Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Just gets better ever time you see it!!
Let me start off by saying that of all the musicals I've ever seen, West Side Story will always be my favorite. I first watched it in one of the high school English classes, and have been hooked ever since. The cast of the movie is incredible, with Natalie Wood as Maria, Richard Beymer as Tony, Rita Moreno as Anita, and George Chakiris as Bernardo. But the actor that I'm most impressed with is one that is hardly ever mentioned. Russ Tamblyn plays Riff, the leader of the Jets and Tony's best friend. He puts so much passion and life into Riff, that it broke my heart when he died. Also this musical has some great songs in it. Whether the characters are singing about love, (Tonight, Somewhere) agrueing about where life is better, (America) or just making fun of the adults, (Gee Officer Krupke)the characters bring it all to life. I would recommend this musical to anyone who is in the mood for a great movie about love and life, and bring a hankie, trust me, you'll need it
Rating: - A Definite Necessity For Any True Movie Lover's Collection
Viewing really old classic movies often requires watching with a grain of salt. While I can respect a classic for what it may have been during its time period, I've been jaded by the spector of modern movies and find it hard to find entertainment in older ones. West Side Story is an outstanding movie, even in the context of modern works.In the style of "Romeo & Juliet" by William Shakespeare, the movie is the story of two star-crossed lovers whose romantic fate ends in tragedy. Maria (Natalie Wood) is a beautiful Puerto Rican girl whose older brother is the leader of a Puerto Rican street gang called the Sharks. Tony (Richard Beymer) is Caucasian, and a member of a rival street gang called the Jets. Just as in Shakespeare's play, the two meet at a dance and instantly fall in love. Because of their loyalties to opposite gangs, they try and keep their romance discreet and must meet to see each other in secret places. There's a very cute and touching scene where they meet up in the clothing store where Maria works, and they pretend to get married. For inconsequential reasons I cannot remember, the rival gangs decide to organize a fight against each other. Not wanting her brother or Tony to get harmed, Maria begs Tony to try and stop the fight. Instead of stopping the fight, Tony ends up killing Maria's brother. Tony runs to Maria to console her and be consoled at the same time, but both the police and the rest of the Sharks are looking to hunt him down. It needs to be mentioned that this isn't just a movie, but a musical. There are several catchy songs in this picture, many of which have subsequently been referenced in TV shows, commercials, music, and other genres of pop culture. There is also an incredible amount of choreography from beginning to end. Even the fight scenes are choreographed to resemble ballet dances. This movie also makes a powerful statement on a number of issues including love, brotherhood, loyalty, and poverty. Though it was in 1961, it still delivers a timely message that applies to the present. It goes without saying that this movie is a must-see, and a definite necessity for any true movie lover's personal collection.
Rating: - Wonderful songs and choreography, classic love story
"West Side Story" is the brilliant adaption of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" set in 1960s New York City, sans gangs, fights, and tremendous rivalry.The story itself is great and the acting superb, but what really makes this movie worthwhile are the snappy songs and phenomenally choreographed dance numbers. No one could resist tapping their feet along to the upbeat, exciting "Mambo," the hilarious and catchy "America," or the terrifically entertaining "Cool" (and who could forget "Gee, Officer Krupke"?). The only thing that gets a bit tedious are the love songs--I get a little tired of seeing Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood) confess their undying love with sappy songs (though "Tonight" is a gem). The performances are absolutely outstanding--Richard Beymer's Tony was great, Natalie Wood's Maria was extraordinary, particularly near the end, and George Chakiris's Bernardo was cool, calm, and collected (but also despicable at times). The real standout, however, was Rita Moreno's Anita, energetic and jazzy throughout the whole film. See this movie--if not for the acting or storyline, then for the songs and dances. The best musical I have ever seen, no questions asked. Now...MAMBO! ;)
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