An electrifying spectacle with musical numbers that'll have you dancing in your seat one moment and reaching for tissues the next!
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"Lights up on Washington Heights – The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life."
Directed by Jon M. Chu (Step Up 2, Crazy Rich Asians) based on a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes (who also wrote the book for the Broadway musical!) with music and lyrics from Lin-Manuel Miranda, In The Heights is a musical drama film based on the Tony Award-winning musical of the same name.
It is an electrifying spectacle filled with fun, laughter and tears that’ll have you dancing in your seat one moment and reaching for tissues the next – a true-blue musical.
Light’s up on Anthony Ramos, who’s no stranger to the role of Usnavi, having played the character for a short run back in 2018. Ramos certified his place on stage when he originated the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in Miranda’s other Broadway hit, Hamilton. He’s appeared in big films such as A Star Is Born opposite Lady Gaga and Godzilla: King of Monsters but has yet to take the lead.. until now. The young actor oozes with charisma and passion of someone with a deep understanding for the arts, delivering a stellar performance that proves he is leading man material. Watch out, world!
But for a musical blockbuster of this magnitude, it’s not enough to rely on just one man. It is important for a musical film to not only have good actors but also those who can deliver in both the singing and dancing departments for the film to essentially work. Thankfully, the casting gods blessed this film with the likes of Melissa Barrera (Vanessa – Usnavi’s love interest), Corey Hawkins (Benny – Usnavi’s best friend), Leslie Grace (Nina – Benny’s love interest), Olga Merediz (Abuela Claudia – the matriarch of the Latinx community), Jimmy Smits (Kevin – Nina’s father), Daphne Rubin-Vega (salon owner Daniela – Vanessa’s boss) and Gregory Diaz IV (Sonny – Usnavi’s cousin)! Each actor embodied their character and delivered memorable performances without losing themselves in this great big shebang – not something that can be said for most ensemble cast films.
It isn’t an easy feat bringing stage to film but Chu has showed that he is capable of delivering movie musicals with this adaption. And if the catchy songs from lyrical genius Miranda doesn’t captivate you then the stunning choreography from Christopher Scott definitely will!
A must-see for musical fans and for those who aren’t – the film is still worth your 2 hours, trust me. Go see it on the biggest screen you have access to!
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