In the Heights (2021) User Reviews (543)

The Heights And Depths

[boblipton · 6/10 · 20 June 2021]

It 's a big, sprawling movie about a Hispanic block in upper Manhattan's Washington Heights, and how each of them has his or her own dream, most of which are some variation of getting out of Washington Heights. It's a steady, dependable sort of multi-generational plot that was paying Fanny Hurst's bills more than a century ago, the stories and dreams seem well told, even if there are too may of them to keep in your head when we return to a particular character. It's also a musical, the one that Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote and directed and starred in to make his bones. John Chu has taken over the direction and Anthony Ramos the role.

There's some handsome, if not original choreography in this movie, bits lifted from WEST SIDE STORY and ROYAL WEDDING. It follows the tendency to make a big production number out of every dance. Until the next to last one, I experienced the despair I so often feel looking at modern movie musicals, convinced they've forgotten how to move the camera, but instead cut, cut, cut. The last dance, however, showed they hadn't. They just would rather do a zip cut than plan out the complex movements.

Sigh. Still, the songs were surprisingly strong, particularly "Paciencia Y Fe", sung by Olga Merediz. It's a skilled and enthusiastic cast, and it makes me hope that Hollywood will go back to making musicals, that are more than Broadway musicals filmed in front of a proscenium arch.

This is why the movie theater exists

[coryleaver · 7/10 · 11 June 2021]

This movie is the feel-good summer hit we all have needed for the past year. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll be transported to Washington Heights. Every facet of this movie is executed perfectly. The acting is amazing. The songs are amazing. Unlike most movie musicals, this movie isn't trying to emulate Broadway. It very much uses filmic language to tell a unique story through a unique style. Go see it on the biggest screen you can, you won't regret it.

Dreams

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 24 September 2021]

On a beach, Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) tells a group of youngsters about a place called Washington Heights in the faraway Nueva York. It's the days before the 1999 blackout. Usnavi runs a bodega but dreams of returning to his childhood home of Dominican Republic. He has a crush on the beautiful Vanessa (Melissa Barrera) who dreams of being a fashion designer. Nina returns from Stanford and is unwilling to go back especially if her father Kevin Rosario (Jimmy Smits) has to sell off his business to pay the tuition.

It's a Lin-Manuel Miranda musical directed by Jon M. Chu. I really loved some of this. It is too long and probably has too many story elements. The two main young couples could be combined into a simpler single Romeo and Juliet romance. It would allow the DACA story to have more space to breathe. Despite all the hot young things, the most emotional song is Abuela's powerful life story. I do like the visual of Vanessa running down the empty street with the fabrics flowing down the buildings. I don't know if it's possible but Vanessa may be too beautiful. I would have liked for Nina's college drama to be shown. The emotional climax is really Abuela's song and the DACA protest. The movie drags on a bit long after that although that is a fine ending. The main theme of this movie is dream which does present a minor problem. By itself, it does not give that much kinetic energy to the story. Everybody is just pining for money (from the lotto) to make their dreams come to life. All in all, I love quite a bit of this even if it is long.

Needs edited down

[heatherworkmanrios · 6/10 · 15 June 2021]

There were too many ideas going on. The "blackout" theme of counting the days etc. Didn't need to be there. Just let the blackout happen without telling us it's going to happen.

The two songs that had the "magical" elements (dancing on the side of building and mimed drawings becoming real objects that vanish) were out of place. Why were just those two tiny parts of the movie magic but nothing else?

The ending was disappointing. I used to live in the Bronx and I love NY but i don't understand how giving up this dream of living on the Island to stay in a not great place is supposed to be inspiring? Sorry kids, no beach because we wanted you to grow up playing on dirty concrete? Neighborhood pride is cool and all but be real.

That's my biggest criticism. It just felt to edited, too polished, too fake. They tried to do too many things.

Edit out the more boring parts, shorten this thing! We don't get an intermission in the movie theater like we do on Broadway. Take out the text talking about the blackout, and the random magical moments and it would be so much better.

It's like watching a bunch of crowd chanting, singing, and dancing for the World Cup.

