In the Heights

In the Heights
Warner Bros. Pictures
June 25, 2021

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

In the Heights is a vibrant movie adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda’s acclaimed Broadway musical.  It focuses on dreams.  Each character moves in direct search and achievement of the highest vision they hold for themselves.  This is what makes this phenomenal adaptation relevant and uplifting.  

The movie opens with Usnavi (played by Anthony Ramos) sitting at a small bar on the beach, telling four children the story of his bodega in Washington Heights.  The New York neighborhood comes to life as Usnavy starts his day, opens his store, and greets his friends and customers.  The action flows seamlessly from dialogue to hip hop to song, then back again to dialogue.  Scenes start with characters walking down busy city streets.  As the movement organically grows with rhythm, the street becomes alive with dance, then smoothly returns to daily activity.  This is all due to the expertise of director Jon M. Chu, book writer Quiara Alegría Hudes, and choreographer Christopher Scott.  Their eye on every minute detail is extraordinary.  You are swept into the lives and needs of every character.  Your heart opens as you feel for them and with them on every challenge they face.  It is no easy task to make a successful movie musical, and this creative team has raised the bar higher than it’s ever been before.  

Anthony Ramos as Usnavi
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

The cast is superb.  Anthony Ramos is suave and magnetic as Usnavi.  Olga Merediz is endearing as Abuela.  Jimmy Smits is solid as Kevin Rosario.  Daphne Rubin-Vega is energizing in her portrayal of Daniela.  Gregory Diaz IV brings a dynamic charge to the role of Sonny.  Marc Anthony is heartbreaking in his cameo role of Sonny’s father, Gapo.  The list goes on and on of outstanding performers bringing their “A” game, giving the audience a truthful view into the struggles and desires of their characters. 

You MUST see In the Heights on the BIG screen.  If you’ve already seen it in the comfort of your own home, see it again in the theater.  Why?  Because now you can.  It is a worthy celebration, one to be shared in a communal setting.

Domenick Danza