I am not a fan of musicals, and though I think some of the performances are strong, the camera work & direction special, and the creation of a richer narrative of this story vital, I just wasn’t into it. It wasn’t the film’s fault, as I think in many aspects it improved on the 1961, but I can’t give it effusive praise when I was checked out. I recognized the skill and class but my heart wasn’t in it.
Rachel Zegler’s Maria was outstanding, but for me, Mike Faist’s Riff and David Alvarez’s Bernardo stole the show. They both exuded charisma and the essences of their characters. Ansel Elgort had moments, but I didn’t feel any spark between his Tony and Maria.
It didn’t help that I had just recently watched the original - the ground already felt well-trod. But I think this was a tremendous adaptation/update of the classic tale.
