for a musical film to feel true that the actors are really singing. I've got my ticket to see this remake next Sundays. Spielberg is my favorite director of all time, though I've got my doubts till I see this one. Only Steven dares to remake a 10 academy awards winning picture. What will he re-do next? Gone with the wind? 😁
Natalie Wood wasn't the only person that was dubbed in the original ... practically all of them were including Rita Moreno who went on to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
@@jrj624 but she was the most famous. They should have hired an actress with singing capabilities, as they did with Julie Andrews in The Sound of music. Nowadays it doesn't happen except with special cases like Rebecca Fergusson in The Greatest Showman. She can sing but she isn't an opera singer
@@monicamerle1417 You mean like they did with Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady? Who by the way, was also dubbed by Marni Nixon just like Natalie Wood. The past over Julie Andrews because she wasn't a big enough name which is most likely the case why they cast Natalie Wood ... because she was a "big name"
@@jrj624 yes, they hired Natalie Wood because she was an A list star. No, I haven't seen My Fair Lady. Yes, Julie Andrews wasn't as famous by then and wouldn't have been right for the role. I'm just saying Julie sings (beautifully) and it's not like there weren't enough actresses who could sing in 1961. Natalie Wood was the star and dubbing was common back then. But to me, if I know the actor or actress voice, watching them sing with another singer voice is too artificial
Everyone was dubbed in the original. Even Anita.
They're both great films in different ways for sure. I cried so much man
Excellent review Marianna. Loved it. I’ve never actually seen the original west side story before, but I will check it out in preparation for this movie, because I’m hearing nothing but great things about it. Can’t wait to watch it.👍
Thank you! Enjoy! Those are definitely interesting to compare, when you have the original fresh in your mind.
@@ImpressionBlend no worries. Yeah hopefully I will enjoy them.👍
I loved Spielberg's version. Only issue I had was the lens flares.
Very good review indeed, the only thing is the criticism of actor Ansel Elgort as Tony, there has been a lot of bad things said about this actor, and i disagree, he just got out of prison for nearly killing a guy and is now trying to get himself, and every thing around him together. Then there is this thing called love, He only sees Maria, he`s in a dream world, and at the same time trying to get things right. I can`t see what is wrong with his acting. I liked the whole cast+Ansel Elgort, and boy he has a good voice . :)
1:31 I laughed out loud when I saw Spilberg posing as if he is gonna sing a song.
Great review- very curious to check this one out, and glad to hear Spielberg got it so right!
Great review, as always!
Thank you!
Thank for your wonderful reviews. I always enjoy them.
I grew up watching the the original. It is in my consciousness, and cannot remember when I first saw it. I do remember being always confused about the time line. There was really only one scene outside in daylight at the beginning. The rest were all filmed on sound stages. It seemed like the original took place in one very long night, or was it bits of many different nights?
What I liked best (among many things) about Spielberg’s version was the attention to time. I was always aware of the time of day. Tony and Maria only had one day together. And, because you probably know the ending, this adds to the tension.
I think the role of Tony is unfortunately a bit thankless. I can’t think of a young actor who could do it justice without being a stereotypical greaser (think Fonzie or John Travolta in Grease). As you said he is supposed to be at once dangerous and sympathetic. I don’t think the original Tony fit the bill. The new guy is much better, though not great.
Anyhow, just my thoughts about it. And yes, I do like the new version better!
I really enjoyed your review, Marianna! You are such an insightful reviewer and I love how you break down the movie. Agreed. Great work from Ariana DeBose and Mike Faist.
Thank you!!
Loved this Marianna 🥰 Totally agree, it’s a worthwhile remake that (even though its Spielberg) surprised me with how good it ended up being! Rooting for Mike, Ariana & Rachel this awards season 😬
Thank you! I no longer understand where we're headed with the awards, tbh. Everything seems to be up in the air in almost every category, but I'll be rooting for the same three regardless ))
I would urge people not convinced by Ansel Elgort to stay open to his perf in future rewatchings. He has a hard line to walk between former gang member and what Tony must inevitably be, a handsome ingenue in the tradition of B’way & musicals, a convention that often requires a little suspension of disbelief (though less than a dancing street fight...) Imagine Gene Kelly as a gangster and how given the predominance of these musical types back then, he would still seem appropriate.
