By Gilberto Campa
Before the worldwide, pop culture phenomenon that was Hamilton: An American Musical, Lin-Manuel Miranda established himself with the critically acclaimed play In The Heights back in 2008. The production won four Tony Awards and helped to usher in a new way of storytelling through spoken word, freestyle rap, and captivating salsa numbers. Similar to other plays that were eventually adapted into feature films (Annie, Chicago, Jersey Boys, Grease, Rent, just to name a few). It was only a matter of time that this deep, emotional story about the hopeful Latino community of Washinton Heights located in the uppermost part of Manhattan, NY would be given its opportunity to be seen by everyone to experience. After ten years of trying to be adapted into a film, changing directors, and eventually being sold to Warner Bros for 50 million dollars, casting began in 2018 and Jon Chu was selected to direct the project. Cho met with Miranda a few years back and actually pitched his vision for what he thought the film could be, and after a personal tour of Washington Heights by Lin-Manuel himself, the plan was in motion. Coming off the smash hit that was Crazy Rich Asians that was a critical & commercial success, Jon Chu’s directing style (specifically with musicals) was set to be a perfect match on paper for In The Heights.
If I had to choose a word or a theme to describe In The Heights it would be Hope, every person in the movie is hopeful for bigger and better things (making it out of the community, getting the dream job, graduating, going to that dream destination) which is something that anyone can relate to. The story from a narrative perspective is familiar and delivers the emotional revenants that fans of the musical will love and enjoy. At the same time, those who go into seeing this without having known of the musical will still feel the emotion and fall in love with this community and family of this little block. What really impressed me was the way that Cho was able to help emphasize what was going on through his direction, as well as some of the choices he made to bring a sense of fantasy to the characters at certain moments. It all helped to create an energy that was consistent throughout the movie, no matter the emotion or the type of music that was about to be played. This isn’t just a great musical adaptation, it’s an incredible experience and so much more. From the hundreds of extras dancing in the background (who were mostly from the original play) to the set pieces that were captured directly at the source as much of the movie was filmed on location in New York, to the wonderful lighting and overall beauty of New York. Everything about this film was majestic.
When you talk about the actual performances you have to start with Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, he is the main character in the story and the person with the biggest choice to make. Ever since his breakout in Hamilton in 2016, his star has continued to rise, and it reaches its height (no pun intended) in this movie. Ramos brings his awkward charm and humor to the role as you are rooting for Usnavi to reach his dream. I see big things coming for Ramos who in my opinion should benefit from this role as he shows a wide range of emotions whether it’s humor, sadness, anger, or grief. I can go on and on about the rest of the cast as there is not a single person in the movie that puts on a bad performance. You can tell that they took the right amount of time to find people who would be a perfect fit for the movie.
Everyone has moments to shine, with special recognition to Leslie Grace (Nina), Melissa Barrera (Vanessa), Corey Hawkins (Benny), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Daniela), and Jimmy Smits (Kevin Rosario) as they were all incredible and delivered star-making performances (in the case of Leslie & Melissa). And obviously, this story wouldn’t be in this position if it was not for Lin-Manuel Miranda as he gets to pay tribute to his Grandfather and portrays Piraguero which just ties things together. With that being said Olga Merediz who reprises her role as Abuela Claudia from the broadway musical is the heart and soul of this movie by far. There was a reason that they brought her back for the movie because her portrayal will leave you in tears in more ways than one. As someone of Puerto Rican & Cuban descent, it was extra emotional for me because much of what was explored and talked about was very familiar in my personal life. Whether it was the food (this movie will make you hungry if you love Spanish food), the flags, the expressions, the dancing, the music, it was all in service to show what makes us unique and what drives us as a people.
The great thing about these themes is that they are universal, and I believe that anyone who experiences this movie will understand that and appreciate it, no matter the background. As you may have read before my love for music is abundant, with that being said throughout the movie I couldn’t resist tapping my feet or wanting to get up and dance. There are countless moments that you are just enamored with the music of Washington Heights, and you can’t help but move around. I’m glad that movie theaters are back again and In The Heights is something that the whole family can enjoy, no matter the age. Everyone can find a character to relate to and that plays a big part in the overall reception of the film. I encourage everyone to see this in the theater to really get the full feel for the movie. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s vision has come full circle to a theatrical experience unlike no other. Aye Dios!
The Verdict