I had trepidations. Why remake a classic? But after giving it some thought and recalling four versions of "A Star is Born" and countless looks at "Romeo and Juliet," I decided to not prejudge this much-touted remake by Stephen Spielberg. So what did I think? I think it is a materpiece in its own right and should not be compared to the earlier incarnation. They both stand magnificently alone. Mr. Spielberg is a masterfilmmaker and at the top of his game. When one knows every song and still finds them fresh as they were many years ago on Broadway, you know you are witnessing cinema magic. The casting is superb. Ansel Elgor as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria bring an innocent charm to their roles and sing like angels. Equally impressive are Ariana DeBose as Anita and David Alverez as Bernardo (the later won a Tony when he was a child for his portrayal of "Billy Ellior") And I must mention Rita Moreno as Valentina giving a flawless preformance that was created especially for her. And the new Riff (Mike Faist) brings a "little boy lost" to the role. The dancing (while paying homage to Jerome Robbins occasionally) is brilliantly staged by choreographer Justin Peck. So, to sum it up, never to my knowledge has a remake of an Oscar winning picutre won an Oscar on the second outing...........But this may be the year...........Nominations are bound to happen.
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