In which the Mister joins me in reviewing WEST SIDE STORY (2021), which is currently streaming on HBO Max and Disney+. Directed by Steven Spielberg, with writing credits to Tony Kushner, the film is a remake of the 1957 musical WEST SIDE STORY by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents (playwright). The film tells the story of 1950s NYC and the rivalry of the Jets and Sharks, two teen gangs that are vying for dominion of their turf. Tony (Ansel Elgort) of Polish descent and in and out member of the Jets, meets Maria (a luminous Rachel Zegler) at a local dance and it’s love at first sight for them. Much like the story of Romeo and Juliet, these star crossed lovers are in for a rude awakening as the world and everyone around them seems intent on stopping their love from flourishing. Nominated for 7 Oscars, the film has a run time of 2 h 36 m and is rated PG-13. Please note there are SPOILERS in this review.

Opening intro music: GOAT by Wayne Jones, courtesy of YouTube Audio Library.