1961 - West Side Story: "We won't bite you until we know you better"

1961 Best Picture Winner

Premiered October 18, 1961 in New York

Budget $6 Million

Gross $43.7 Million

West Side Story is a classic movie. The songs are catchy and fun to listen to. The movie is one you should see at some point in your life if you've never seen it. However, this isn't a great movie. As a stage production, it gets 3 popcorn boxes, as a movie it only gets two. Here's why: the acting is not good and the filmmakers did not add anything to the stage production to enhance the experience. There's a big difference between the stage and the screen. Most filmmakers have a tough time figuring it out. 

Joel

Favorite: I liked many of the classic songs, especially "America"

Least Favorite: Some of the dance scenes with the boys in the gangs was a little hokey.

Callie
Favorite: I think the story is excellent. It is easy to relate to and it draws you in.
Least Favorite: The acting was bad and the music seemed to fight the story line rather than advance the story line.