Oscars Check-In: How Good Is The New ‘West Side Story?’

West Side Story, the 2021 Steven Spielberg-directed adaptation of the 1957 musical, showed up on Disney+ streaming service just in time for the final weeks leading to Oscars night. You can freely stream it anytime with a subscription; for lovers of the classic film and newcomers alike, West Side Story should provide musical bliss with its stunning visuals and well-depicted tragedy.

The Jets and the Sharks are two warring gangs of the white and Puerto Rican youths, battling over a dwindling turf in New York City’s Upper West Side. When Maria, sister of the Sharks’ leader, falls in love with Tony, a former Jet on parole and trying to disaffiliate, the gangs erupt with greater tension than ever before. As Maria and Tony try desperately to hold on to their love, the gangs’ hatred pushes towards tragedy.

• Ansel Elgort - Tony

• Rachel Zegler - Maria

• Ariana DeBose - Anita

• David Alvarez - Bernardo

• Mike Faist - Riff

• Rita Moreno - Valentina

• Brian d'Arcy James - Officer Krupke

• Corey Stoll - Lieutenant Schrank

Undoubtedly, viewers will argue on the comparisons between the 2021 version of West Side Story and the 1961 version. Amazingly, the new one has merits of its own, with a great young cast and an even more significant message about racial and class divides. Regardless of the context of the story, the direction, choreography, and cinematography are all top-notch, and the music is once again stunning. This time around, all the actors are singing their parts, unlike the original film. On every scale, West Side Story is a technical masterpiece whether you judge it as better or worse than the original film.

You can stream West Side Story on Disney+ right now!