Elgort is more convincing than the original Tony, Richard Beymer as a former gang leader. Elgort, a native New Yorker has a solid NY accent for one, Beymer didn’t even attempt one. He also takes some subtle 50’s swagger from Brando, but not so much as to play the stereotypical “bad boy” which Tony & Romeo were never written to be. They were sensitive guys thrust into a role by circumstances & peer pressure. With his imposing frame, I can easily see him as a street scrapper whose face never got a scratch (also big enough to pose a threat to Bernardo now a boxer, which Riff, aggressive yet doomed by his slight build and shoulder’s chip, does not.
Not to drag Beymer who IMO was still very good, but his singing was dubbed, meanwhile IMO Elgort sings Tony better than I have ever heard him performed, he’s absolutely stellar. Not to mention seeing Tony do gang fight dancing for the first time ever, and knocking it out of the park. His joust with Riff is the Rebel Without a Cause knife fight set to music and is glorious. WSS was revolutionary for telling its story through dance, and he fight-dances as well as the other Jets - if not as nimble as Riff, he’s more athletic, (like a teenage Astair vs. G Kelly) looking like the guy who should have been High School quarterback / Prom King under better circumstances. Missed opportunities of such a better life can bring rage out of people who seem composed on the surface, with victims in the line of fire.
I think he’s also very tender & amusing the way he jibes with Valentina, as they trade imitations of each other’s accents. Him learning Spanish phrases from her makes the delightful dialogue shine.
As an ingenue goes, compare him to DeCaprio in Titanic, also cast to evoke a teen dream effect young girls would find not too threatening for love at first sight swooning. Do we really believe his Tiger Beat face goes with drifter who won his ticket in a poker game the night before? No that’s Mathew McConaughey, and also a very different movie. All respect I think Elgort holds his own in cast that’s exellent across the board.
A Master piece!!.I love it. I'm looking forward seeing again..The best movie Spielberg a genious
Yeah, Baby Driver guy didn't cut it. But the photography makes up for it. Better than the soundtrack.
Gr8 review. I just got back from see it and it was fantastic. You mentioned brownface. Unfortunately it's still going on as in "Being the Ricardos". The network didn't want an interracial couple for "I Love Lucy". Last I checked the man from Europe Javier Bardem isn't a Brown man. European Penelope Cruz plays a Colombian woman in the the upcoming "The 355". Ben Affleck actually played a mixed race Mexican-American in "Argo". It is what it is I suppose. Keep up the good work. 📽️🍿🌭🌺😘
This movie bombs for a reason. Without a spark between Maria and Tony, the movie felt souless and rootless. Also, Maria sings "There's a place for us" twice in the original, but never in this version! This turns the movie into an "anti-immigrant" movie, since it ends with both Maria and Anita professing regrets for having ever come to America. Whereas the original movie ends with Maris singing "there's a place for us", indicating that there was a better future out there. Here, the movie predicts only more anarchy.
Spendid review!
Equally enjoyed the movie.
It can be difficult without any subtitles during Spanish speaking. But still quite a show.
You may not understand Spanish, but we can agree anyone knows how to say...
*Yo Quiero Taco Bell!*
🌮🌮🥴😁
I just came from this. I grew up loving the original. I agree that there are changes and additions here that are better than '61 (Chino's motivations are much better here, for instance.) But there are some things that are far far worse. The bond between Tony and Riff is far weaker, and I argue that's one of the most important elements of the story. The movie takes a side between the Sharks and Jets, and I say it's an unfair choice. Songs are moved around, and one is an incredibly egregious change.
Still I was heavily moved by the movie. I thought it was absolutely beautiful to look at , and I thought the performances were good. I thought Elgort came off much better than you think he did. I have no problem betting on him in a fight between Tonys . Beymer didn't look like he could take a punch. Elgort proves he can on screen. In the end, great movie....
....
But Moreno's Anita wipes the floor with the new one, easily.
Ansel was fabulous! I don’t give a flying you know what about the “accusations” against him. I’ll give one when he’s charging, tried and proven guilty.
charged
THANK you!!
AMEN!!!
I've been waiting for this review
Enjoy!
@@ImpressionBlend I did, you actually convinced me to go and watch it in the near future, I had the same doubts you had going into the film
Great review! Love the original solely for Rita! And watching the remake mainly for her as well.
I hope you love it!
