20 Best Films Of 2021
5. West Side Story
Remaking an unassailable classic like West Side Story is just asking for trouble, but Steven Spielberg is far from your average filmmaker, and delivers by far his most passionate, vibrant directing work in many years with his remake of the iconic musical.
In many ways arguably bettering the 1961 original, Spielberg's West Side Story is one of the most technically accomplished films of the year, defined by its incredible camerawork, canny production design, riveting musical numbers, and exemplary cast.
Spielberg doesn't merely give the musical a glossy update but tweaks the story to be more progressive for modern audiences, yet without undermining the core of the original in any way.
Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, and Rita Moreno steal the show in a rare remake that fully understands the source material while feeling confident enough to actually improve upon it.