Over the years I have rated hundreds of movies, but I have only given twenty five a 10 out of 10. One of these was the original WSS movie version of 1961. So how does the old one stand up to the latest Spielberg outing? Ok, the original had it's faults but it took itself seriously enough to be a fairly successful transfer from stage to screen. This new version, while still setting it in the 1950s, tried to bring it into the 21st century with flashy camera work, ginormous sound stages and hundreds of extras. Gone is the feel of a theatrical stage production. In fact, the editing of some of the dance sequences (e.g. Dance at the Gym) was so spit-second fast that it was impossible to concentrate on any one performer.
Now to make Romeo & Juliet/West Side Story work we rely heavily on the chemistry of the leads. I'm afraid Ansel and Rachel have no chemistry. They can sing well but as lovers...well? The original Dance at the Gym meeting was laughable. At least the '61 version treated it as a sort of dance fantasy. Which worked. If you can't feel some sympathy for the leads then who cares what happens to them later.
Rather than focusing on the negative side of the movie then let's mention the things that worked. There were several stand-out performers. Ariana DeBore (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), and Mike Faist (Riff) stole the show with some great acting and amazing dancing. I did miss the Jerome Robbins' choreography but I am sure the Justin Peck version would have impressed me as much if the camera would stop darting all over the place. Two other actors deserve mention. Josh Andres Rivera (Chino) did so well in his slightly beefed up role, and, of course, Rita Moreno would have me even if she was promoting baby nappies!
The costume designs were great, especially the men. The women's were a bit loud and a little too perfect for Puerto Rican's who hang their washing on the fire escape to dry.
So this version does not replace the original '61. It may appeal to a younger generation who have never seen the other....although I wonder if they would really sit through a number like 'I feel pretty' without bursting out laughing.
Now to make Romeo & Juliet/West Side Story work we rely heavily on the chemistry of the leads. I'm afraid Ansel and Rachel have no chemistry. They can sing well but as lovers...well? The original Dance at the Gym meeting was laughable. At least the '61 version treated it as a sort of dance fantasy. Which worked. If you can't feel some sympathy for the leads then who cares what happens to them later.
Rather than focusing on the negative side of the movie then let's mention the things that worked. There were several stand-out performers. Ariana DeBore (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), and Mike Faist (Riff) stole the show with some great acting and amazing dancing. I did miss the Jerome Robbins' choreography but I am sure the Justin Peck version would have impressed me as much if the camera would stop darting all over the place. Two other actors deserve mention. Josh Andres Rivera (Chino) did so well in his slightly beefed up role, and, of course, Rita Moreno would have me even if she was promoting baby nappies!
The costume designs were great, especially the men. The women's were a bit loud and a little too perfect for Puerto Rican's who hang their washing on the fire escape to dry.
So this version does not replace the original '61. It may appeal to a younger generation who have never seen the other....although I wonder if they would really sit through a number like 'I feel pretty' without bursting out laughing.