[iamianiman · 9/10 · 10 June 2021]

Came in with a very low expectation, not knowing this was inspired by a Broadway musical, not to mention I couldn't care less if this movie was delayed because of Covid-19 and had never seen the trailer before prior to my first viewing, but when I got around to watch it it, damnnnn... I was stunned and shocked to admit that this is in my top 3 Broadway/theater-based musical genre after La La Land & The Greatest Showman.

Rarely we get to see a Hollywood film where all of the cast are led by the Latino community. This movie speaks volumes for them, where the central message lies on hope, racism, dual standard, dreams, family, friendship, the art of letting go and what it means to become an outsider.

In the Heights is inspired by its Broadway musical and as far as the story goes, they cut Nina's storyline and it gets sidetracked when hers should also be the highlight alongside Vanessa's. The story doesn't go as deep as Les Miserables but isn't as shallow as The Greatest Showman either (The only problem with TGS for me), it stays somewhere in the middle, just enough to get your attention.

In the Heights sends chills down your spine every time you witness the cast dancing and singing. The best thing is that the music and showmanship get better the more times you watch it and I will assure you, you'll have your fingers tapping backward and forward on your device to rewatch some of your preferred numbers. My top 3 songs include In the Heights, 96,000 & Carnavel del Barrio.

What's outstanding in this film is that there are parts in almost every dance number, some dancers go unsynchronized with the choreography. But as the audience, you couldn't care less because the songs are so juicy and refreshing, the only thing you want is to just rejoice and have yourself grooving. What's even better is that the unsynchronization actually makes the movie better, with deeper related metaphors; in that we accept people's imperfections and to let go of the insecurities within us and just... enjoy your life to the fullest!

One thing though, the colour grading could have been better. It paints this dour, gloomy, half-cooked gritty world all over it. Even when the scorching Sun arrives, it seems to have appeared somewhat dull. I get the intended meaning behind it, that this community's life is pale and has its sufferings amidst Summer is happening but imagine if the colour is as bright as The Greatest Showman or La La Land or Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. You'll be drooling all over your shirt 🤤. P. S: Colours in musicals play a pivotal role in enlightening the world and its mood.

In the Heights is a cinematic treat for your eyes and ears; amidst the pandemic happening, the economic downturning and the mental health issues arising, there has never been a perfect time to release this film until now in Summer! This is an important film for all and it's what we need!

Now, I watch the trailer and listen to their music about 50 times a day, I promote it on my Instagram (@iamianiman) every day so that my friends know this is the hidden gem of the Summer. Can't wait to watch it again and again and again especially in the cinemas!

Verdict: In the Heights really sets the bar high, making it incomparable with other contenders this Summer. This crowd pleasing event is the ultimate cure for the world and the rekindle of lost friendship, shattered hopes and retired dreams all because of the pandemic.

P. S: If The Greatest Showman were created for the Winter, In The Heights were created for the Summer.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical is authentic, energetic and fun

[bastille-852-731547 · 7/10 · 9 June 2021]

I think Lin-Manuel Miranda is incredibly talented, and thought "Hamilton" was incredible (although I've only seen it on Disney+, and sadly never on stage.) Needless to say, I was looking forward to this musical slice-of-life set in the vibrant neighborhood of Washington Heights in uptown Manhattan. The film centers around a bodega owner named Usnavi, whose parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic. Joyous and filled with energy, the movie's music is often incredibly well done. Lin-Manuel Miranda's lyrics are fast, kinetic, and clever, combined with plenty of well-choreographed singing and dancing. The film also does an outstanding job showing the diversity, pluralism and cultural heritage of Washington Heights, and the various communities and cultures found there.

