West Side Story- so much history and prestige comes with that name. As someone who loves musicals of all kinds, but had never seen this one (born way after release), I had some nervousness watching it. Does it live up to it's praise? Mostly...
Everyone knows the story: Two rival gangs the Jets (American) and the Sharks (Puerto Rican) battle it out over control of a small West Side of Manhattan. In the midst of this war, though, Tony(Richard Beymer) and Maria(Natalie Woods), two teens from opposite sides, fall in love. Can their love survive the war that is killing all else in it's path? I guess you'll just have to watch and find out.
The music is wonderful and the choreography is gorgeous. The singing left some to be desired, particularly Richard Beymer's vocals. Natalie Woods had her vocals recorded over, and they are decent. The best vocals come from Rita Moreno. Most of what's best about this movie comes from her.
Ms. Moreno won an Oscar for her performance as Anita, and it was well deserved. She completely steals the show and I only wish we could have seen more of her. Her performance is probably one of the most powerful I've seen. She has more than one scene that I will not soon forget. Her performance alone would make the show worth watching, but George Chikalis is equally strong as her brother, Bernardo. The two leads, Beymer and Woods, are fine, but nothing too special. Natalie Woods deserves some respect for her final scene. It is quite passionate.
West Side Story is certainly not the best musical ever made- not even close, in my opinion. It is, however, a classic that will live on most likely forever for it's tragic story and wonderful music. Not to mention Rita Moreno- don't get me started again! 7/10 stars...
Jay Addison
Everyone knows the story: Two rival gangs the Jets (American) and the Sharks (Puerto Rican) battle it out over control of a small West Side of Manhattan. In the midst of this war, though, Tony(Richard Beymer) and Maria(Natalie Woods), two teens from opposite sides, fall in love. Can their love survive the war that is killing all else in it's path? I guess you'll just have to watch and find out.
The music is wonderful and the choreography is gorgeous. The singing left some to be desired, particularly Richard Beymer's vocals. Natalie Woods had her vocals recorded over, and they are decent. The best vocals come from Rita Moreno. Most of what's best about this movie comes from her.
Ms. Moreno won an Oscar for her performance as Anita, and it was well deserved. She completely steals the show and I only wish we could have seen more of her. Her performance is probably one of the most powerful I've seen. She has more than one scene that I will not soon forget. Her performance alone would make the show worth watching, but George Chikalis is equally strong as her brother, Bernardo. The two leads, Beymer and Woods, are fine, but nothing too special. Natalie Woods deserves some respect for her final scene. It is quite passionate.
West Side Story is certainly not the best musical ever made- not even close, in my opinion. It is, however, a classic that will live on most likely forever for it's tragic story and wonderful music. Not to mention Rita Moreno- don't get me started again! 7/10 stars...
Jay Addison