One of his best film in the past two decades? What about 2012 Lincoln?
don't want to be that guy, but considering the material, I don't think a white person should be the one being skeptical about why we "need" a remake for West Side Story. I know she wasn't being serious, and its a rhetorical question, but idk, a musical about race relations in 1950's New York where, despite half the characters being Hispanic, there were like 2 1/2 people of color, and they still had to wear brownface; Like 100% the original was a monumental success and incredibly important, but I think it's a little tone death to say "who wants a remake" when the very demographic that is portrayed in the original was almost completely snubbed.
Please, keep in mind I’m critiquing the film and its merit as a piece of art, not specifically racial tensions, which I think is obvious. Also, the conversation about whether or not Best Picture winners should be remade at all has been going on for a while, which is what the whole “who asked for this remake” thing was referring to, and I did mention the flaws of the original adaptation. I’m not here to tell anyone how they should feel about the film, I’m just stating my opinion and whether or not I’d recommend it.
@@ImpressionBlend Completely understand, and I really hope my comment didn't come out as too much of a dig on your video. You are really spot on imo, and honestly i think the only reason that line stuck with me was because I just finished the film and am kind of shocked by the weird amount of hate i'm reading regarding this film being "woke".
Oh yea, I keep seeing that too, which is pretty wild. Seems like you can't have a movie these days without people being outraged about something...
Loved this remake for all the reasons everyone is noted. I was not crazy about Ansel’s casing at thought the trailers made him look wooden. I had a better appreciation for what he did on second viewing and thought he did a pretty good job in most of his scenes/numbers. It is too bad it is not getting the box office it deserves as this is one you really need to see on the big screen.
Will have to check this out soon!
Hope you enjoy!
i'm seeing it in Dolby tomorrow night and cannot wait!!
Dolby is definitely the way to go! Enjoy!
Saw it on IMAX. I'm not woke. I loved this film. Support it. See it.
I was skeptical but it looks really good. I am not fan of the original version Tony. I thought he was not a very good actor but his singing was very good. I can't believe the new version suffers from the same issue. Can't wait to see it.
Well, original Tony was dubbed, so since it's not even his singing - Elgort wins? lol
THIS Tony, Ansel Elgort is FANTASTIC!
Go see it and judge for yourself, but fortunately, many people agree with me!!
@@janebarry-fraundorf4623 saw the movie a while ago. Did not like it at all. The new Tony is marginally better than the old. Bernardo is a Cuban actor who did not even try to adjust his thick cuban accent to resemble a Puerto Rican one.
Margarita Perez
Actually, it doesn't suffer from the same issue, but really Sorry to hear you didn't like the new Version of WSS, I thought it was BRILLIANT and a Cinematic MASTERPIECE!
In the original, neither Tony, Richard Beimer, or Maria, Natalie Wood, we're doing ANY of their Singing/everything was dubbed with Professional Singer's Voices and in the new Version, EVERYBODY is doing ALL their OWN Singing and much of it is live, on Set!
I agree with you and, like you, was aghast at the thought of a remake of the original film. I would feel the same about many films...from 'The Wizard of Oz' to 'Gone With the Wind'...! Anyway, I just wanted to comment about everyone commenting on the actor playing Tony, being a disappointment. Maybe it is me, but in every production I have seen of WSS, I have found, not the actor, but the character of Tony, to be dreary and without depth. Yes, he has hopes and some ambition and is one of very few who would date an immigrant nevertheless the sister of the competing gang.....but he is boring. I have seen the show 2x on Broadway, with Debbie Allen as Anita (who in truth is the star of this story) and in 2008 with Karen Olivo, as Anita and each has had an oatmeal like Tony. I don't think it is the actor but the role. Lifeless....even in Romeo and Juliet, it is she we remember and not him. I just think, in this show/film/story....he is superfluous, yet needed. One could do a pantomime version and he's pop up, voiceless, every now and then and it wouldn't change a thing. Anyway, just my thought(s). Happy Holidays!
I want to see this movie I loved the original one and love anything Spielberg makes my only problem is everyone says it doesn’t have subtitles for the Spanish parts and that’s dumb and a major problem because I don’t speak Spanish so how tf will I know what’s going on in the story. Hopefully that will be fixed when it comes out on blu ray.
Saw the film today loved it. Ariana DeBose as Anita stole the show for me. She was a showstopper.
