Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' is a stunning musical that has been overlooked by many film enthusiasts. Despite its $100 million budget and a 91% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2021 adaptation of the classic 1957 stage musical has been labeled a box office disaster, earning only $76 million worldwide. However, this label is a disservice to the film's quality and impact. The movie boasts some of Spielberg's most memorable filmmaking, with a colorful blur of phenomenal choreography, iconic music, and kinetic energy that comes alive on the screen. The iconic tunes, high-calibre performances, and Spielberg's ever-excellent direction make it a must-watch for any film fan. While it may not stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Spielberg's most popular projects, it is no stain on his career. In fact, due to its lack of attention, it has become his most overlooked movie. The poll results from Tom's Guide readers, which ranked 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Schindler's List' as the top two, failed to recognize the brilliance of 'West Side Story'. This musical deserves more love and attention, and it is a testament to Spielberg's directorial brilliance that few filmmakers can ever hope to match.
