Catherine C Cash

I have to preface this by saying I have seen the original dozens of times and just saw it in the theater for the first time before the new one came out. I must say the original was made for the big screen. I was looking forward to the remake because of Steven Spielberg even though a remake for a movie with 10 Oscars made no sense. The cinematography, choreography, and chemistry of characters is much better in the original (excluding Tony & Maria). However, Tony & Maria are much better cast in the remake. When Tony & Maria meet it makes more sense in the new version, as to how they aren't noticed. I like the added museum scene and 'Something Coming' performed in the drugstore (more masculaine performance, if I can say that). All of Tony & Marias songs are better in the remake. I also appreciate the explanation of why Tony is no longer a Jet in the new version. I think it was deliberate to not make Riff and gang members as likable in the remake. They don't even use names of the gang members in the remake and the relationship of Tony and Riff is not developed. In the remake there is insertion of fault to the Jets. They go so far as to have Riff buying the gun. In the original both sides are to blame and you root for them to get along w/o it having to be spelled out. You are left wondering why the PR's came to America. In the original there was more appreciation for being in America & its opportunities, while still having fondness for their homeland. They did not leave PR because they loved it that much. I was most looking forward to modernized dancing, but they cutaway/ edited great dancing too much in the new version. It was clever to move 'Cool' and ' I feel Pretty', but unnecessary. I agree with another review that it lessens the impact. America is better danced on the roof top, but still good on the street. There is already another dance on the streets. They didn't need two, especially for the reasons they did film it on the streets in the remake. I understand and appreciate now why the original was so over budget and way over on time because it paid off in the end. On the whole it is great, but at the same time somewhat disappointing. If you could put the new Tony & Maria in the old version and marry modernized dance with the original cinematography, choreography, and characters you have the perfect version. It sounds like a harsh review, but I did enjoy it and will see it again. Be sure to see the original, if you have not. If I could only own one, it would still be the first. Thankfully we can enjoy both!