A Reel Review: WEST SIDE STORY

In the long history of Hollywood, the remake has been a pillar of doing business. In the last couple of decades, we can safely say that the remake has evolved into two types; there is the cheap, throw-it-together rehash led by soulless corporate studios who just want to cash in on an established name…and then there the ones that are made with nothing but love. The latter is the case for royalty filmmaker Steven Spielberg and WEST SIDE STORY. 

 

In the 1950’s in the Upper West Side, two rival gangs battle for territorial control of their neighborhood; a gang of white American teenagers called the Jets, and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Caught in-between the pending big dust-up to settle things once and for all is young Maria (Rachel Zegler), and Tony (Ansel Elgort), who fall in love at the first sight. 

 

Based on the 1957 stage musical and the book by Arthur Laurents, and partly on the beloved 1961 film adaptation, Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY is a honed film that balances the love story and the social unrest surrounding the young lovers. In keeping with modern filmmaking, world-building is given a lot of time and thought. This is a neighborhood that is quickly disappearing due to demolition and eventual construction of the Lincoln Center (a nice touch), and the two gangs are left to fight over the rubble and an uncertain future. Who deserves what and how much, and who has more rights than who hangs heavily over the film, and despite taking place in an era only a few years removed from a World War, it feels stunningly relevant. 

 

But this WEST SIDE STORY does not forgot its roots in Romeo and Juliet. The love story between Maria and Tony never gets lost in the surroundings, and the constant, deep-rooted bigotry by their friends and families never discourages them. Spielberg, as he’s done for decades, finds the heartbeat of the story amongst all the noise, and it never stops thumping. 

 

Shot on location in various parts of Harlem and Brooklyn, along with a massive outdoor set, WEST SIDE STORY looks amazing on the big screen. The look and style of the acting makes it feel like it came out of a different age; it is nothing like any assembly-line remake or blockbuster of today. The musical numbers are very well-staged, and every framed shot is perfection. 

 

Spielberg gets great performances out of his entire cast. Rachel Zegler is an absolute darling with a fantastic voice and an ability to carry her emotions on her shoulder. Ansel Elgort seems a little awkward with his singing, but for the most part is just fine. Rita Moreno, who starred in the 1961 film, nearly steals the show, as does Broadway star Mike Faist, who plays the leader of the Sharks. Other roles are held down very well by Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Corey Stoll, and Brian d’Arcy James. 

 

The question everyone want answered over any remake is; is it better than the first film? Emphatically, yes. Spielberg’s version is more cohesive, polished, and overall makes better sense and offers more of an emotional hook. Despite characters breaking into song, it feels grounded and real, and the underlying themes re-invent the story for modern audiences. In the closing credits, Spielberg dedicates the film to his dad, showing that this was a true labor of love…and it shows. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: See it