In the Heights

Name: In the Heights
Genre: Drama, Romance, Music, Musical
Released: June 11, 2021
Duration: 143 min
Rating: 84
Cast: Alex Wong, Anthony Ramos, Ariana Greenblatt, Chris Jackson, Corey Hawkins

2021

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 54 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 85 Ratings

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7.0

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7.0	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 85 Ratings

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In The Heights (Trailer 1)

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Movie Details & Credits

Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: June 11, 2021 | PG-13

Starring: Alex Wong, Anthony Ramos, Ariana Greenblatt, Chris Jackson, Corey Hawkins, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Dascha Polanco, Daymien Valentino, Doreen Montalvo, Gregory Diaz IV, Isabella Iannelli, Jimmy Smits, Joseph Velez, Julia Harnett, Leslie Grace, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Marc Anthony, Melissa Barrera, Noah Catala, Olga Merediz, Reyna Guerra, Rita Moreno, Stephanie Beatriz, Susan Pourfar

Summary: Lights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his dailyLights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.… Expand

Director: Jon M. Chu

Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Music, Musical

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 143 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

ABC News Peter Travers

Jun 11, 2021

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning musical is a surefire Oscar contender that lights up the screen with the immigrant experience of the American Dream. Anthony Ramos fires up an estupendo cast to give the summer’s best party a heart that sings and a spirit that soars. Read full review

100

Mick LaSalle

May 24, 2021

Art is either alive or dead, and this movie is emphatically and exuberantly living, energized by what can only truly be described as love. The movie’s love is for the place, for the characters and for all their dreams. In movies, as in life, love is rare. It makes everything better, and it must be respected. Read full review

Brian Lowry

Jun 11, 2021

Big and vibrant, In the Heights provides summer movie-going with a joyous jolt of adrenalin, wedding the sensibilities of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical with "Crazy Rich Asians" director Jon M. Chu's mouth-watering imagery. Read full review

The Playlist Orlando Maldonado

May 21, 2021

The vibrant singing and dancing aren’t what makes this musical so special, even though Puerto Ricans can be known for their incredible ability to move their bodies to just about any sound. “In the Heights” pulls off the impossible as it accurately represents the Dominican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and many other Latin diasporas in the United States. Read full review

Tim Grierson

May 21, 2021

In The Heights’ boisterous tone — its uplifting mix of defiance and perseverance — deftly communicates the sense of scraping by but dreaming of more, facing discrimination but refusing to be silenced. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Jun 10, 2021

Despite some sluggish narrative passages and tonal inconsistencies, this represents one of the most exuberant and energetic productions to arrive in the post-pandemic era and its mixture of feel-good elements and real-world concerns is a welcome change from horror movies and action mayhem. Read full review

Alan Ng

Jun 12, 2021

As a movie, I thought Jon M. Chu did an incredible job bringing In The Heights to cinematic life. There’s nothing wrong with the actual production or cast. It’s all great, but my issue is with the source material, specifically the songs. Read full review

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User Reviews

ion87

Jun 14, 2021

This movie goes hard and i am here for it. GOOD TIME GOOD MUSIC AND GREAT MOVIE. Start your summer right with in the heights

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

Megatron808

Jun 20, 2021

I’m not really a big fan of musicals or even Latin music but I love how upbeat, positive & authentic this film is! Now I just wish Lin Manuel Miranda would write a movie about 80’s retro music & we’ll be set!

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

franciscoortiz

Jun 11, 2021

A rare musical of friends, family and dreams! It’s all about community and neighborhood. I loved it!

3 of 9 users found this helpful36

Stream2BigScree

Jun 11, 2021

Streamers, it's finally here! In the Heights has been released this weekend simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max after being delayed an entire year due to the pandemic. I'm sure for fans of the Tony-winning Broadway production they have been waiting even longer than just this yearStreamers, it's finally here! In the Heights has been released this weekend simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max after being delayed an entire year due to the pandemic. I'm sure for fans of the Tony-winning Broadway production they have been waiting even longer than just this year delay. With this vibrant and energetic musical coming to the big screen, it's just another sign of America gradually emerging from the pandemic and the summer movie season in full swing. I braved the theater to get the "heights" of In the Heights, and here's how it went.

As I mentioned, In the Heights is an adaptation of the Broadway musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda with the screenplay written by Quiara Alegria Hudes and directed by John M. Chu. The elements come together with eye-catching visuals, fierce choreography and heartfelt songs to tell the story of Washington Heights and the people there who are striving to achieve their dreams. Our main character and narrator is Usnavi, who owns the bodega, but he is saving to move back home to the Dominican Republic. Usnavi introduces us to the rest of the main ensemble, which includes Vanessa, an aspiring fashion designer trying to move downtown; Nina, the brilliant student who left to attend Stanford; Benny, Nina's love interest and dispatcher at Nina's father's business; Mr. Rosario, Nina's father who will do anything for Nina to succeed; and Abuela Claudia, the heart and soul of the community. Their stories weave in and out infused with music and hope telling a quintessential story about community, growth and the price of chasing dreams.

