In the Heights

It's a hot week in Washington Heights and the power goes out. Usnavi (Ramos) runs a Bodega in the heart of the block. He is the go-to location for morning coffee or other items at a reasonable price.  The block is disappearing as rent goes up and local businesses are replaced by expensive new shops.

Everyone in the Heights has big dreams.  Usnavi wants to return to Dominican Republic and reopen his father's business. His cousin Sonny (Diaz) dreams of going to college.  Nina (Grace) made it out of the Heights and all the way to Stanford, but she was unable to pay tuition and returned home in disgrace.  Vanessa (Barrera) works at Daniela's (Rubin-Vega) salon, but dreams of becoming a designer.  Benny (Hawkins) wants to be a successful business man, but works for Nina's dad.  When they learn that Usnavi's Bodega sold a lottery ticket for $96,000, can the money make their dreams come true?

The film adaptation of the 2008 Broadway show "In the Heights". The show was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (music and lyrics) and Quiara Alegria Hudes (book) and won 4 Tony Awards (Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, and Best Orchestrations).

The screenplay, written by Hudes, is slightly different from the show: some songs are removed and 2 of the storylines are updated to reflect the times.  Miranda served as a producer for the film.

The Good:

The songs are great.  There are several big production numbers, culminating in the songs "96,000" and "Carnaval del Barrio" that feature most of the main characters.  Olga Merediz is wonderful as Abuela Claudia.  I also enjoyed Gregory Diaz IV as Sonny.  

The Bad:

The film is too long and drags in places.  Usnavi narrating the story to a group of children doesn't work... it is a nice idea, but stops the plot and adds unnecessary characters and time to the film.

Other Comments:

-Original Broadway cast members appear in the film: Merediz reprised her role as Abuela Claudia, Miranda (original Usnavi) is the piragua guy, Christopher Jackson (original Benny) is the Mr. Softee Driver, Seth Stewart (original Graffiti Pete) has a cameo as the club bartender, Javier Munoz (original Usnavi standby and Usnavi on national tour) has a cameo, and Doreen Montalvo (Ensemble and Abuela Claudia understudy) has a cameo.

-The cast includes several Broadway stars, including Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela and Patrick Page plays Pike Phillips.

-Overall, I enjoyed the film, but definitely got distracted during the slower moments.

In the Heights (2021) 143 minutes 

Rating: PG-13 for some language and suggestive references 

Director: Jon M. Chu

Starring: Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega

Melissa Barrera as Vanessa Morales

Leslie Grace as Nina Rosario

Corey Hawkins as Benny

Olga Merediz as Abuela Claudia 

Jimmy Smits as Kevin Rosario

Gregory Diaz IV as Sonny de la Vega

Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela

Stephanie Beatriz as Carla

Dascha Polanco as Cuca 

Noah Catala as Graffiti Pete