Film Preview: West Side Story (2021)

Film Poster

Page Revisions:

(May 2, 2021) Original
(September 19, 2021) New Trailer (#2) — New Poster (#3)
(December 5, 2021) New Posters (#4-#13)

Release Date:

December 10, 2021

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “An adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.”

Poster Rating: D / B+ / B / C+ (2) / C- / C (5) / B+ / B

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Review: (#1) The simple title design doesn’t work and never has. It’s just uninteresting to look at. (#2) These Disney/Pixar poster designs with the Asian style continue to impress.

(#2) Shadows on the wall is a nice concept and it works somewhat in the confines of the poster design, but the coloration is too reminiscent of The Post and does significantly less with it.

(#3-#4) This pair of dual-character posters has an interesting American/Cubano theme going on, but they are otherwise dull. (#5) A scene from the film that does absolutely nothing of worth. (#6-11) These character posters are simply designed with differing backgrounds that present no creative energy. (#12) Although the lower half of the poster seems a bit bare, the balance and artwork are well done. (#13) Similar to the prior effort, but somehow less interesting balance wise, it’s a good piece of art, but a slightly inferior one.

Trailer Rating: B+ / B

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Review: (#1) A subtle teaser for those who are familiar with the original stage musical and its successful 1961 adaptation. The use of what sounds like Rita Moreno singing one of the most memorably songs from the show only adds to the nostalgia factor and excitement for the already initiated.

(#3) A snippet of one song might clue audiences into this being a musical, but considering West Side Story is a fairly famous film and stage production, hiding the songful elements only makes it seem like producers are too scared of being honest with audiences. Though, credit for the orchestral swelling of a familiar track from the show as it will certainly appeal to anyone who’s seen the prior efforts.

Oscar Prospects:

This should be one of the year’s big Oscar contenders. Steven Spielberg’s long-awaited adaptation of West Side Story is sure to play well with Oscar voters. The big question is if it can rival the 1961 original’s nomination count or ultimate Oscar haul. We’ll see if it can become the first remake to win Best Picture after its predecessor did as well.