A Reel Review: IN THE HEIGHTS

When the name Lin-Manual Miranda is brought up, we all rightfully associate him with his must-see Broadway hit Hamilton. The success of that cultural-smashing show has caused many to overlook his Tony Award-winning musical, In the Heights, which debuted on Broadway in 2008. Here in 2021, Miranda and director Jon M. Chu bring that story to the big screen. 

 

In the largely Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights, NYC, Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), the young owner of a small bodega, tells a group of children the story of how he and his friends chased their dreams. 

 

Based on Miranda’s show and the book of the same name by Quiara Alegria Hudes, IN THE HEIGHTS is a film that has a lot going on. Although Usnavi is set up as the main character, the story eventually moves on to the large cast. There’s Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), a love-interest of Usnavi who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV), Usnavi’s teenage nephew who just wants to go to college. Nina (Leslie Grace), who has quit college despite the wishes of her father (Jimmy Smits). And Benny (Corey Hawkins), who longs to be with Nina. All these characters are intertwined in one way or another, and toss on a few subplots involving a salon, a neighborhood blackout, a missing winning lottery ticket, and a disappearing neighborhood due to buyouts…and we’ve got one packed film. With so much going on, it’s tough to latch onto a single theme or character. 

 

IN THE HEIGHTS is a musical first and foremost, and even though the sequences are spectacular, every number feels like it could have been trimmed by a few minutes. They ramble on way too long, and every minute of the nearly two-and-a-half-hour running time can be felt. Starting with the very long prologue (so long that when the opening title finally pops in, it’s a surprise), the film gets tedious right away. 

 

There is still a lot to be impressed by in IN THE HEIGHTS. As stated, the numbers are fantastic to see; done on a large and impressive scale with hundreds of extras. Filmed on location in NYC, there is a strong level of authenticity, and the attention paid to various cultures and traditions gives the film a richness. There are strong themes at play concerning immigration without getting preachy or political, although the Trump-era harshness towards The Dreamers rears its ugly head. The film for the most part is a delight with many laughs, although the explanation behind Usnavi’s name, which feels like it could have been a funny story, comes off as absurd. 

 

The cast seems to be having a blast and hit shows. Anthony Ramos, who starred in Miranda’s Hamilton, gets most of the screentime and carries the movie. Jimmy Smits is excellent as always, and the show is stolen by Leslie Grace and Melissa Barrera. 

 

With so many characters and threads at work, IN THE HEIGHTS takes a very long time to wrap up, and by the time the credits mercifully roll…there is a feeling of exhaustion. There does exist a good movie in here; one that feels like it could have used another pass or two in the editing room. It feels like it’s true to the stage version to a fault; fans of the show will probably love it, while newcomers will be waiting for the story to just get on with it. That sort of imbalance knocks it down from a must-see. 

 

BOTTOM LINE: Rent it