Review: IN THE HEIGHTS (Film)
Photo credit: Warner Bros
The time is now! The eagerly anticipated film adaptation of Broadway musical In The Heights receives its cinematic release on Friday (18 June) and we were among some of the lucky ones who got to see an advance preview last night.
Having been delayed by a year due to the pandemic, the hype has been ever present among musical fans since it was announced that the 2008 Tony Award-winning production would be adapted for the big screen. This only intensified following the success of Hamilton on Disney Plus, another work of genius by Lin-Manuel Miranda who, rather than returning to the role of Usnavi which he originated on Broadway, makes a brilliant cameo in In The Heights as Piragüero. In actual fact, there is a lovely nod to Hamilton when the phone hold music is instantly recognisable as ‘You’ll Be Back’!
Whilst being (overly) familiar with the musical’s soundtrack, I have yet to see the stage production of In The Heights. However, from what I can gauge, the film is based on the show as opposed to being a carbon copy so permitting musical fans realise this, there is nothing not to enjoy.
The perfect summer release, In The Heights is a story about dreamers and a close-knit Latino community in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Usnavi (the charismatic and humble Anthony Ramos) runs a bodega, assisted by his cheeky cousin Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV), but longs to reopen his late father’s beach bar, El Sueñito, in the Dominican Republic; Usnavi’s love interest Vanessa (the superb Melissa Barrera) wants to move downtown to study fashion but is struggling to pass the credit check required; Usnavi’s best friend Benny (Corey Hawkins) operates the dispatch and works for on-off girlfriend Nina’s father Kevin (Jimmy Smits); and Nina (Leslie Grace) has returned from her first year at Stanford University and is considering dropping out, having been subjected to racism and being concerned about her father’s ability to finance her studies.
There are also some key supporting turns from original Rent cast member Daphne Rubin-Vega as owner of the local hair salon, Daniela, and the warming influence of Olga Merediz, whom originated and played Abuela Claudia for the duration of its Broadway run and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance. She should be greatly acknowledged for her incredible rendition of ‘Paciencia y Fe’ when she tells the story of her life in one of the most ambitious, beautiful numbers in the movie.
The key themes running through the film are love, loyalty, community and aspiration; all of which it delivers tenfold. Quiara Alegria Hudes and Miranda’s musical translates brilliantly to the screen, with its large scale never compromising on the intimacy and heart of the piece. Director Jon M. Chu clearly had great vision and ambition going into this project and this is more than demonstrated in the larger ensemble numbers such as during the title number which opens the film, ‘96,000’ at the public pool, ‘The Club’ and ‘Carnaval del Barrio’; each showing off Christopher Scott’s energised and detailed choreography. More understated yet equally stunning numbers include the incredibly moving ‘Alabanza’ and ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ in a visionary, golden age-style routine between Hawkins and Grace.
Miranda’s music is an exceptionally clever hybrid of rap, hip-hop and Latin rhythms. Whilst not all are entirely memorable, every one has its place in the musical with many urging you to get up and dance…although that could be frowned upon in the cinema (personally noted)!
Don’t miss this sizzling summer spectacle, Besties!
****’ Four and a half stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
