I took my 75 year old mother who detests change at all costs to see this production. (It wasn't easy getting her to go, and I was sneaky going about it too). I am talking about literal panic attacks over the thought of change. During the movie, I saw her smiling every time she heard her favorite songs, seeing the new interpretation. There was even the occasional toe tapping. Even after the tragedy of the final scenes (it is Romeo and Juliet based after all), she barely walked out the theater door and stopped. She grabbed my arm with a straight face of wonder and awe and said, "Jennifer, I think that was better than the first. Jennifer, it was perfect." I can think of no greater compliment and review. Steven Spielberg breathed new life into the story that unknowingly had become a treasured relic to me. This version reimagines the songs, the story, the choreography, the photography, the colors, the setting, the lighting, the costumes, the characters, giving them purpose and significance. The characters have depth and dimension, providing the viewer a more thoughtful perspective that did not exist before (my thoughts). This film is more than a regurgitation of the songs that we have heard a million times over with the same script. It is an actual film with singing direction, acting direction, and speaking direction, and in every aspect, there is a method to the proverbial madness. It is apparent that every single person that worked on this production, actors, actresses and crew, dedicated their whole heart and soul into making this the best version it can be. Each cast member has a personal connection to West Side Story, just like we do, and I promise you this is not a remake or a reboot. It is something different. What more can we ask?
Side note - It took me two years to come around to even entertaining the idea of a new movie because it is so personal to me (both the movie and the play), so I understand why a person might be annoyed or uninterested, it wasn't until I saw Steven Spielberg's interview where he explained why he decided to direct a new film because I could relate to his desire. His passion and excitement of this project is palpable. Steven Spielberg received Rita Moreno's blessing, Sondheim's blessing, and the Bernstein estate as well. Richard Beymer even went to the set.
To anyone who reads this review - I promise you that it is worth your time. The first time I saw it, I had to see past the original, nonetheless, falling in love with the characters all over again and feeling exhilarated by the new interpretation of the songs and choreography, and the second time, it was even more earth moving because there was so much to absorb and feel - the love, the conflict, and ultimately hope that came from the tragedy. Take the time to go. Try to be open to a new experience and ask yourself - do you honestly think that Steven Spielberg, one of the best directors and my personal favorite, would ever half-ass the Holy Grail of his bucket list? Absolutely not. I am descending from my soapbox now, but again, if my 75 year old mother, an art teacher of 50 years who is set in her ways, said that it is better than the first, it is absolutely worth your time. PS - Give yourself the opportunity or option to fall in love for the first time or again like I did (I'm 42 now but saw it for the first time at age 7).
Side note - It took me two years to come around to even entertaining the idea of a new movie because it is so personal to me (both the movie and the play), so I understand why a person might be annoyed or uninterested, it wasn't until I saw Steven Spielberg's interview where he explained why he decided to direct a new film because I could relate to his desire. His passion and excitement of this project is palpable. Steven Spielberg received Rita Moreno's blessing, Sondheim's blessing, and the Bernstein estate as well. Richard Beymer even went to the set.
To anyone who reads this review - I promise you that it is worth your time. The first time I saw it, I had to see past the original, nonetheless, falling in love with the characters all over again and feeling exhilarated by the new interpretation of the songs and choreography, and the second time, it was even more earth moving because there was so much to absorb and feel - the love, the conflict, and ultimately hope that came from the tragedy. Take the time to go. Try to be open to a new experience and ask yourself - do you honestly think that Steven Spielberg, one of the best directors and my personal favorite, would ever half-ass the Holy Grail of his bucket list? Absolutely not. I am descending from my soapbox now, but again, if my 75 year old mother, an art teacher of 50 years who is set in her ways, said that it is better than the first, it is absolutely worth your time. PS - Give yourself the opportunity or option to fall in love for the first time or again like I did (I'm 42 now but saw it for the first time at age 7).