IN BRIEF: Despite an uneven book with a sentimental streak, a vibrant cast imbues life in this buoyant musical treat.
JIM'S REVIEW: (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) Dreams. They are the main incentive that spur on the residents of Washington Heights, a microcosm of immigrants who dream of a better life in NYC. And Jon M. Chu's vivid film adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical, In the Heights, is a winner.
The story revolves around the community and its people. Usnavi de la Vega (a very winning Anthony Ramos) who owns the neighborhood's popular bodega, dreams about returning to his native land in the Dominican Republic to escape the gentrification of his city, although he pines for Vanessa (Melissa Barrera) who dreams of being a fashion designer. Usnavi's best friend, Benny (Corey Hawkins) loves Nina (Leslie Grace), who is disillusioned with the white privilege at Stanford University and has returned home. Meanwhile, Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV) hides his undocumented status with dreams of entering college. Taking on the adult supervision is Nina's father, Kevin (Jimmy Smits) and the matriarch of the block, Abuela Claudia (a scene-stealing Olga Merediz). Soon they all hear about a winning lottery ticket for $96,000 won by someone in their neighborhood and wonder just who is that lucky person.
The film celebrates the multi-culture aspects of its community and the pride of its inhabitants with its infectious musical score and many top-notch musical numbers that convey their joy and the sorrow. Mr. Miranda's Latin-influenced Tony-winning score is a mix of hip hop, ballads, and big dazzling production numbers that provide the real excitement.
Mr. Chu shot his film on location, providing the gritty urban appeal and he expertly crafts a memorable time. His direction is sharp and heartfelt. He also hones into the musical numbers as homages to past Technicolor musicals, honoring the likes of Busby Berkeley and a gravity-free Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding. (The film's many highlights include the title opening number which effectively introduces all of the characters in song, a delightful lighter-than-air romance ballad, and an Esther Williams tribute later in the film that is a glorious high with its skillful choreography and editing. Kudos to Myron Kerstein and Christopher Scott, respectively.) The director makes the difficulty of presenting a big Hollywood musical seem effortless. The camerawork by helps immensely as its swoops down and around to immerse the moviegoing audience in the neighborhood and its sense of wonder.
However, just as in the Broadway show, the book lacks focus. There are substantial changes in the screenplay by its original writer, Quiara Alegría Hudes, from his Broadway version which sanitize some issues, particularly the omission of the violent looting of Usnavi's store that served as a catalyst in the stage production. It is as if the filmmakers only wanted to stress the positive karma in its citizenry. However, the current political ramification of illegal immigration and DACA become a moving addition to the film and are handled directly as one of the major plot-line.
The cast is splendid. Mr. Ramos is an effervescent joy as Usnavi. Strong support is given by every cast member to make their roles so memorable, with especially fine work delivered by Ms. Grace and Ms. Barrera. But it is the elder Ms. Merediz who is the heart of the film. Her solo number, Paciencia Y Fe, is beautifully rendered. Other famous stars have smaller but pivotal roles such as Daphne Rubin-Vega, Christopher Jackson, Marc Anthony, and Mr. Miranda and they only add to the enjoyment.
In the Heights hits the heights. While the storytelling is conventional and earthbound, the music and dance soars. The film is an exuberant and highly entertaining musical that deserves to be seen on the big screen. Simply stated (or sung). It's a dream of a musical! Go see it! (GRADE: B+)
JIM'S REVIEW: (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) Dreams. They are the main incentive that spur on the residents of Washington Heights, a microcosm of immigrants who dream of a better life in NYC. And Jon M. Chu's vivid film adaptation of Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical, In the Heights, is a winner.
The story revolves around the community and its people. Usnavi de la Vega (a very winning Anthony Ramos) who owns the neighborhood's popular bodega, dreams about returning to his native land in the Dominican Republic to escape the gentrification of his city, although he pines for Vanessa (Melissa Barrera) who dreams of being a fashion designer. Usnavi's best friend, Benny (Corey Hawkins) loves Nina (Leslie Grace), who is disillusioned with the white privilege at Stanford University and has returned home. Meanwhile, Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV) hides his undocumented status with dreams of entering college. Taking on the adult supervision is Nina's father, Kevin (Jimmy Smits) and the matriarch of the block, Abuela Claudia (a scene-stealing Olga Merediz). Soon they all hear about a winning lottery ticket for $96,000 won by someone in their neighborhood and wonder just who is that lucky person.
The film celebrates the multi-culture aspects of its community and the pride of its inhabitants with its infectious musical score and many top-notch musical numbers that convey their joy and the sorrow. Mr. Miranda's Latin-influenced Tony-winning score is a mix of hip hop, ballads, and big dazzling production numbers that provide the real excitement.
Mr. Chu shot his film on location, providing the gritty urban appeal and he expertly crafts a memorable time. His direction is sharp and heartfelt. He also hones into the musical numbers as homages to past Technicolor musicals, honoring the likes of Busby Berkeley and a gravity-free Fred Astaire in Royal Wedding. (The film's many highlights include the title opening number which effectively introduces all of the characters in song, a delightful lighter-than-air romance ballad, and an Esther Williams tribute later in the film that is a glorious high with its skillful choreography and editing. Kudos to Myron Kerstein and Christopher Scott, respectively.) The director makes the difficulty of presenting a big Hollywood musical seem effortless. The camerawork by helps immensely as its swoops down and around to immerse the moviegoing audience in the neighborhood and its sense of wonder.
However, just as in the Broadway show, the book lacks focus. There are substantial changes in the screenplay by its original writer, Quiara Alegría Hudes, from his Broadway version which sanitize some issues, particularly the omission of the violent looting of Usnavi's store that served as a catalyst in the stage production. It is as if the filmmakers only wanted to stress the positive karma in its citizenry. However, the current political ramification of illegal immigration and DACA become a moving addition to the film and are handled directly as one of the major plot-line.
The cast is splendid. Mr. Ramos is an effervescent joy as Usnavi. Strong support is given by every cast member to make their roles so memorable, with especially fine work delivered by Ms. Grace and Ms. Barrera. But it is the elder Ms. Merediz who is the heart of the film. Her solo number, Paciencia Y Fe, is beautifully rendered. Other famous stars have smaller but pivotal roles such as Daphne Rubin-Vega, Christopher Jackson, Marc Anthony, and Mr. Miranda and they only add to the enjoyment.
In the Heights hits the heights. While the storytelling is conventional and earthbound, the music and dance soars. The film is an exuberant and highly entertaining musical that deserves to be seen on the big screen. Simply stated (or sung). It's a dream of a musical! Go see it! (GRADE: B+)