“In The Heights” Review
Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) (Left) and Vanessa (Melissa Barrera) dance at a massive block party in “In The Heights.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down theaters and suspended many theatrical releases, the postponement of “In The Heights” was one that really stung. As a massive fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda and his hit musical “Hamilton,” as well as his work on “Moana,” I was really looking forward to the cinematic adaptation of his first musical. But, after waiting more than a year, I can honestly say that the wait was worth it as “In The Heights” is one of the most entertaining musicals of the past few years.
Based off of the Broadway musical by Quiara Alegria Hudes, who serves as the film’s screenwriter, and Miranda, the film is told by Usnavi de la Vega (Anthony Ramos) a bodega owner in the largely Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City as he pursues a dream of moving back to his homeland of The Dominican Republic. Over the course of the film, Usnavi and the rest of the block’s inhabitants try to achieve their dreams while also coming to grips with the fact that their block is disappearing.
A musical of this caliber demands a sense of scale that only cinema can provide and director Jon M. Chu, who previously helmed “Crazy Rich Asians,” creates an unbelievable production which displays a vibrant interpretation of New York City. The imagery of the film is jaw-dropping and will make you feel amazed watching it in a movie theater. Because of the conventions of film, Chu is able to showcase people dancing up the sides of buildings, a block that is almost a character in its own right and armies of dancers moving in unison to the beat of the streets.
With Lin-Manuel Miranda attached to the film as a producer, composer and actor, it’s expected that the music be incredible and it doesn’t disappoint. Much like “Hamilton,” the film combines hip-hop and classic Broadway sounds for the musical numbers, However, while “Hamilton” also had R&B influences present throughout, “In The Heights” is more based in Latin American music which is only fitting since the film boasts a cast filled with Latino performers. Miranda’s fast-paced lyrics and catchy beats are so infectious that people who see this film will want to listen to the soundtrack over and over.
While the film is Usnavi’s story, there are multiple characters within the film who are trying to follow their passions. Usnavi’s love interest Vanessa (Melissa Barrera) dreams of becoming a fashion designer and moving out of the neighborhood. The academically gifted Nina (Leslie Grace) has just dropped out of Stanford University as she feels that she has no business leaving her block while her boyfriend Benny (Corey Hawkins) wants his own business.
Benny (Corey Hawkins) (Left) and Nina (Leslie Grace) pursue a relationship while Nina comprehends dropping out of college.
Usnavi’s undocumented cousin Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV) wants to go to college and advocate for the Dreamers instead of working in Usnavi’s store all the time. Overseeing the block is Abuella Claudia (Olga Merediz) who encourages everyone to follow their passions while also serving as a maternal figure to the entire neighborhood. All of these characters are identifiable in one way or another as their pursuit of passions is universal.
While not all of the viewers of “In The Heights” are Latino, this film shows how we all feel the same emotions and all have the basic longings for a good life. If there’s one thing to take away from “In The Heights,” it’s that the film shows one of the universal truths of cinema: that it can dissolve borders and show our similarities while also transporting us to a new environment.
There’s a strong sense of community present throughout the film, especially when the characters talk about the disappearing block due to gentrification with landlords raising the rent on businesses and apartments which displaces the inhabitants of Washington Heights. Daniella (Daphne Rubin-Vega) has to move her salon to The Bronx, Nina’s father Kevin (Jimmy Smits) is faced with having to sell his business and even Piraguero (Lin-Manuel Miranda), the local Piragua guy, has to face competition from the owner of the local Mr. Softee (Christopher Jackson).
“In The Heights” is an intensely happy film but it’s not hollow and heartless. It’s so uplifting because the main characters have to scrape by with a bit of change in their pockets and enough hope that the next day will be better. It’s one of those films that makes me feel good about being back in the movie theater, especially after the pandemic took so much from us. It’s a love letter to the hard-working, the downtrodden and those that don’t ever stop pursuing their dreams.