I was skeptical too, but this film is without a doubt my favorite film Spielberg has done *this century* and largely improves on the original which was already one of my favorite films of all time. I had a huge smile on my face from beginning right up to the heartbreaking climax. And Elgort might be the weak link, but I still thought he was pretty good. Kind of reminded me of a young Marlon Brando. I had a much easier time believing him as a guy with a criminal history than I did Richard Beymer in the original.
I LOVE the '61 version.
It's all but perfect. But for Tony..
If you watched West Side Story on release. Then a year later. Then the year after... Then in the 70's. Then the 80's.. 90's. 00's.. 10's.. and 20's..
If anyone tells me "THE BEST PART WAS TONY!" I want you to munch down on a Tidepod right now!
He is BAD! He's interesting as a wet old dish cloth..
I must watch the new version.. To be honest. If Ansel Elgort did a worse job than "what's his face"... I will be horrified!
Yeah, it's the BOMB! ( of the year)
I've seen the original so many times. I was also skeptical about this, and I knew you were too, so hearing this positive review from a person who's opinion I respect has got me excited to see this.
I was honestly surprised by how good this was. Not that I expect Spielberg to make bad movies, but you know what I mean.
@@ImpressionBlend Even Spielberg has dropped the ball at times and I felt this was going to be one of those times. Fantastic to hear otherwise. That said, I may be going in with higher expectations, but I'm still a tad cautious, ha.
I just saw it yesterday. I cried my eyes out.
Who would you have considered instead of Ansel Elgort?
Does this adaptation really need to exist? No. Sorry, but the only reasons I can think of for remaking a movie are to do it better (in this case extremely difficult) or to change it significantly so it is practically a new movie, just as West Side Story itself is a remake of Romeo and Juliet. The Spielberg version is both too like the original: individual camera shots, bits of action, staging. And too different adding or changing things that add nothing and sometimes detract from the movie: monkeying with some of Sondheim's lyrics, shoe horning Rita Moreno in. Also, sorry Mr. Spielberg, the movie seems to me to drag towards the end, and I didn't like giving Somewhere to Moreno or putting I Feel Pretty after the rumble (it slows the pacing).
Sorry I disagree Ansel Elgort is amazing he is fabulous and amazing in this role amazing I absolutely love him as Tony sorry but your wrong
I think he should do a preview on tv as some people do not have a computer or on u tube!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I swear if they replaced Elgort this movie would of been 11/10! I still really loved this movie tho. It just has that "movie magic" I haven't felt in a while.
Sorry you feel that way about Elgort, (Ansel Elgort, Tony)!
I personally thought he and his STELLAR Performance, was one of the BEST things about the new 2021 WSS Movie ADAPTATION!
Thx definitely worth watching too.
The only bad thing about this video is that it has too much movie footage and less of Marianna's beautiful face. Specially when she's got her hair at its shortest, my favorite part of her hair style cycle. 😍
Haha so funny, I totally have a hair style cycle of cutting it and growing it out until I get tired of it ))
Hi Marianna! Greetings from Uruguay!
Hello there!
New West Side Story:
1. Good idea to have Rita Marino inserted into the Steven Spielberg script of *West Side Story*
2. Best Actress role for Oscar nomination for Spielberg's version will be Maria (Rachel Zegler) and then Anita (Ariana DeBose) for supporting Oscar nomination. I think Rachel Zegler's acting for Maria, was better than Natalie Wood in Robert's Wise production.
3. Second choice for best supporting actress: Rita Marino. (yes again)
4. I did not like any of the character actors choice for either the Jets or Sharks in this Spielberg version. There was no a manly handsome guy in either gang.
5. I did not like the first act of the Spielberg version as much as the Robert Wise/Jerome Robbin's version, however the second act of Spielberg's version made up for the 1st act's shortcomings. Spielberg's first act of his movie was too, dark.
6. My choice for which movie was better would be the flawless *1st* West Side Story. Robert Wise/Jerome Robbin's version was the better direction in the 1st Movie version of the play. However the second act of Spielberg's version made tears come from my eyes, but don't tell anybody as I don't want my manhood questioned.
7. In the first movie the Jet gang gave respect for the little girl playing on the ground and walked around her play area. In the Spielberg version the Jets ripped up the little girls artwork on the ground. I could not get behind the Jets after that.
