Alabanza! In the heights review

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

As a huge musical fan, and in particular a huge In The Heights fan, I had slight trepidation as to how good the film really was going to be. And this film did not disappoint.

In The Heights (M. Chu) beautifully tells the story of Washington Heights, N.Y., whilst the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside of the 181st St. subway stop, a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likeable and magnetic bodega (A.Ramos) owner who hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

Music is, without a doubt, the most important part of a musical, and whilst I didn't think that the movie was going to lack in this element, it did worry me as to how they were ever going to improve the original broadway cast recording, and yet somehow, it is bigger, better and brighter. The ability to have an enormous orchestra, time to rehearse and reshoot, and some of the best talent around really pays off and the music and songs are something that every movie musical that comes after, must take note of. Some stand-out musical moments include the opening number (In The Heights), which cleverly introduces all of the main characters by using several motifs that will reoccur later in the film as recognisable character indicators for the audience. The production within this scene is also seamless and the dancing feels electric.

Anthony Ramos completely encapsulates the role of Usnavi and is a great leading man. And as a huge fan of musicals, it is such a great feeling to finally see this man get the recognition he deserves. The range of emotion he portrays throughout this film is incredible, and matches his incredible ability to switch between musical genres. Ramos is someone to watch out for.

Corey Hawkins (Benny) and Leslie Grace (Nina Rosario) steal the show. Firstly, Benny's dispatch is such an incredible number that cleverly introduces you to this duo. The characters are beautifully portrayed, and the relationship between the two is electric. The pairing work their way through the trials of an uncertain future, a struggling relationship and a block that was slowly disappearing. This is highlighted in the two duets they sing - "when you're home" and "when the sun goes down" which are two moments within the movie that make me smile from ear to ear. Not only is the choreography beautiful in both performances, but the songs themselves are numbers that create an incredible sense of joy, love and happiness. One of my favourite lyrics in the whole musical is from "when you're home" -

"Then can I say? I couldn't get my mind off you all day".

Christopher Scott's choreography is filled with an immense amount of energy and eccentricity which has the audience wanting to get up and dance along with the cast, which is something that any movie musical choreographer can only hope to achieve, and yet he achieves it so seamlessly. 96'000, a number situated roughly half way through the film is one of the most interesting and exhilarating performances ever seen on screen. Not only is the song a work of genius and cleverly tells such quick paced dialogue involving multiple characters, but half of the song is performed in an outside pool. The dancers and extra's involved in this performance deserve all of the praise they are given, and more. The effort and energy that they everyone put into this has created the most fun and exciting performance on screen to date.

This story is one of hopes, dreams, loss and gain and whilst the cultural element may not be something that you can immediately attach yourself to, the idea of wanting more than whats in front of you, or even reaching to far and forgetting your roots is something that every single person who has ever dreamed has felt, therefore creating a deep connection to which you can place yourself within the story. And this clever way of creating something so incredibly personal to a community and also to someone who lives hundreds of miles away from Washington Heights, lays completely with Lin Manuel Miranda, who can only be described as a genius. The future of musicals and in particular movie musicals are in good hands, if this man has anything to do with it.

In The Heights is the summer film of 2021, however, will be one for generations to come. If you want to ever show anyone a perfect example of a movie musical, that ticks all the boxes, this is the one to show them.