Movie Review and Diatribe: West Side Story (2021)

Movie Review and Diatribe:

West Side Story (2021)
Produced and directed by Steven Spielberg
Screenplay by Tony Kushner
Music: Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim

Distributed by DISNEY through 20th Century Fox

OK, let’s get this out of the way:  These politically correct ‘Woke’ accusations are CRAP!  And this latest installment of Leonard Bernstein’s and Stephen Sondheim’s ‘West Side Story’ has been swimming in it, primarily because of YouTuber-ing trolls who judge based on limited box office sales and speculations that director Steven Spielberg was kissing the ass of the Latino community. Ugh!

Other criticisms include the use of unknown performers, one who’s been accused of sexual assault. The use of latino actors playing latino roles. The non use of English subtitles when Spanish is spoken. The enjoying of watching a major cooperation like DISNEY fail at the box office. And just an overall distain for musicals in general from people who never saw one.  WILL YOU PEOPLE GROW THE FUCK UP!!??

I’m not Latin, but I am a native New Yorker.  And seeing repressed communities celebrating their culture in defying establishment is common place in NYC.  This comes out early on in the film when the Sharks gang sing the Puerto Rican national anthem (La Borinqueña) after they’ve been told to leave the area by the police, with the New York crowd cheering them on.  This gesture is NOT a result of Spielberg’s giving in to ‘woke’ culture. It just shows an extra depth for a body of people, not so much seen in the Robert Wise’s 1961 film.

As far as the issue of subtitles:  West Side Story 2021 is 90% in English. And the story is obvious enough that you don't need a translation. And therefore, you appreciate the culture more when you see and hear them speak in their native language, rather than look at words below. And their facial reactions merged with our awareness of the story is plenty enough to know what's going on. We don’t need to be toilet trained to figure it out!  And the ignorant trolls who question it, simply haven’t seen the movie in the first place.

OK. Enough politics!  Let’s talk about the movie.  Spielberg, along with screenwriter Tony Kushner created an effective storyline with this groundbreaking work that presents extra depth and deeper detail to the story and its characters. Riff, the leader of the Jets, brilliantly played by Mike Faist, is a smart mouthed punk who had a rough time growing up and chooses to utilize it against the Sharks, led by Bernardo, also well played by David Alvarez, who’s militant latin pride emboldens him to survive, but ultimately leads to his downfall.  Both Riff and Bernardo have a subliminal respect for each other in their distain for authority, but their hate for each other transcends that.

Ansel Elgort is an affecting Tony, giving a performance that shows an endearing charm and desire to make things right. Shown especially in the song “Cool” as he tries to persuade the Jets to cancel the rumble that night. His overall likable nature makes the ending that much more devastating.  Rachel Ziegler as Maria presents a lyrical innocence merged with an iron will when pushed, particularly when her brother Bernardo tries to tell her who she can and can’t go out with.  Her voice fits the stature of Maria like a glove.

But the most powerful performance comes from Ariana DeBose as Anita, the energetic Latina, who’s devotion to her culture and New York is contagious. Her performance, along with Ziegler, in the duet “A Boy Like That”, is arguably the best part of the movie.  DeBose sings this difficult part with seeming ease, as if it were written for her.

Other notable performances include Josh Andrés Rivera as the conflicted Chino. The dynamic Erza Menas as the neglected character Anybodys, who effectively revolts against the demoralizing jets gang when disrespected.   Corey Stoll gives a solid performance as Lieutenant Schrank, who arrogantly attempts to clean up the town at any cost.  And 1961’s Anita, Rita Moreno, as Valentina, the voice of reason, beautifully shown in her live on set performance of “Somewhere”.

Dance segments are first rate. Rooted in the original choreography of Jerome Robbins, but well utilized by Justin Peck. The numbers “Mambo” and “America” are show stoppers, which, like the rest of this great score, are effectively aided by the dynamic conductor, Gustavo Dudamel. In short, If you’re able to get out of your 21st century pop culture shell and breathe the air of cultural abandonment, you should see West Side Story 2021.

- The Off-Kilter Critic