Critically acclaimed director Steven Spielberg is at it again, this time with a new version of the classic musical West Side Story and off the bat I just have to say–this is THE movie musical for the ages. I truly cannot think of a better movie musical in the last decade and I will stand! by! that! statement! Just need to throw that out there off the bat–I LOVED this movie and will be screaming its praises from the rooftops for years to come!!!
Everyone knows the story of West Side Story; it is an adaption of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet so there really aren’t any surprises, and this is a pretty faithful adaption of the stage show, so in that regard there are no big surprises or changes made. Any changes made were honestly necessary to improve the pacing and character development which suffer at times in the stage version (in my opinion sorryyyy). I’ve seen the show on stage a few times and the original movie (which won the Best Picture Oscar and is considered by some as one of the GOAT films) once and to be completely honest, I’ve just never really resonated with the story, songs or characters before–that is, until Mr. Spielberg made it his personal mission to prove me wrong, to show me that West Side Story is gorgeous and heartbreaking and emotional, and he was RIGHT! I’m completely and utterly obsessed.
The primary reason that I fell in love was because of the cast. The ensemble that Spielberg and co put together is other-worldly, an impeccably crafted group consisting of new talent, Broadway vets, legends and everything in-between. I want to personally thank every single person who was part of this film (except a certain someone named ***** ******) because this is something that y’all should be celebrated for and so proud of.
My personal MVP of the film is newcomer Rachel Zegler, who I’ve been following for few years on YouTube and have been anxiously awaiting this breakout moment for her. Unsurprisingly, Zegler absolutely did NOT disappoint! The amount of depth she brings to Maria is unlike I’ve ever seen–the sheer innocence, the yearning to be part of changing something, someone who loves so intensely but hates so intensely in the end. The range of emotion Zegler displays as we go on this journey with Maria really sells the entire movie for me; when she’s sad, we’re in despair, when she’s happy we’re on Cloud 9, when she hates we loathe entirely. And the switch from young passionate lover to someone willing to kill was just perfectly executed. I could go on and on about how much I love Rachel Zegler! And! That! Voice! God. Oh my Goooood. We love golden pipes!!! She has a chance to break into the Oscar race and I really hope she does.
Ariana DeBose, who is also getting a ton of praise and acclaim for her turn as Anita, gives an incredibly powerhouse performance and has potentially earned herself an Oscar win in the process. She is the other shining star of this movie, the heart and soul along with Maria. DeBose is a true force of nature, a real firecracker and complete and utter star. The acting, the singing, the dancing, she is a triple threat who dazzles from beginning to end. There was a moment in the theater during “America” where I was like….yeah this movie is IT and that was largely because of Ariana DeBose. She is electric on screen and I truly will not be surprised if she goes home with that Best Actress award, which is looking more and more likely by the day.
Tony nominee Mike Faist as Riff and Tony winner David Alvarez as Bernardo are perfect in their roles–leaders of their respective gangs who are loyal to the core and will do anything to prove it. And also both very gorgeous which I certainly appreciated! Alvarez was so engaging that any time he was on screen I was watching him. Truly just an extremely pure talent through and through. I was also particularly impressed with Mike Faist only because he does not exude gang leader of the bat but really sells himself in the role; I guess that’s what we call acting folks. Plus whoever decided to put him in a tank-top deserves a raise. Lastly Rita Moreno, who of course won the Oscar for playing Anita in the 1961 film version, gives a stunning performance as new character Valentina. Most of the changes made from the stage show have to do with her character and she proves why that was a change made for the better–absolutely loved her and her heart-wrenching version of “Somewhere.”
All of the technical aspects of this movie must not go unnoticed though. The camera work for this film is so insanely good. I was in it the whole time and never once thought “is this movie almost over?” which I attribute to how engaging the cinematography was. Additionally, the set pieces were so unique and really added to the film overall. I can think of so many sets in this movie that stood out to me and I better see this film honored for it’s production design!
Lastly, the choreography has to be mentioned because that was the best part of the film to me. I’ve heard some criticism about the choreo being potentially lazy or out of place but I never really felt this way. Perhaps I was so dazzled by the overall spectacle that I didn’t really notice, but I will be on the lookout for that on a rewatch. Anyways, I need to specifically mention the “Cool” scene, my favorite of the movie, which took the best set with the best song and made for the best scene. He Who Must Not Be Named (if you don’t know about the Elgort controversy, go correspond with Google and then come back to me) and Mike Faist had a really dynamic energy that just exploded on screen. Really amazing work on that scene. The other electric duo of the film were Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose, whose rendition of “A Boy Like That/I Have a Love” is just completely on a different level from anything else in this film. Wowowowow. Icons. Love them.
To be honest, I could keep going about this movie. There is so much to say, so much to praise, little to critique in my opinion. I was sobbing by the end and woke up thinking about it immediately the next day. I can’t wait to watch it again and to show it to friends who I know will appreciate it. Amazing job to all involved!!!
The verdict is in: the tea is scalding hot! Watch this as SOON as you can!!!
Xoxo,
Wesley
Wes Watches 