West Side Story (2021)

My quick rating - 7.1/10. There is no doubt in my mind that Steven Spielberg's eye for direction won't make this a great adaptation. Another #Oscars2022 Best Picture nominee that can be viewed by clicking the poster below. I was very much right about the directing. This looks so good in a way that is hard to explain. The scenes that you may know but are clearly meant to be just single sets still are captured feeling that way, yet have a more reaching and vast look to them. I have no idea how they could make it seem to be both at the same time so well, but it made the scenes look that much better. I know I am not the best person to really review musicals since I cannot really appreciate them whenever they are anything but comedic (I did play Audrey II on stage for Little Shop of Horrors, so that would make sense, me being a giant flesh-eating plant). When they attempt to be serious, I just cannot sink my head into it. Something about arguing over having a gun and dancing around during the conversation just distracts from the point. Sure, this scene has some amazing choreography, as does the entire movie, but as far as the plot? This type of thing has always been a limitation that my head can't wrap around. But if you can, then you will thoroughly enjoy this. Romeo and Juliet have been done many times before, so you know the basic story, not to mention the fact that this is a remake of a thought-to-be untouchable version of the play. So I won't rehash that, but even my opinions aside, I still watched completely entertained. I am sure people who believe "woke" is some new thing are all over this movie (not a new concept in the slightest, people,) so there is a bit of touching about society today mixed in. I personally think this story hit its peak at Tromeo & Juliet, and at that point, poor Juliet's story hit the highest point it can LOL. But as far as musicals go, I don't believe you are going to see too many that can be so technically sound, lavishly filmed, and very much worth Spielberg's attention. It may not be my pick for best picture of the year, but I can surely see why it is nominated.

West Side Story (2021)

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