A gorgeous update from a master filmmaker
Film Critic Jason Evans is on a mission to tell you everything you need to know about movies in less time than it takes to fall in love at first sight. Jason’s reviews are exactly 100 words (not 99, not 101). This is his 100 word review of Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story.
The Premise – Legendary director Stephen Spielberg brings us
his version of this classic tale from 1950s New York City. On one side are the Jets,
a gang of young boys who have ruled their little slice of the city for several
years. On the other are the Sharks, Puerto Rican immigrants who are gradually
taking over the neighborhood. As the two groups move toward an inevitable clash,
a former Jet named Tony (Ansel Elgort – Baby Driver, Divergent) finds himself
falling in love with Puerto Rican Maria (newcomer Rachel Zegler) even though
both of them know a relationship would be impossible. The film also features Corey
Stoll (Ant Man, House of Cards) as a police officer and the legendary EGOT
winner Rita Moreno as the owner of a local store that both sides frequent.
The 100 Words – It is truly hard to take something built for
the stage and turn it into a genuine cinematic experience, but Spielberg succeeds
masterfully in this stunning production. The songs, the choreography, and the cinematography
are all first rate. Sadly, Elgort – one of the few non-Broadway actors in this
cast – almost brings the whole thing crashing to Earth with a flat and
uninspired performance. Luckily, the rest of the cast, especially Zegler, shine
enough to make you forget his foibles. Fans
of the original will adore this update and even those unfamiliar with West Side
have a treat on their hands.
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