POSITIVES
Gotta appreciate how this movie is unabashedly unashamed to just break out into a huge song and dance number. Those big energetic musical set pieces are fantastically enjoyable. There’s a reason several of the songs are musical classics.
As a variation of the Romeo & Juliet tale, this continues to be an entertaining and interesting story to watch. Even if you already know how it’s likely going to end.
Kudos to Spielberg for taking advantage of the movie medium by making this musical not look like it’s just on a stage, with some scenes moving from one location to another. However I also have to give kudos for him willing to still have certain musical numbers completely take place on a staged location, but instead uses the camera to create movements to the scene.
Speaking of deserving recognition. The wonderful cast of actors! From the charming Rachel Zegler, the amazing Ariana Debose, to all the solid performances by David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, Brian d'Arcy James, Josh Andrés Rivera, Corey Stoll, Iris Menas, and even Ansel Elgort.
Those social commentaries that absolutely stand the test of time. Still very relevant 60+ Years later.
NEGATIVES
First things first… obviously if you don’t like musicals, or in general scenes of people breaking out into a song and dance, then this isn’t the movie for you.
I get what Spielberg was going for by not including subtitles for the Spanish, but wow did I really need subtitles a lot of the times. Either that, or completely learn Spanish.
Those super outdated plot tropes and story beats, just stand out way too much.
There is that one huge tonal shift between two scenes that was way too jarring.
the whole Ansel Elgort allegations outside of this movie was distracting
lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible
