Director
Jon M. Chu
(Crazy Rich Asians)

Starring
Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace

This film adaptation of the Lin Manuel Miranda musical Broadway hit, In the Heights, is certainly a visual and aural feast that is going to bring much enjoyment to the cinema landscape. The film begins with Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) telling a group of local kids a story of his time years ago working in a bodega in the Upper Manhattan neighbourhood of Washington Heights. Usnavi is a Dominican immigrant who created a strong community bond with fellow Latino members of his neighbourhood, some through a family connection and some that became family to him. We learn of Usnavi’s endeavours in love, the sacrifices that those in the community are willing to make to see that some of them can get ahead in life, as well as the slow redistribution of cultural hubs due to the issues of gentrification. There is a beautiful array of characters that each bring something vibrant to the story, even if some of their stories are too fleeting.

Whilst directed by Jon M. Chu (of Crazy Rich Asians fame), Lin Manuel Miranda is still firmly imprinted on this film version, not just through his presence as Piragüero, a local street vendor featured throughout, but every beat and note of this musical extravaganza has his signature all over it. Fans of Miranda’s work will be very enamored by what’s on display here.

The transition from stage to screen is certainly an interesting one. At times it still feels very much as if it’s not quite evolving from its former life, but it’s not enough of a detractor to diminish the enjoyment of the film. The stylization is brilliant and engaging, and the colourful assortment of characters bring this neighbourhood to life. Unfortunately there is a lacking in focus which makes the story somewhat disjointed. By trying to incorporate so many stories and people, no one really gets the full benefit of character development. There are also issues around continuity and consistency with some of storylines. So too is there a weakness in what specific message the story is trying to get across. Sure, the overarching message is that ‘gentrification is bad’, but that concept is never really explored in a meaningful way to show the real impact it has on the multiculturalism of the neighbourhoods that are affected by it.  

What In the Heights is able to do however, is create nearly two and half hours of pure escapism. This is fun film that will draw you in. Perhaps it won’t hit you on a deep emotional level (which could have been achieved with better focus), but you won’t be regretting the time you spend on this film. At a time that is pretty bleak in a world view, this is just the splash of excitement we all need.

In the Heights is in cinemas now.

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