In the Heights (2021)

In the Heights (2021)

A rousing modern musical and a vibrant celebration of Latino culture

7.9

Movie

United States of America
English, Spanish
Drama, Family, Music, Romance
2021
JON M. CHU
Anthony Ramos, Ariana Greenblatt, Christopher Jackson
143 min

What it's about

The story of Usnavi, a bodega owner who has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic or staying in Washington Heights.

The take

Even if you aren't familiar with the original, Tony Award-winning Broadway production from Lin-Manuel Miranda, this adaptation of In the Heights is still infused with the same infectious energy and loaded with many of the same eclectic songs. This is musical theater at its most fundamental (cheesy, us-against-the-world romance; unstoppable optimism) and also at some of its most unique—with old-school Broadway numbers mixing seamlessly with hip hop, Latin dance, and cheery 2000s pop. But beyond its music, In the Heights offers a gorgeous tapestry of stories about life in a proud immigrant community and the challenges of staying rooted to home while reaching for the stars.

Comments

Add a comment

What did you think? Who should watch it?

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

Fruitvale Station (2013)

Compassionate filmmaking reconstructing a 24-hour police brutality story – with a stunning lead by Michael B. Jordan

9.7

Raising Victor Vargas (2003)

A forgotten masterpiece about growing up Latino in the Lower East Side

8.0

Cassandro (2023)

A gut-punch performance by Gael García Bernal elevates a conventional biopic

7.4

Entre Nos (2009)

An immigrant mother's first summer in New York

7.6

When Frank Met Carlitos (2023)

An entertaining fictional musical duet between two of the American continent’s greatest singers

7.0

A Million Miles Away (2023)

A biopic designed to be as inoffensive and feel-good as possible, helped along by strong lead performances

6.3

A Better Life (2011)

The illegal immigrant experience, portrayed with heart

7.6

The Kings of the World (2022)

A knife-sharp account of five kids' journey to land restitution and self-determination

8.4

Argentina, 1985 (2022)

A gripping courtroom drama tracking the fall of Argentina's military dictatorship

7.9

Retablo (2017)

A quiet but potent coming-of-age drama

7.0

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2023 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.