Valarie Shepherd

I feel a little awkward with what I am about to say but here goes... West Side Story (WSS) is my favorite movie, I have watched it all my life, I own it - that is, the original 1961 classic. I couldn't wait for December 10 to get here so I could go to the movies to see the movie evolved to fit the modern age. Just like the movie A Star is Born has evolved, and I think Bradley Cooper killed it with his version. Unfortunately I can't say that about WSS. I loved that the film was updated and thank God that the music remained the same BUT, here are my issues... I don't understand why the songs Cool and I Feel Pretty were changed in the timing they were placed in the movie? I mean Cool was perfect when Ice sang it after the rumble and the Jets and Riff's girlfriend were freaking out and what the heck was Maria doing singing I feel pretty after the rumble!? Also, the scene at the dance when Tony and Maria first meet is destroyed in this movie, the magic is gone by isolating them behind the bleachers and changing their dialogue; and then when Maria jumps at Tony and kisses him!! What? That is totally out of character for Maria, the dance otherwise was great. There is the extra scene of Tony taking Maria to some Grotto or other place and he explains his past to her, that scene was needless but hey, it's not all bad. I love Rita Moreno and the idea of Doc being replaced by his widow and I love America and had it been my first exposure to WSS it is a great movie BUT, it was not. I think 1961 WSS is the better version because it is more magical, more like a musical, more awesome!