By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Movie theaters might have to post “No Dancing In The Aisles” signs during showings of the vibrant and colorful new movie musical
“In the Heights.”
The movie, written by
Quiara Alegria Hudes and
Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius behind “Hamilton" is one big finger-snapping, hand-clapping, toe tapping good time. Not only does “In the Heights” have a great beat that you can dance to, its heartwarming story of family, dreams and overcoming adversity should move you as well.
Directed by
Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians” and “Step Up”), “In the Heights” which is adapted from the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit play of the same name, is a soul-stirring love letter that celebrates and honors Latin culture from the gritty streets of the Washington Heights community in New York City.
All the exuberance and dazzling effects of the stage play are exceptionally showcased in the movie, which is also streaming on HBOMax, but don’t shortchange yourself. You’ve got to see “In the Heights” on the big screen to fully appreciate the amped music and all out festive vibe that a home theater system just can’t match.
We first see Usnavi (an astounding Anthony Ramos, “Hamilton”), the twentysomething guy who owns a neighborhood bodega. His younger cousin Sonny (a terrific Gregory Diaz IV, TV’s “New Amsterdam”) works with him. More than anything Usnavi dreams of a better life and wants to return home to the Dominican Republic and re-open his late father’s bar.
Everyone is connected and part of an extended family especially Claudia the local matriarch (Olga Merediz, star of the original Broadway production) who means the world to Usnavi. So does Vanessa (Melissa Barrera, TV’s “Vida”) who has loads of talent to go along with her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Until she gets her break, she makes ends meet by working at the local beauty salon. After some starts and stops, Usnavi and Vanessa’s love story tenderly begins to blossom.
Usnavi’s best friend Benny (an outstanding Corey Hawkins, TV’s “Chrysalis”) is a dispatcher at a car company that’s owned by his boss Kevin Rosario (a fabulous Jimmy Smits, “The Tax Collector”). Benny is also madly in love with the boss’ daughter Nina (a fantastic Leslie Grace) who left New York to attend Stanford University. Now that she’s back, Benny isn’t about to let her get away again. Hawkins and Grace light up the screen particularly on the touching songs, “When the Sun Goes Down” and “When You’re Home.”
Changes are occurring all around this tight-knit community. Gentrification is slowly creeping in and so many people have big dreams to move on and try to find a better way of life.
Then when Unsavi discovers he sold a winning lottery ticket from his store that’s worth $96,000, that has everyone fired up because the winner hasn’t come forward.
When various issues arise that threaten to divide these residents, love, determination, and community pride help bring them closer together.
“In The Heights” runs nearly 2½ hours long, but time flies when you’re having fun and there isn’t a scene that drags or is superfluous. This was supposed to be the big movie of 2020 and of course the pandemic hit. Now, as everyone is slowly getting back to normal, “In the Heights” arrives at the perfect time. Many may find it to be the big shot of fun they absolutely need right now.
While the entire cast of “In the Heights” is spectacular, I can’t say enough about Anthony Ramos. He was great in “Hamilton” and is absolutely sensational here. He really gives “In the Heights” its snap, crackle, and pop.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 6:20 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"IN THE HEIGHTS"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
