Melinda Oschmann

Only Covid kept me seeing this movie when it opened. Born in the 50s, I grew up on the early musicals of the early 60s. West Side Story was my favorite, the film was my favorite because of the diverse music and being hispanic on my mother's side, I always loved the blend of the latin music & culture. I didn't think I would like the remake but as it unfolded on the screen, in the streets of a gray, dire New York slum. I was elated that the music was the same, but the characters were more authentic, realistic, and believable. I loved both Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria, their attraction was real and endearing. Ariana DeBose as Anita was electrifying, as was Rita Moreno's original Anita. Having Rita Moreno co-star in this remake was nothing short of nostalgic, you could see her attachment to this story. Spielberg is nostalgic in all his films and I love it. I applaud Steven Spielberg for taking it on, and tying up the original's loose ends in the story and adding the authenticity in the cast and scenery. I shed tears at the end just as I did with the original. This story is still relevant today. Bravo!