West Side Story 2021 Review: An Excellent New Adaptation ... Minus One Thing

[@elizabethjunkin2677]

First reviewer I’ve seen pronounce Mike Faist’s name correctly. Lol. Great review!

[@michaelz9892]

I think Elgort was actually very good. He had a sweet singing voice and seemed "not to bright" but head over heels for Maria. It worked for me. Also his dancing and later scenes were quite fine.

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

Yes, TOTALLY agreed! Ansel Elgort as Tony was PHENOMENAL in EVERY way in this new 2021 Movie Version! I do NOT understand the hate, or criticism for and about him!!

[@andreiabriso2683]

finally mike faist getting the recognition he deserves!!!

[@colstonlchinese]

Exactly

[@matheuslascasas134]

I think I’m probably in the minority here but I think the original is pretty dated and kinda silly at times, so when they announced this one I thought it was a great idea, specially being Spielberg’s passion project. I’m glad it’s getting good reviews.

[@luissalas177]

I agree the original does not hold up at all in my opinion.

[@mikeconnelly4065]

The music is still fantastic. The lyrics are a mixed bag, and a lot of the dialogue is just distracting. Not to mention the casting was a mistake and Wood didn't even do her own singing. No question there's still a lot to like in the original but also quite a bit of room for improvement.

[@notrixamoris3318]

It is dated just look at a star is born...

[@BuzzLightyear9999]

Of course it is dated: it’s a product of 1961…🤦‍♂️! Citizen Kane is ‘dated’, but that doesn’t make it not a work of genius…🤷‍♂️

[@SaraSachsMediumonthego]

I agree with you completely!

[@lananieves8338]

Thank you for suggesting people seek out the opinions of Hispanics. As a Puerto Rican, this show, and the story of how it got to where it is, now, is really important to me. When non-Hispanics tell me they see no reason why this movie needed to be made, I have to explain that West Side Story was the one and only movie my folks let me stay up late to watch, when I was a kid, because it was literally the ONLY American movie about Puerto Ricans. I then explain that only two of the Puerto Rican characters were played by Hispanic actors. I love this show. I love the original movie. I love Rita Moreno, and I absolutely loved this remake and all the changes which were made. I literally cried, seeing all those beautiful Hispanic faces on the screen.

[@AnimeBronx]

The movie is an automatic win… they actually got Latinos to play Latinos.

[@colstonlchinese]

Mike Faist and Rachel Zegler’s performances moved me. Secondly, the cinematography was five star. Thirdly, Ariana acting performance was good and her dancing was excellent.

[@shanecadden5303]

Always appreciate your referrals to others when needed.

[@BuzzLightyear9999]

Rita Moreno looks astonishing… 90yo going on 65…

[@raindropsonroses3919]

Her figure and everything is incredible!

[@RyansChannel0203]

I’m definitely gonna check this one out. Been really liking the previews for Spielberg’s West Side Story

[@sheeshbot]

The only thing that bothered me about this film was some of the camera choices on the dance numbers were frustrating. I feel that the choreographer should always be used as a consultant as to how to film their choreography. Many times wonderful things were happening with the 50 + other dancers in scenes like the gym scene or America, but the cinematographer didn't catch them. Amazing moments of dance were lost or mostly blocked because they didn't back the camera up just a tad a few times. I don't care if a camera is zoomed in to catch a moment between two characters, but if there are some of the most talented dancers around doing some of the best choreography on film in a long time pull it back just a bit so us dance lovers can feast on the incredible art happening in the background.

[@harryjnagle7321]

You ❤ Got Talent West Side Story 2021 you Rocked It

[@thefirstbourne149]

I don’t think there was a digital backdrop during the Cool number. It’s just very bright lighting.

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

Correct, it was NOT a Digital Backdrop! I have a Behind the Scenes Book written by Steven Spielberg himself and they Filmed this particular Scene during the Day and the Sun at that point was EXTRA bright!

[@44r0n-9]

I hear all this negative stuff about Elgorts performance, but I actually thought he was quite good... He certainly wasn't a standout, but also didn't drag this exceptional movie down one bit imo.

