The reviews are in! Well, sort of.
Following the film’s premiere on Monday, November 29, the first reactions to Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story have dropped.
While the official review embargo has not quite lifted, those who attended the premiere were able to voice their thoughts on social media, and let’s just say they are overwhelmingly positive.
A Remake of the 1961 Classic
The lyrics are also written by Stephen Sondheim, who sadly passed away last week, so the premiere of the new film was incredibly timely.
In this version, newcomer Rachel Zegler stars as Maria, while Ansel Elgort plays Tony. And, though Moreno played Anita in the original film, she appears in the 2021 remake in a new role, while Ariana DeBose takes on the role of Anita.
The film is also written by playwright Tony Kushner, who was nominated for two Oscars for writing Munich and Lincoln.
Reviews Are Here
Saying people were skeptical of this film is probably the understatement of the century. Many people wondered why Spielberg wanted to make this film in the first place, as the 1961 original is considered a certifiable classic.
Not to mention, the release of the film was pushed back a year due to the pandemic, which just gave more people time to speculate about its quality.
But, despite the uncertainty, it sounds like it delivered in pretty much every way possible.
Film critic Chris Evangelisa wrote, “WEST SIDE STORY is *phenomenal.* Steven Spielberg has been talking about making a musical for almost his entire career, and this was worth the wait. This is top-tier Spielberg.”
WEST SIDE STORY is *phenomenal.* Steven Spielberg has been talking about making a musical for almost his entire career, and this was worth the wait. This is top-tier Spielberg.
— Chris Evangelista (@cevangelista413) November 30, 2021
Another critic named Jesse Hassenger said, “I was hoping that WEST SIDE STORY (2021) would sate my decades-long desire for Spielberg to do a musical. Alas, it is so beautifully shot and staged, such an absolute schooling of the usual musical directors, that I fear I now want him to make two or three more.”
I was hoping that WEST SIDE STORY (2021) would sate my decades-long desire for Spielberg to do a musical. Alas, it is so beautifully shot and staged, such an absolute schooling of the usual musical directors, that I fear I now want him to make two or three more.
— Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) November 30, 2021
Here are more reviews shared on Twitter:
I’m in awe at how phenomenal WEST SIDE STORY is.
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) November 30, 2021
Steven Spielberg makes it look easy — but every frame of this film is him at the top of his game.
There’s not a misstep — figuratively or literally.
Oh, and @rachelzegler is about to be one of the biggest stars on the planet. pic.twitter.com/9tZ0yZpPBj
Steven Spielberg’s #WestSideStory is a TRIUMPH! It's beautiful & brilliantly photographed – a real love letter to NYC w/ a tremendous ensemble cast who truly redefine this classic story for a new generation. Shout outs to @rachelzegler & @ArianaDeBose who CRUSH it in this film. pic.twitter.com/9wJbUJclnV
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) November 30, 2021
Hot damn. So, yes, as it turns out, Steven Spielberg knows how to make a WEST SIDE STORY movie
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) November 30, 2021
Steven Spielberg’s #westsidestory is bold and stirring. The best parts are Tony Kushner’s book and the dramatic reimagining of classic numbers such as “America” and “Somewhere.” Ansel was a bit flat, but the rest of the cast is great and it feels like an #Oscars contender. pic.twitter.com/PAYJcoVAfZ
— Brent Lang (@BrentALang) November 30, 2021
it’s sorta like you shouldn’t underestimate steven spielberg and tony kushner
— Esther Zuckerman (@ezwrites) November 30, 2021
Steven Spielberg’s #WestSideStory is stunning. His first musical is without a doubt superior to the 1961 film. The cinematography, music and dancing are amazing, and most importantly, it treats Puerto Ricans & Latinx community with the respect they deserve. Spielberg delivers. pic.twitter.com/3tb7eSvbzM
— Fico (@FicoCangiano) November 30, 2021
Is there a chance West Side Story could win Best Picture in 2022? It certainly seems like a possibility!