Spielberg's Attempt At A Classic Musical Doesn't Better Noticeable Flaws It Was Meant To Fix (West Side Story 2021)

Based on the infamous Sondheim musical that revamped a Shakespearian tale, West Side Story returned to the big screen last December. Musical theater enthusiasts who didn't get to catch it on the big screen will be able to stream it soon on Disney Plus. Directed by Steven Spielberg - helming his very first musical, this remake of the classic captures themes and nuances that made the original so memorable in the 60s as well as including instances that would make this musical relevant to the current status quo.

The musical is set in 1957 in a neighborhood where two gangs, one of Polish descent (Jets) while the other was Puerto Rican (Sharks), are at odds to control of Manhattan's West Side. In the midst of this 'war', Tony, the ex-convict, and Maria, the young sister of the Shark's leader, Bernando, fall in love at first sight. Due to their forbidden love driving a bigger wedge between the two groups of territorial men, a Romeo and Juliet-like set of events takes place within 2 days as the characters question their perception of the American Dream. 

With West Side Story being Spielberg's first attempt to direct a big feature musical, he pretty much nails the job by capturing beautiful shots, fleshing out an aesthetic that pleases viewers of the current generation and viewers who grew up watching the crisp-like camera work that was usually found in films in the 60s or '70s. You cannot help but praise his choice in casting choices due to it being hard to deny that the ensemble was perfect.

There's no West Side Story without Maria and Tony. Despite his recent allegations, Ansel Elgort in a romance platform was always something we were comfortable watching him in. His portrayal of Tony as the giddy boy who thinks that 'Maria' is the most beautiful sound in the world may warm hearts faster than any article or story that diminishes the actor's reputation. This is the first time we see him sing on screen and it's almost unfortunate that no one seems to be noticing the good work he has put in this role, considering he had played this role in his 'theater camp' days. 

Introducing the world to Rachel Zegler in the format of a Spielberg-bombastic musical was one hell of a choice you cannot help but get jealous of. This first-time actress soars and leaps vocally and emotionally through the eyes of the naive yet angelic Maria from beginning to end. Hearing her singing voice during performances like 'Tonight' and 'I Feel Pretty' will forever be seared into the ears and brains of anyone who can tell that this girl's pitch and vocal range was almost god-like, despite her character's fall from innocent immigrant girl to a grief-stricken woman who feels hate. 

The real star of this movie, if you don't let Maria eclipse your sole focus, is Ariana DeBose as Anita. Even if Rita Moreno -- who previously played the role in the 1961 adaptation -- was on the same set as most the filming was going on, DeBose's portrayal of the fun and lively character rang true as you couldn't help but stomp your feet every time this girl managed to dance circles around her other costars, including the one that she spent most her time with, David Alvarez. 

Speaking of Alvarez as well as Mike Faist, West Side alum Moreno and the rest of the company, heightened and elevated so much within 2 hours 36 minutes that no one could ever improve the depressing yet overacted finale. The finale was the only issue that jarringly affected the original adaptation, it proved the same with the remake. Retooling it would have deemed it unfaithful to the source material but there's something about the bitter end that diminishes the wonder and relevance of this musical. 

There may be other aspects of this particular narrative that is all kinds of unrealistic, but the performances and familiar music manage to pique interest, at least through the eyes of anyone who genuinely enjoys musicals and withstand cringe-y romances that move way too fast. West Side Story was indeed the musical to watch last Christmas but that doesn't mean everyone should be watching all 2 and a half hours appreciate the vocals and choreography.