West Side Story
An intense Romeo and Juliet retelling that’s more <PERSON> and <PERSON> than any <PERSON> and <PERSON> I’ve ever seen. The space from the climax till the end of the film was especially harrowing. The themes of the movie were extremely raw, and many lines stood out to me as being memorable and true. Knockout performances on many sides. Amazing, AMAZING choreo in the dance scenes, that I wish there had been more of! I also loved the setting this one took place in. The dilapidated buildings really set the scene of the crumbling relationships of the tenants within. Overall, I would recommend this film.
But.
It shouldn’t have been <PERSON>.
He’s too old. He didn’t have the voice for the role. 217
He was not on the same emotional wavelength as every other character. Also, I don’t think his character even makes sense. He’s established as the sensitive, introspective one of the Jets and then promptly falls in love with <PERSON> a moment later — I couldn’t suspend my disbelief for it. <PERSON>, a starry eyed, sheltered girl, falling in love with a boy she just met? Sure. But the ex-violent jailbird determined to come back to society with a clearer mind? I don’t buy it. I also think it’s a shame to see <PERSON> surrounded by so many people with Broadway chops. It makes me wish the role had gone to someone different and better and younger.
In general, <PERSON> brought down a great movie quite a bit for me. And yes I’m a hater! 😤 577