There are times when Hollywood churns out yet another remake / reboot /reimagining and the collective groans are heard around multiplexes the world over. When Steven Spielberg announced he was remaking West Side Story, arguably one of the greatest of movie musicals of all time, there was a collective gasp of why would he be so bold? But remake it he has and the results are nothing short of incredible.
Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.
Taking this on was a brave thing for Spielberg to do, because West Side Story is so beloved one slight mis-step and he would have been vilified. However what he has managed to do here is nothing short of a triumph. Spielbergs West Side Story is like taking a black and white movie with dirt, scratches and tears on the celluloid and a damaged mono soundtrack and remastering it in 4K. He’s taken a great film and pretty much remade it scene for scene, but it still feels new and fresh and bursting with colour, sound and visuals that will give the viewer so much joy, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you didn’t know this was a remake.
Topping the bill, Rachael Zegler as Maria is like an angel in a cacophony of solar flares. Her performance is exquisite. You’ll simply fall in love with her innocent exuberance and considering this is her big screen debut, it’s made even more beautiful. The rest of the cast including Rita Moreno (The original Maria in West Side Story) are all on top form with Mike Faist’s Riff is simply outstanding. Some of the more popular musical numbers (America, Someday, Maria and I Feel Pretty) are amazingly staged and the cinematography from Janusz Kaminski is incredible throughout. But ‘Gee Officer Krupke’ steals the show with an astounding set piece and joy filled delivery.
The retelling of Shakespeares Romeo And Juliet has never looked and sounded so good. If you love the original, then you will surely also love this. Spielberg does it once again with a rousing, heartbreaking and ultimately beautiful movie musical for this generation.
West Side Story is available on Disney+
