West Side Story

Supposedly one of the greatest musicals on film. I have to agree that some songs, like America and I Feel Pretty, were really great and popped off the screen (with great lyrics, music and choreography), but the surrounding depiction of the story was terrible. It's starts with teenage gangs (played by 30 year olds) doing ballet-pirouettes to show how tough they are.. The Romeo and Juliet part between rival gangmembers is unbelievable as the two characters have barely met and just don't seem to care about each other. The clash between racially different gangs is an interesting plot, but is ruined by the ballet choreography and the lack of personalities within each gang. So some interesting elements in this movie, but they completely didn't match with the feeling they wanted to express. Perhaps I just don't like musicals put to film, but I'd recommend seeing this on a stage, where they can probably capture the atmosphere way better than on a screen.

Incredible how a 1961 musical / movie can after so much time can still be nowadays. Although the opening of the film is a bit strange (not what I remembered from when I was young)... This "feeling" emphasized by the cops remark; "break it up you cock suckers" will disappear after a while. After so many decades it still turns out to be good way to spend some time. No hasting for the next special effect or huge explosion seen from 3 different angles. Just a good story with lost of things going on. I myself am a science fiction freak (will watch B-movies) but love to watch this musical / movie. I especially like the colours and soundtracks. Hell I even watched "The Sound of Music" several times and went to the movie "Annie" when I gave my birthday party (mostly girls invited). The first one is less of a problem to admit today, thanks to the movie "The Postman" directed by Kevin Costner. But I still had to squeeze in an apology for going to the movie "annie" LOL