Now available on Blu-ray, DVD, Ultra 4K and digital, is the remake of the timeless classic, West Side Story.
The film is also still playing in some theaters, and is available on HBO.
West Side Story stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Rita Moreno, Ariana DeBose, and David Alvarez. The film was directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg.
The upper west side of Manhattan is “ruled” by a gang of street thugs known as the Jets. Lately, a Puerto Rican gang known as the Sharks have been invading what they see as “their territory.” The two gangs are brutal enemies and fights break out whenever their paths cross. Even the local police are tired of having to deal with them.
Tony (Elgort) is a former Jet who is trying to turn his life around after spending time in jail and being on parole. He is working and living in the basement of a shop owned by a woman named Valentina (Moreno).
Tony’s friends try to get Tony to join them on a rumble they have planned with the Sharks, but Tony refuses. He doesn’t want to live that life anymore. They also ask Tony to come to a community dance later on in the day. Begrudgingly, Tony agrees to go to the dance. That is where he meets a beautiful young Puerto Rican girl name Maria (Zegler). The pair immediately connect with one another, much to the dismay of Maria’s older brother Bernardo, who happens to be a Shark.
The connection between Maria and Tony is so strong that Tony seeks her out and when he finds her, the pair declare their love for one another. Maria also wants Tony to stop the rumble between the Jets and the Sharks before it’s too late.
Can Tony stop the rumble before anyone else gets hurt? Will Bernardo ever accept his little sister dating a non-Puerto Rican? Will Tony and Maria live happily ever after? To find out, go see, purchase or rent West Side Story (2021).
I didn’t want to give away too much detail. If you have seen the original film, or know anything about it, you pretty much know the story line to this film. With very few exceptions, the film follows along with the original as far as the plot is concerned.
As far as the acting is concerned, I think they did the original actors proud. I think the roles were perfectly cast. I especially think the role of Maria and the role of Anita (played by DeBose) were the best casting choices.
Zegler can really sing. WOW! I’m incredibly impressed by her singing. What a lovely voice from a very young lady (she’s currently only 21 years old). I’m sure we’ll be seeing (and hearing!) a lot more from her in the future. I know she’s going to be playing the role of Snow White in an upcoming Disney film. I’m looking forward to seeing that.
I was on the fence about Elgort in the role of Tony. I know he can sing, but I didn’t think of him as a choice to play Tony. After seeing this film, I think he did a wonderful job.
The music was wonderful and watching this film brought back memories of the first time I saw West Side Story (the original (1961). Of course, the film was long before my time, but I remember seeing it on television.
My mother in law LOVED West Side Story. It was her all time favorite film. I wonder what she would have thought about the remake? I am sure she would have loved it.
The cinematography and the sets are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G in this film. You feel like you are transported to the 1950’s. Everything from the clothing and hairstyles the the Police cars and dilapidated building – it was all spot on.
Check out the film on Facebook, Instagram as well as on the Disney website.
Below is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment. It’s the theatrical trailer. The film is available for home enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free digital code in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