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

44RON I feel he WAS a standout, actually!

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

@maxwesty I TOTALLY agree!! Ansel Elgort was PHENOMENAL as Tony in this new 2021 Movie Version!!

[@pazyamor2292]

@@janebarry-fraundorf4623 So many complained about him that I can't say they're all wrong, but I'm with you. I found his performance captivating and moving.

[@siralphey234]

I loved your review. Eloquent, respectful but still opiniated and truthful. Thank you!!! Can't wait to see the film!!

[@kwalton7690]

Ah you are the second person I've heard say that about Tony and Maria scenes. Glad that the theater kids (Debose and Faist) are shining in this film though :)

[@kurtrivero368]

The kids playing Tony and Maria were theater kids too.

[@thefirstbourne149]

@@kurtrivero368 Rachel Zegler maybe, but Ansel Elgort was really only theater for like a few years maybe. He could’ve been only about a few years old when he did a little bit of theater, and by few I mean about 13,14…

[@jbl6338]

Thanks and appreciate your honest review

[@LAMusing]

I'm staggered Rita Moreno is 90 years old. Ninety. I can't wait to see this! About the character of Tony (and I worked 30 years in musical theatre) I always felt the character is not as engagingly written as pretty much every other character large or small. He's... bland. Now in the hands of an incredible actor, the character can be so much more, nut honestly I've only seen that happen once or twice in the dozens of productions I've seen or been involved with.

[@raindropsonroses3919]

Ansel elgort is the worst in this movie he’s not bad, but his singing and dancing doesn’t hold up when compared with broadway alums and triple threats like Ariana deBose. His acting also wasn’t as good as usual . I’m just putting your expectations in line especially if you’re a fan

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

@@raindropsonroses3919 don't agree at ALL! I thought Ansel was PHENOMENAL as Tony in this new 2021 Movie Version and in EVERY way, Sorry!

[@josephlight7863]

Peri, as always I love your insight on how movies are made and shedding light on the good and not-so-good take aways from a film. I agree, Debose SLAYS as Anita and will win Best Supporting Actress at the 2022 Academy Awards. I totally agree Mike Fasit was fantastic and enhanced the ensemble of WSS; he too deserves an Oscar Nomination. If Rachel Zeigler kicks someone like Kristen Stewart out of Lead Actress for a Nomination, I won't loose sleep over it. Her Maria was glorious and "A Boy Like That" cements both her and Debose value in their roles, and singing one of the most epic duets in the history or Musical Theater (at least that's in my opinion). This Movie is my "perfect" film of 2021. It's my "1917" for the 2022 Academy Awards. It was beautiful and my opinion of a "Perfect Movie." Will/should it win Best Picture...dunno. All I know is never bet against Sbeilburg's ability to deliver Best Picture quality productions. I'm still bitter about Argo winning over Lincoln. Again, nothing but love for you and thanks for hosting FYC!

[@harryjnagle7321]

I Just Love West side Story 2021 and it Rocks you Got it 👍 the Best Movie ever made and it's very well done

[@metatechnologist]

It's a movie adaptation of a stage play. That may have been part of where the problems are still. I like how you get to the point instead of rambling on forever.

[@LeeBeeDeeTree51]

Kieran Culkin's dad was Jet in the original film.

[@BooBop1987]

Good Review My Friend!

[@kevinwarrick7190]

I'm a huge fan of first movie. I truly enjoyed this new one. All the actors did a great job...all the dancing were very magical!

[@AnimeBronx]

Great to know that the extreme hype around Zegler is real!

[@colstonlchinese]

It’s definitely real. She slayed it.

[@Leoluca_Randisi]

I agree with a lot of what your saying but so many media are just regurgitating the same untrue narrative that Ansel Elgort can't act and is wooden I disagree and so did my parents who I saw it with disagree with you on Elgort we thought Ansel Elgort's acting and singing was great did you see the awesome Movie that was Baby Driver? That's just Elgort's acting style he was great in Baby Driver and West Side Story. Plus tony In the original wasn't a better actor then Elgort. I liked the movie wasn't white washed. I didn't notice the CGI in the cool scene? Do you mean on the docks Easy Does It? It was a set not CGI my parents and I watched the Original the other night my mom who was born in 1953 and loved the original after watching the new one and the old one she says the new one is Way better and at times the old one was hard to watch.

