Reviews
West Side Story (2021)
Pleasantly Surprised
I went into the theater excited to see this movie, but expecting a lot of "updates" to the original (which I love.) I purposefully did not read up much on the movie beforehand, so I could go in without knowing too much. The only thing I read was about subtitles not being used for Spanish speaking scenes. That actually took nothing away from the movie at all. I don't think there is anything I didn't enjoy. The time period stayed the same, the cinematography was beautiful, the music was amazing, I enjoyed the cast.... I'd pay to see it again in the theater.
Valley Girl (2020)
It's Not Perfect, For Sure
It bugs me when people say, "they ruined a classic!" when it comes to a remake/reboot. You cannot ruin a classic unless you get rid of the classic. This did not get rid of the original movie, nor did it really even try to remake the original, therefore it did not ruin it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this! It was meant to be Julie's reminiscence of the events that made the movie, which I thought was great! Her daughter even calls her out on the musical air of her memories, and that was smart. It was fun, and the musical numbers were a great use of the songs. And now I'm obsessed with the punk version of Crazy For You!
It wasn't perfect, because really what's perfect? But it was a very fun take on the movie, and it did not try to really remake the original. Good use of songs, fun casting surprises, and good showing of what happens when you "go against the grain."