Synopsis: The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside the 181st Street subway stop. The likable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines, and sings about a better life.
Runtime: 143 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some language and suggestive references)
Who should see it? Fans of the stage show, movie musicals, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some language and suggestive references)
Who should see it? Fans of the stage show, movie musicals, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Based on Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes's stage musical, In the Heights is directed by Jon Chu and features a screenplay from Quiara Alegría Hudes. Before Hamilton, In the Heights was Lin-Manuel Miranda's claim-to-fame. It's always exciting to see a hit musical materialize on the big screen, much less one from Miranda. Minutes into a vivid opening number, it became clear that Jon Chu was an excellent choice to helm this adaptation. Chu previously directed the visually splendid rom-com Crazy Rich Asians, and those eye-catching sensibilities carry over nicely here.
Sufficed to say, In the Heights carves out its own space amongst the genre as a contemporary crowd pleaser. The diverse blend of musical stylings ranging from rap, R&B, and hip-hop to ballads, salsa, and merengue culminates in an earworm of a soundtrack. Every musical number is a showstopper, and Miranda's tendency to intermingle varying styles in a single song gives the chords an extra punch. The song-and-dance numbers carry an infectious cheery atmosphere and plenty of striking imagery. Christopher Scott's choreography uniquely incorporates seemingly mundane settings and ordinary objects, while Alice Brooks' cinematography and supplemental special effects lend the songs a look befitting the big screen. While the human drama remains grounded in reality, there are no limits for Chu's vision once characters begin singing or rapping. A burst of energy and dreamlike ambiance overtake the audience, and viewers will be awestruck. You'll be pleasantly surprised when songs like "96,000," "Carnaval Del Barrio," and "Blackout" pervade your mind for days to come. All of the music is quite catchy, though. And I've thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Broadway recording since the complete film soundtrack wasn't yet available when I first saw it.
I haven't seen the stage version, but I could pinpoint story changes in developing In the Heights for the big screen from listening to the Broadway recording. I suspect this was to reign in the runtime and simplify certain story elements. None of the alterations seemed significant, so I suppose diehard fans of that version won't mind. One thing not lost in translation is that Hudes's script expertly balances a large ensemble, who instantly endears the audience. Each character must grapple with grounded obstacles holding them back from their sueñitos (dreams). Their struggles are rooted in reality, whether it be financial strife, undocumented immigration, or familial/relationship drama.
The sense of community amongst the Washington Heights barrio (Spanish-speaking neighborhood) feels especially sincere on behalf of the cast's chemistry. There's not a weak link in the cast, and everyone has their moment in the spotlight. As Usnavi, Anthony Ramos proves to be a charismatic presence and dynamic performer. I expect he'll break out as a very in-demand male lead. Opposite Ramos, Melissa Barrera's Vanessa makes for a compelling love interest. Olga Merediz reprises her role of Abuela Claudia from the stage version, and her impassioned rendition of "Paciencia y Fe" will surely tug on your heartstrings. One of the biggest stand-outs, though, is undoubtedly Gregory Diaz IV's Sonny. Diaz steals many scenes with incredible comic timing and will charm you within minutes of his introduction. Otherwise, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Jimmy Smits, and Daphne Rubin-Vega are impressionable supporting players.
As a fan of musicals, I can sometimes be their harshest critic. However, I haven't been this enamored with a new one since seeing La La Land. Hamilton honestly didn't do it for me, but In the Heights cements the musical genius of Lin Manuel-Miranda, and it's easy to see how this was his stepping stone to stardom. One thing's for sure, though. I have a soft spot for all-encompassing movie musicals which highlight the importance of chasing your sueñitos.
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