[@harryjnagle7321]

I Just Love all 50s Hits Songs and It Rocks you Got what it what it takes 2 make it in 2 the Big Time

[@IndiephantomSofaSinema]

Nicely measured and articulate review. I believe the 1961 adaptation was also criticized for it's Tony/Maria scenes and Richard Beymer was considered the most wooden actor in the cast. I was a bit alarmed by that screen shot you posted of "Cool". That's always been my favorite scene from the other movie and most stage versions, but what is that backdrop?? I have a feeling some of these changes will not win me over.

[@nolovedeepweb6875]

yeah but where's FYC?

[@notrixamoris3318]

Well...theatre actors will always be theatre actors. When I saw the trailer cant help myself to compare this to a star is born.

[@sammygirl6910]

Which one?

[@JohnHoulgate]

If you've seen West Side Story several times, both movie and stage, you should know that, like Shakespeare's R & J, the story is ripe for scene stealing supporting actors. Therefore, it should be no surprise that whoever plays Tony, takes a back seat to other actors. Anita is the biggest scene stealing role of all followed by Riff. Even Bernardo takes a back seat to those two. However I think Alvarez will elevate that part somewhat in this.

[@muslit]

I haven't seen the new West Side Story, but the main issue and weakness with the '61 film was Tony, Richard Beymer. You'd think they would have corrected that problem. Apparently, according to this review, they haven't, which I am sorry to hear.

[@mikeconnelly4065]

The role itself is probably the weakest part of the show, which is a harder thing to fix.

[@muslit]

@@mikeconnelly4065 You're absolutely right. But couldn't Kushner have fleshed out the character, with his experience as a playwright and script writer? I've now read a number of reviews of the film and all say the same thing: Elgort is mediocre. Otherwise, the film is a fine rethinking of the 61 film, going back to the original musical.

[@mikeconnelly4065]

I haven't seen the new one yet. Hopefully Kushner made improvements but the source material is pretty limiting. Hopefully there are exceptions but every production I've seen has had a fairly boring Tony.

[@sammygirl6910]

It's the role. Beymer was an extremely talented guy, it's the most underwritten role in the play and the films. Not too concerned with the casting personally.

[@muslit]

@@sammygirl6910 Kushner gave Tony the lead in 'Cool' before the rumble, which I think is quite intelligent, because it gives him a dimension (edge) he didn't have before, solidifying the irony at the rumble when he in fact kills Bernardo - and the tragedy. Apart from that, I think it's the best interpretive singing Elgort does. I think you're right about the role of Tony, let's hope this addition helps.

[@blackkcinamacritic]

Love this Flim sooo much 😀😀😀😍😍

[@cinephan]

Pretty much everyone is saying the same thing, the cast is amazing except for Elgort. All the glowing reviews are singling him out as the weak link in the movie. Im glad to hear the rest of the cast is enough to carry the movie to success.

[@donnalombardo1135]

He sounded good with Rachel I think

[@AnimeBronx]

Give an example? Oh you can’t because you just made that up.

[@XanderWhat]

@@AnimeBronx An example of someone saying that the cast is amazing except for Elgort? Well, there's this video that this comment is on...

[@kingkiller5325]

I'm not trying to bring up politics here, but it might have something to do with the controversy surrounding Ansel Elgort. The guy is a good actor. But no one seems to want to talk about him.

[@taliavelazquez358]

@@kingkiller5325 maybe but also he is sharing the screen with actors who can sing, dance and act on Broadway. I’ve heard that’s it’s not that’s he is bad but compared to them he pales in comparison.

[@sammygirl6910]

Tony has always been the least interesting character, so I'm going to cut A.E. some slack. Really looking forward to the film.

