I take back all those mean things I said about Spielberg when I heard he was remaking my all-time favorite film, the 1961 masterpiece
"Westside Story". I finally saw the film on the big screen and I'm very happy and surprised to say I was wrong, it did not disappoint, nor does it take anything away from the original film which still holds the record for winning the most Oscars (10) for a musical.
In my opinion, Steven Spielberg loved the 1961 film as much as I did and treated this remake with a great deal of reverence and respect. This film will introduce a new generation to enjoy some of the greatest songs ever written and it was just as thrilling as the first time I saw Westside Story in 1961.
There were some scenes in the original film that are still unsurpassed BUT it's possible to love the original film and still love this new grittier version.
The cast is outstanding, especially Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernado, Ansel Elgort as Tony, and Rachel Zegler in her film debut as Marie who should have been nominated for Best Actress. Btw if this was all their voices they did an outstanding job.
But Rita Moreno who has a small but pivotal role nearly steals the entire film with a heartbreaking scene. Bravo to Steven Spielberg for including her in this remake. For all you holdouts that loved the original as much as I still do I promise you will enjoy this film. I think it could win Best picture