8. The dance scenes in both versions were equally good, however the Robert Wise/Jerome Robbin's version had all better camera composition on all frames. The colorful lighting on the Robert Wise/Jerome Robbin’s movie made a lot of scenes magical.
9. Spielberg claimed he did not want to copy the first, Robert Wise version, however he did in the opening. In the first, Wise version, we have an aerial shot flying over Manhattan, in Spielberg's version we have an aerial shot flying over the demolished section of the gang area with same Robert Wise sounding intro music.
10. Spielberg's version of West Side Story will be nominated for *Best Picture* Oscar this year. However, from the *WOKE* Hollywood, they might choose another low budget foreign movie with another language made movie like Parasite with no whites in it, that nobody will see, but won for diversity's sake. Parasite movie (looked like a college student made film) winning Best Picture over *1917* a real professional movie. And like Spielberg's movie, *Saving Private Ryan* that did not win Best Picture, which it should have, got beat by that that terrible love movie *Shakespeare in Love* again, that nobody saw.
11. Why couldn't Spielberg worry about that most all the actors should be Peuto Rican have to be Puerto Rican? That could be looked as racist decision on WOKE Spielberg. High class acting is art, that a great actor could pull it off being a Puerto Rican even if he is not in real life a Puerto Rican. Yes we hated all the 1940 movies where they always picked a white actor to play an Asian, that obviously did not look even near an Asian. The great Spielberg would deny another race to play any role unless they are the same race of the character portrayed? This is a slam in the face of all actors. Example, he could have used actors from any South American country or other country as long as they really looked and acted Puerto Rican. Come on man! Let all actors try out from any race as long as they really look and act the part.
13. What was that freak dark character tranny character that used to be a tom boy girl in the Robert Wise movie? We could see in the Robert Wise movie that this was a tom boy girl that we liked. However, in this movie, we don't know who this scary creature from hell was in Spielberg's version. Spielberg was again trying to be WOKE by picking a real tranny freak character from this year’s 2021 to make the LGBTQ people today happy. That demonic freak character was a bust.
14. There will be other Oscar nominations beside best picture for this one.
The Spanish-speaking actors weren’t all Puerto Rican… Zegler is Polish & Colombian-American. Alvarez is Cuban-Canadian.
I agree with a lot of this!
I love the original but I have a ticket for
Sunday to see the film because I am working tomorrow and Saturday so I won’t be able to I have seen the original musical as well as the film and since I have seen all the reviews w can’t wait to seen it in Dolby since the soundtrack was filmed with Dolby sound
Movie hits a steven ice-berg and flops with the jets getting thrown into the water with killer sharks. The end. Now we can all go home.
This movie was great. A lot of super hero nerds hate it because it wasn't a marvel movie.
The hidden flaw of the 1961 West Side Story was the dubbing of Marni Nixon's magnificent singing voice over the acting of Natalie Wood on most of the musical numbers probably because Marni Nixon didn't look Hispanic enough. Leonard Bernstein fans have been waiting decades for an authentic Maria singing her own songs. Speilberg went out and found a beautiful 17 year old Maria of Polish and Columbian heritage with a voice as magnificent as Marni Nixon's singing voice. Unfortunately, the 2021 movie had Rita Morena singng the classic song Somewhere instead of Tony and Maria who sang Somewhere in the 1961 movie. This short-circuited the love story and made it less believable.
Spielberg's film is based on the original 1957 stage musical, NOT on the 1961 film adaptation. In the original, "Somewhere" comes in the middle of Jerome Robbin's big "dream ballet," where it is sung by an anonymous offstage soprano voice (in the original Broadway cast and album, future opera star Reri Grist). I thought giving it to Rita Moreno's Valentina was an inspired choice, connecting the fragile dream of peace to ALL the characters' lives, not just Maria and Tony's.
I don't know if this west side story will win 10 Oscars next year the competition is tought
Going to see ‘Dune’ today!
Have fun!
Sorry but I can’t agree with you about Ansel … his singing, acting and dancing was spot on.
A lot of latinos asked for it! Which I feel like many white people aren't aware. But the fact that they only used one latina in all of the cast for the sharks! Rita Moreno even talked about how she almost quit because of how difficult it was. Also the fact they painted all the white people brown to look puerto rican! I'm glad the new one had actual representation.
I'll watch it after it comes on Netflix for free.