[@BklynTracey]

Wrong. Ansel was amazing as Tony. Mike can't hold a candle to Russ as Riff

[@margaritakleinman5701]

Russ Tamblyn was amazing as Riff!

[@soniachapple3141]

Agree about Ansel but have to disagree about Mike Faist as Riff. Of course Russ’s version was different … doesn’t make Mikes any worse. I personally loved Mike’s Riff … he was edgy and tough

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

@@soniachapple3141 I agree about Mike, but NOT about Ansel! Tony is SUPPOSED to be more understated and subtle!; yet Ansel's TERRIFIC Portrayal was charismatic, dynamic and interesting!

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

Yes, he WAS!!

[@AustinPPutnam]

Couldn't agree with you more Perri! The weakest element for me as the romance as well. I LOVED every moment with the tensions between the gangs. And the musical numbers were a spectacle! Also Rachel Zegler...WOW!

[@raidersfanallday]

I thought it was good but I felt In The Heights was better overall. Shame it didn’t get as much nominations.

[@PerriNemiroff]

Agreed!

[@genapruitt]

Excellent review! I saw and read many reviews of this film before and after I saw it myself, and this is closest to my feelings about the new movie. I'm a HUGE West Side Story fan, having seen the original film countless times, and having heard the movie and original Broadway cast albums hundreds of times. I think the new film was very good overall, and definitely worth seeing in theaters. However, you hit the nail on the head about Tony and Maria. The actors did nice jobs, but I just wasn't feeling the spark between them, either. Casting Rita Moreno as Valentina was an absolutely brilliant idea, and we found ourselves waiting for the moments when she would appear on screen again. I agree wholeheartedly with what you said about Anita and Riff. Ariana Debose definitely turn an Oscar-worthy performance, and I'm so glad that she was nominated for a Golden Globe! I'm subscribing to your channel just based on your review of this movie! 😁👍

[@neilvarma]

Basically I hear it’s good besides the leads.. idk if it can top the OG which is great. But it’s Spielberg so maybe it can top it

[@speedy3702]

From what I understood, it's good beside the male lead to be more specific. Zegler has gotten great responses.

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

@@speedy3702 the Male Lead, Tony, portrayed by Ansel Elgort is being criticized COMPLETELY unfairly! He is PHENOMENAL in this Movie and Role!

[@cerezal22]

I am watching this no matter critics say.😁😁😁😁

[@storywala88]

Ansel Elgort is weakest? Bummer. What about lack of subtitles? I am apprehensive to watch the movie after hearing that.

[@harrisgoodman1564]

You shouldn’t be apprehensive about the lack of subtitles, Rohan. There’s nothing you won’t understand simply because whatever Spanish phrases are used usually happen while surrounded by English dialogue. And the inflection and intent of the characters is enough to get across their meaning. ☮️

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

No, Elgort is DEFINITELY not the Weakest, or even weak at ALL in this Role! Unfortunately some Reviewers just DON'T know REAL Talent when they see it! He is TERRIFIC in this Role!

[@johntardibuono625]

This remake was unnecessary, the role of Anita has always been the better of the female parts. The fact that the original creators are NOW all dead, the arrogance of Spielberg and Miranda make me angry. Tony Kushner should have written another script, this version was just like putting lipstick on a pig. I love pigs and they do not need to wear lipstick.

[@billyp1836]

I prefer the sequel South Side Story.

[@neilvarma]

Same

[@LeeBeeDeeTree51]

The male lead was seen as the weak spot in the 1960 version as well. And this was true despite the fact that Natalie Wood didn't do her own singing, had a problematic accent and was made up in brownface.

[@gpapa31]

Hopefully sometime in the next 30 years we will get a third adaptation with a corrected casting on Tony.

[@raindropsonroses3919]

I agree with what you said about Anita and Bernardo ! Their chemistry was sizzling 🥵 it’s a pity spielberg didn’t direct another musical in the same world but with the focus on those two!

