MOVIE REVIEW - Lin-Manuel Miranda's IN THE HEIGHTS

Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights came more than just a movie adaptation of the theater musical of the same title but it elevated the excitement, emotions and the lessons that it teaches. Jon M. Chu's vision has given us the better understanding by providing a wider perspective of the community of Washington Heights, aside from its vibrant and diverse neighborhood, each story of the resident were dug deeper to touch your sense and sensibilities.

Knowing the festive music and glorious choreography that is a mixture of hip hop, salsa, mambo and any dance and tune you can think of, you'll get more. Movie magic was materialized that made it look exciting. It will really get you up on your feet. Start with the streets, the pool and especially in that bar scene before the blackout. They really got a powerful ensembles to execute this well and everybody did well. I'm glad that I've seen this as it has given me a better understanding of the musical I saw years ago. The songs are in fact moving and you can feel the cast's emotions through their amazing acting. Actors were well cast they did great. Kudos to Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Gregory Diaz IV, Olga Merediz, the salon girls and everyone.

Let us not forget about the close ties between neighbors. Hope you'll think -- When is the last time you actually talked to a neighbor? What made them special? In The Heights reminds us that people around us may have the same hopes for us, can move mountains for us, can protect us, if we share the same values.

You have to watch the whole movie until the end credits. You'll get something very special from Piraguero Lin-Manuel Miranda in the end for his sweet clap back. ;)

In The Heights is now showing in theaters and streaming via HBO Max. 

* Images via Warner Bros. Pictures

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Behind-the-scenes of Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights

Take a peek behind the scenes of Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights, showing TOMORROW in theaters in the US and via HBO Max!

Director JON M. CHU and concept/music & lyrics/producer LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA on the set

MELISSA BARRERA, DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA and director JON M. CHU on the set

Director JON M. CHU, concept/music & lyrics/producer LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA
and ANTHONY RAMOS on the set

MELISSA BARRERA (background l), LESLIE GRACE, writer/producer QUIARA ALEGRÍA HUDES and DAPHNE RUBIN-VEGA on the set

Director JON M. CHU and choreographer CHRISTOPHER SCOTT on the set

Choreographer CHRISTOPHER SCOTT (center) on the set

Behind the scenes of the pool dance sequence

Director of photography ALICE BROOKS on the set

In The Heights tells the story of Usnavi, one of the residents of Washington Heights, where there is a kaleidoscope and vibrance of hopes and dreams in the tight-knit community -- and where he does his daily grind while he sings about his homes and dreams.

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In The Heights character posters

Warner Bros. Pictures just released the character posters of the cast of the In The Heights movie, directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Check out Usnavi, Vanessa and the neighbors of Washington Heights in these photos:

In The Heights tells the story of the block of Washington Heights, where a kaleidoscope of dreams and passion rallies in this vibrant community. A magnetic bodega owner Usnavi collects his memories and sings of hopes, dreams and imagination as he saves his every penny in his daily grind. 

“In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.

“In the Heights” stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films).

Opening in June 11 in theaters and HBO Max.

*images from Warner Bros. Pictures
 

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Jon Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda team up for IN THE HEIGHTS

Crazy Rich Asians director Jon Chu and the artistic talent of Lin-Manuel Miranda (creator of Hamilton) join in the movie adaptation of a Broadway musical coming this summer of 2021.

In The Heights, featuring a bodega owner who has mixed feelings of closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic after inheriting his grandmother's fortune will be a story of making small dreams big. Shot in New York City where there is a kaleidoscope of stories and dreams makes this movie event a universal experience.

The movie stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films). 

Chu directed the film from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes, based on the musical stage play, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and concept by Miranda. Miranda, Hudes, Scott Sanders, Anthony Bregman and Mara Jacobs produced the film, with David Nicksay and Kevin McCormick serving as executive producers.

Watch the latest trailer below.    

In The Heights opens in theaters June 18, 2021 and can also be streamed on HBO Max.

 

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