WEST SIDE STORY: IN REVIEW

By: Parker Lesher | photos: 20th Century Studios

About The Movie

Starting production in 2019 and released on December 10th, 2021, classic West Side Story makes a stunning return to the big screen. The movie, directed by famed Steven Spielberg, was led by starlet Rachel Zegler, Baby Driver’s Ansel Elgort, Hamilton star Ariana Debose, and former Billy Elliot, David Alverez. The film has just recieved 3 Golden Globe awards!

Overall, the film comes highly recommended by both critics and casual viewers, it is wonderfully fantastic. The cast, music, dancing, visuals, and film techniques are incredible.

 

Is This New?

The original movie, released in 1961, was perfectly represented and respected in the 2021 remake. The songs and filming techniques were kept, but were shown in a more “updated” way. It was even more dazzling than the original! Rita Moreno, star of the original returns as a different character, Valentina, while Ariana Debose takes over Moreno's previous role of Anita. The addition of Moreno and giving her the song, "Somewhere" was by far one of the best decisions made in the film. Unlike the original, Spielburg accurately cast ethnic roles, as the original María was not Latina. Casting 20 year-old Colombian Rachel Zegler was a much more respectful and brillant move than casting Natalie Wood in 1961, not to discredit Wood's acting.

More

In terms of music, Stephen Sondheim's productions rarely fail, and this one's legacy kept up. The late Sondheim's lyrical brilliance combined with the incredibly talented performers led to a wonderful musical experience. Standout numbers include, "Jet Song," "Tonight," "Gee, Officer Krupke," "I Feel Pretty," and "A Boy Like That/I Have A Love". However, the most impactful number was "America", performed by DeBose, Alvarez, and the company. "America" is an enchanting, loud, dance-filled number about loving/hating new life in America for immigrants.

Twenty Twenty-One marked both highs and lows for musical movies; from beautifully done films such as Lin Manuel-Miranda's Tick Tick Boom!, and John M. Chu's In The Heights, to the abismal Dear Evan Hansen and Cinderella. Among these, West Side Story dominates with four Golden Globe nominations and 11 Critics Choice nominations.

Standout Performances

  • Rachel Zegler

    MARIA

    Rachel Zegler makes her film debut as the lead role, María. Zeger's outstanding performance was nothing short of gorgeous. Her acting is top-tier and sparks strong emotion in viewers. Along with her acting, her voice is simply flawless and works perfectly with the complexity of the music. Rachel won the 2022 Golden Globe Award for "Best Actress in a Motion Picture," and has been nominated for Critics Choice's "Best Young Actor/Actress". After this performance, ut can easily be seen that a star is born, and Rachel Zegler is the next big thing.

    Rachel Zegler: "Tonight"

  • Mike Faist

    RIFF

    Broadway fan-favorite Mike Faist makes a triumphant return to musical theatre as the leader of the Jets, Riff. Faist gained popularity from originating the role of Connor Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. He proved his excellence then and reaffirmed it again in his new remarkable performance. Faist gave his character more depth and showed his more toxic, self-detrimental personality, something that seemed masked in the original film. His entrance in the movie in "Prologue" and "Jet Song" was magical thanks to his incredible dancing, voice, and overall presence. It would not be suprising if he recieves an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.

    Mike Faist: "Jet Song"

  • Ariana DeBose

    ANITA

    While every performer in this film contributed to its excellence, it was Ariana Debose that truly stole the spotlight. DeBose's marvelous performance was astonishing, from the impressive dancing to her powerful voice. An Oscar-worthy moment alone was DeBose's chilling performance of a "A Boy Like That/I Have A Love". Ariana's performances in Hamilton and The Prom were amazing, but her character in this film was by far one of the best performances by any actress last year. DeBose has just won the 2022 Golden Globe Award for “Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture!”

    Ariana DeBose: "A Boy Like That/I Have A Love"