[@mikedavison1466]

Sorry, Perri, but I simply can NOT take your review of West Side Story 2021 seriously at all. I also saw the film in New York City with over 100. critics, and I have to say you are the ONLY one who didn't absolutely love it. For you, the same person who gave the AWFUL Black Widow, a film that was below average, a five star review, over this magnificent film really shows you do not know very much about filmmaking or how to review films at all. Even your Collider sidekick Kristian Harloff LOVED the new West Side Story! It's a five star film! How else can you explain the overwhelming standing ovation at the NYC premiere of the film? Right now, West Side Story 2021 has become the front runner in this year's Oscar race, something that cannot be said about the absolutely awful Black Widow. (I am a Marvel fan by the way, hated Black Widow and Eternals, but LOVED Shang Chi) In any case, you are entitled to your opinion, but that opinion is DEFINITELY in the MINORITY, I'm sorry to say! Oh, and I'm sorry I find 1996's Scream to be one of the most overrated films in history. I found the parody of it all, Scary Movie to be far more entertaining than the original 1996 film.

[@sammygirl6910]

Mike, you should start your own channel! Let us know when you do buddy. I'm willing to give it a go.

[@PerriNemiroff]

Hi Mike! Always love hearing everyone's thoughts - even when they differ from my own. And when someone's thoughts on film differ from my own, I always take them seriously and treat them with respect because we all have different tastes and preferences. Whether it's with West Side Story or any film, if an opinion is the minority, that doesn't make it wrong. Truly glad to hear you enjoyed West Side Story even more than I did. And yup, I loved Black Widow and still do. 😉 Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season filled with new movies you enjoy!

[@thegoodprince3264]

I haven't seen the movie, so I don't know for sure, but I get the feeling we'll feel similarly about this movie. I, for one, did not like the trailer, but that was mostly because the trailer's focused on Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler, and it looked awkward , weird, and not good.

[@margobuccini7743]

True. Without Natalie Wood, it's lost its magic

[@angelodimichino3620]

Yep, but in any case, the real absolute core of this movie and the original stage musical is the dancing and in Romeo and Juliet, that particular love story set up is no longer relevant in today’s society. It was probaby never something anyone could relate to even in Shakespeare’s time. Oh and Anita should always be a scene stealing role

[@ramonzapata3203]

Perri I just saw your review of Spielberg's West Side Story and figured I would answer your call on Latinos view of the film. I saw it yesterday and came out of the theatre "PISSED", (excuse my French). First I gotta say the musical score was (as we would say back in the 60's and 70's) outta sight. So was the choreography and it was true the clothes drying in the back of the buildings. A few of us went to see it together and I was the oldest of the group by far. The others with me were in their 50's and grew up in Florida. I was the only Nuyorrican in the group and was born in the 50's in Manhattan. So I can honestly say that I saw a few of those RUMBLES. Now the movie, in my opinion was whack. Spielberg put a 1950's-60's movie into 1985 thru 2021. I left NYC in the mid 70's and I never saw or lived in such a rundown place. The Bronx was one of the nicest places to live (hence Yankee Stadium and the Grand Concourse). So imagine Mid Manhattan non the less. That it was rundown and where supposedly the rumbles took place? The rumbles were either in the lower east side or upper Manhattan north of 98th street, The Bronx or Brooklyn.. The Police, where do I begin? Being nice to Puertorricans, being Anglos themselves. What really blew me away was how Hollywood is still saying Puerto Ricans are all Black or Brown. I did not see one white Puerto Rican in the bunch. This would have been in touch back in the 60's (as Hollywood bunched people back then), but 2021? Where's Ricky Martin or Lin-Manuel when we need them? The story of the Knives was true . Ricans were "known" to carry them as they did not have guns (or any other weapons) at the time to defend themselves. So yes as far as I am concerned the screenplay (in terms of what I mention), the backdrop of the film and the continued manipulation on how Latinos look, from 1 to 5 I give it a 2.