If you are a fan of musicals, you will be swept away by In the Heights. The filmmakers have done a remarkable job translating this stage musical into a movie spectacle. Everything is big - group dance numbers, swooping shots of Washington Heights, bright, enticing colors and infectious music. Casting Anthony Ramos as Usnavi was the best thing for this movie. He's a grounding presence and such a talented guy. Ramos has got that Lin-Manuel cadence down pluses he's cool and charming and can move. He captures the emotion of his character and connects to the others in the ensemble very well. I'll also single out Olga Merediz, who is the emotional center. She is so wonderful as Abuela Claudia. She really embodies the warmth attributed to her character, and it is so believable that the entire block sees her as their abuela. She has a moving musical number as well. Ramos and Merediz are just two of the cast that are great, but all of the performances are top notch and each character has a moment to shine.

What's really great about In the Heights is that it truly is a feel-good movie. There is no unnecessary villain, and even though some of the story tends towards some clichés, it is always engaging. There are some really great set pieces with a lot of dancers and great, propulsive music - each one is like a big shot of adrenaline. The film does a lot to keep your attention and movie the story along to a satisfying conclusion. However, it must be said that 2 hours and 18 minutes is a long runtime. It could have been 20 or so minutes shorter and still told the same wonderful and vibrant story, but I didn't mind spending this time in Washington Heights with Usnavi, Abuela Claudia, Vanessa, Benny, Nina and the rest.

For me, In the Heights is a must see film, especially for musical fans. There's a great cast giving wonderful performances. The music is infectious and the visuals are vibrant. While the film is too long, it never bores and has a really heartfelt and beautiful message. Grab that big box of popcorn and don't miss this movie - at the theaters or on HBO Max, whichever you prefer.

S2S: I agree with Trip wholly. As a New York resident and public defender of the Bronx, this is absolutely a lovely story about our people. This is also a story that needs to be explained across the country. We have Americans all across this country from different backgrounds that are just coming to live a great life. Let their stories be heard and give them a chance to thrive. Let's keep the neighborhoods alive and with the spirit they've cultivated for decades. Never forget the past and never stop trying to bring about a better future. My only qualm with this movie is it feels a bit too Hamilton/Lin-Manuel-ish at times. He's brilliant, and Quiara Hudes has brilliantly distilled the stage musical into this movie. Can't wait for more from both with an even more unique voice. Musicals aren't everyone's jam but for those of you that are afraid of the singing and dancing, I must admit you'll still be touched by the storytelling and visual display in this movie. You might not rush to it, but if you have time and HBO Max you'll be entertained with a bowl of popcorn.… Expand

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

JLuis_001

Jun 12, 2021

Talking about musicals in film is kinda difficult because when they're transformed into films, they're allowed to be explored in a very different way than how they manage to do it in the theater.

In some cases this usually works because the production is brought to life in another way thatTalking about musicals in film is kinda difficult because when they're transformed into films, they're allowed to be explored in a very different way than how they manage to do it in the theater.

In some cases this usually works because the production is brought to life in another way that is simply impossible to do on stage.
The numbers can be more ambitious, more complex.
Visual effects and special effects can be included.
We can get different perspectives from the performers that are otherwise limited in theater

In The Heights knows that, and uses it to its advantage, but it also has the enormous disadvantage that what feels natural in the play, in the film becomes an extremely simplistic and repetitive narrative device.
What do I mean by this? I'm talking about the musical numbers.

In the play each performance represents a process, beginning and end, but when you're following a narrative in a film, the fact that the characters speak for 3 or 4 minutes and then start singing and dancing, it feels unbalanced. It takes you out of flow in a very rough way.

I cannot deny that there is a lot of talent in what is seen on screen, especially effort, and the film looks very good.
The execution of both, the dance numbers, and the performers, is really good.

The message of inclusion is more than vital and contemporary in the Latino community, but if you really analyze the film, it's 143 minutes that yes, they can be colorful and fun, but they're also a bit hollow.

The music is good, and it can be very impressive to many in the audience, but for me, I gotta be honest, I didn't take anything of the experience with me after it ended.

You feel neither different nor more enlightened from what you saw at the beginning with what you saw at the end.
As I said, the experience can be very entertaining, and that's valid, but at least I need more so that I can say: "This was great, this was memorable."

It's appreciated that it provides a conspicuous setting to demonstrate this diversity, but ultimately it does nothing to be a better movie.

And I know you could argue that it's not about that, but about having a good time, having fun, and I can understand that aspect.
And I applaud what this movie does very well. The funny and remarkable moments, but I also emphasize what it doesn't achieve, and that is that beyond the idea, the promise and the dream, In The Heights doesn't provide something that will make it a musical worth remembering. At least for the long haul.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

ilinr

Jun 17, 2021

An alright film, consisting of well-shot scenes and decent choreography. A definite step-up from Hamilton, comparing the pacing and plot. The atmosphere of the setting and shots however feel like a constant Coca-Cola ad - take that as you will. The music is most definitely its most shiningAn alright film, consisting of well-shot scenes and decent choreography. A definite step-up from Hamilton, comparing the pacing and plot. The atmosphere of the setting and shots however feel like a constant Coca-Cola ad - take that as you will. The music is most definitely its most shining feature as you should expect for a musical. Overall, not a terrible experience but not a movie I would be coming back to watch again.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

mickrussom

Jun 17, 2021

This is such a main stream media / propaganda brigade. This was a horrible movie. I cant imagine anyone actually enjoying this. If you claim to like it, tell everyone why you liked it. And saying its "stunning and brave" doesnt count.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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