Review of West Side Story (2021) by Serengeti — 22 Dec 2021

Having just watched the original, I feared this Spielberg remake would pale in comparison. It did not! I sat through the 2-1/2 hours of the new version as mesmerized as I had through the original. The music and the story are unchanged and still filled with incredible energy, although, for some reason, the dancing in the original seems more frenetic.

The new actors are a bit hit and miss for me. Ansel Elgort is so perfect as Tony, and so much more age appropriate than Richard Beymer, who seemed like a grown man. Elgort brings his youth and vulnerability to the role.

I loved him as Tony. Rachel Zegler is pretty good as Maria, and as all the others this time around, sings her own songs. She also is more age appropriate than Natalie Wood. Ariana DeBose is a great, fiery Anita.

The only disappointments in casting for me were Riff, as played by Mike Faist and Bernardo, played by David Alvarez. Neither one of them has the command of the stage as either Russ Tamblyn or George Chakiris.

They are both slight in frame and lack that phsical presence of the original actors. But, all the main characters are Broadway stars who can sing and dance, and a couple have won Tony awards, or been nominated.

Spielberg’s vision seems a bit more contemporary even though it takes place in the same timeframe. I loved it! It will never replace the original for me, but if it can expose new generations to this timeless classic and have them fall in love with the music and dancing and the story, that will be amazing.