[@jenniferwise8515]

At this time in NYC history. This area was being torn down to build Lincoln Center. You must have been too young or missed that in real life

[@ramonzapata1207]

@@jenniferwise8515,😂😂😂To young. It’s obvious you need to read what I wrote once again and do the numbers. I am 70 years old Ms. Wise. Believe me those rumbles were way before NYC was being remodeled. Your talking after the Jewish Mayor In the 70’s drove NYC into bankruptcy. By this time the rumbles were history. Just look at the original one and tell us where do you see a rundown NYC.

[@jenniferwise8515]

@@ramonzapata1207 the movie was NOT set in the Bronx. It was west side Manhattan where The Lincoln Center is now. Mr Moses revitalization plan to get rid of tenements and slums there for 200+ yrs. The writers set this around 1955 for a 1957 play. And I personally saw a VERY run down and Dangerous Times Square/ Clinton in 1980. Rudy Guiliani disneyfied it for tourists.

[@ramonzapata3203]

@@jenniferwise8515 Yes you are right about what your explaining. What you are missing is my point "that the rumbles were not in that era". The gang fights were in the 50's & early 60's. So what I am claiming is that they made an unrealistic remake of West Side Story. It also surprised me since Rita Moreno was supposedly a "consultant" to Spielberg, (which by the way should retire).

[@JoefromNJ1]

i could tell from the trailers and commercials the guy who plays tony was a dud. he has this weird monotone delivery that was very annoying.

[@Gavin48]

There's nothing wrong with Ansel. Critics are just bashing him cause of things he did off screen

[@JoefromNJ1]

@@Gavin48 like what

[@shanecadden5303]

Such a big swing for SS it’s a shame this far in he can so miscast someone.

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

Spielberg did NOT miscast ANYONE, Ansel Elgort as Tony, included!! In my opinion, he was FANTASTIC as Tony and in EVERY way!!

[@paulnagle7017]

Spot on. Everything soared except for Elgort

[@janebarry-fraundorf4623]

Sorry you feel that way! I COULDN'T agree LESS! I thought and felt that Ansel Elgort was PHENOMENAL in the Role of Tony in the new 2021 Movie Version and in EVERY way!

[@rickcaruso7351]

Stop the woke nonsense. Too much political SJW preaching , not subtle, not West Side Story. This film may never reach the level of the 61 film.

[@margobuccini7743]

Totally agree. The original was far superior

[@sammygirl6910]

🙄

[@sammygirl6910]

@@margobuccini7743 🤦

[@mikeconnelly4065]

@@margobuccini7743 you've seen the new one?

[@PlanetaSofia]

I think I'm the only one who can't get pass the in your face privilege that the Jets had in the movie, from tormenting the immigrants to the almost rape scene of Anita. And the zero consequences that they face, plus their song about the reasons their are bad boys. Sorry but is 2021, if you gonna show this kind of behavior in a movie you need to do it right or show propurse. At the end is an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, and all the thing that work in 1961 not necessarily work in 2021.

[@PlanetaSofia]

Sorry, not immigrants. Puerto Ricans are U.S. Citizens

[@kommandantklink5032]

I never cared for the original West Side story. Musicals are not my thing. Also even if it was something I liked I don't like remakes so count me out as seeing this one in theater. On the flip side of the coin I am very excited about seeing Spider-Man No Way Home, The Matrix Resurrections & Nightmare Alley in theater.

[@zackieboy]

I'll be honest and say that I was somewhat disappointed with this reimagining of the story. I've followed some of the WSS21 dancers/actors on instagram throughout production and beyond. If my expectations weren't sky high, they were close to it. I'm with you on Ansel Elgort's performance: it rang true at times, but mostly not. The love story played out on such a short timeline, and that didn't help (although that's true with the '61 film too, but somehow that version was more believable - even with Natalie Wood miscast as Maria). Also, Elgort's "New York" accent was more pronounced in the last third of the movie than it was earlier. Positives I took away from this movie: Zegler is a star. David Alvarez was fantastic in this role. Debose was really good, but Zegler and Alvarez, for me, had more gravitas. I was rooting for Mike Faist all the way through the movie, but he didn't knock me out as Riff. Still, he was fun to watch.

[@ivanehtnoij6243]

so, you're just cut and pasting this same exact comment on any video about west side story?