With its catchy music and thoughtfully inclusive cultural representation, the film is certainly a crowd pleaser. I'm happy to say that the audience I saw it with applauded after many of the musical numbers, and also gave a hearty applause at the end. It's certainly great to see an audience in a theater respond to a film like that again. That said, the film does fall short of greatness for a few reasons. It could have used more of a plot in between its musical numbers, which is part of the reason why it's not quite as impactful as something like "Hamilton." Usnavi is a generally engaging protagonist, but some of the other characters could have been more developed. Finally, the film does run a bit too long. Being a bit thin on plot but comparatively lacking in impressive musical set pieces compared to the rest of the film, the second act certainly feels like it drags a bit in comparison to the first and third acts. Yet despite these criticisms, there's something truly radiating about the film's vibrancy and joyful enthusiasm--which is, frankly, what we all need right now. Recommended. 7.5/10.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's first big-time musical

[dfloro · 8/10 · 10 June 2021]

A friend who hopped on the Hamilton bandwagon relative early (with the original cast on Broadway) said to me, "I think this guy, Lin-Manuel Miranda, may be a freakin' (word substitution there) genius!" Naturally, I assumed that was the hyperbole common to those who think they've discovered something that is solid gold both. But having seen "Hamilton" and his earlier stage musical work, "In the Heights," translated to the big screen, it's getting pretty difficult to argue with that assessment. This one is about the hopes and dreams of its many and varied characters, just as "Hamilton"is about the hopes and dreams of the United States' founding fathers.

The "Heights" in question is Washington Heights, a big Apple neighborhood at the north end of the isle of Manhattan populated primarily by people of color, and where Lin grew up. Quiara Alegría Hudes adapted for the screen her book for her musical stage play. The notable director of "Crazy Rich Asians," Jon M. Chu, directs the energetic proceedings here. And of course, like Hamilton, all the music (from salsa to beats of merengue and bachata, to bomba y plena) and all the lyrics (which are almost exclusively hip-hop) are from the one-and-only Lin-Manuel. (A plump and bearded Lin appears in a mostly comic, near-cameo role that I won't spoil for you.) Combine all this with the endless joy of choreography & constant dancing and the innovative D. P. techniques (the cast says no harnesses were used in the "side-of-the-building" scene, which raises a serious question: "WTF?!?") and you have a real winner for generations of immigrant New Yorkers and their off-spring and the whole Latinx community, and a "West Side Story" for a new millennium. Highly recommended!

Good enough, but I'm glad Lin-Manuel Miranda's work has improved since this

[cricketbat · 6/10 · 14 June 2021]

I was excited to see In the Heights. I've never seen this production on stage, but I am a fan of Lin-Manuel Miranda's work on Hamilton and Moana. It's kind of obvious this musical came before those two, as it feels more amateurish. The songs are enjoyable in the moment but aren't very memorable and go on a little long. Plus, the story doesn't have enough dramatic tension. I'm glad Lin-Manuel Miranda finally got his first Broadway musical to the screen, but I'm also glad his work has improved since then.

Reaching New "Heights" For Modern Musicals

[bjwils-46211 · 9/10 · 18 June 2021]

Yeah!! I loved it! There is a moment about half way through the film I had to take several breathes and wipe several tears from my mask. Some smash hit musical numbers, full of raw and infectious energy that just wants you to get up and dance. I can't wait to see it again, for its quick humour, fun sequences and intriguing surprises. It's full culture, personal experience, family, romance & nonstop dance after, dance after dance.

I love those cinema experiences that can leave you with so much joy, and itching to see it again!

As Honest as the Day is Long...

[Xstal · 6/10 · 3 April 2022]

As sweet as sugar spun candy, sets the tone for a modus operandi, with elegant rhymes, delectable chimes but the story's too long and has no key.

A beautiful presentation of the brilliance of people but it just lacks a bit of oomph in the arch.

Feel good movie we all needed.

[rosebud-33104 · 10/10 · 10 June 2021]

I am floored by the negative reviews. I saw the original on Broadway and yes, this is not that. It is as good as a representation as you will find. I loved it. Ramos and team are absolutely perfect in this. Loved it and i could go on for days. Inspiring.

In the meh...

[JeffersonJames · 12 June 2021]

Just way too long and should have been 30-40 minutes less. First couple of numbers and you think, this is pretty cool, but it soon gets very repetitive and the 'follow your dreams' message which is forced down your throat the whole time gets very tiresome. Good casting, dancing and a couple of numbers but too much of it overall. Can imagine this being good on the stage, perhaps it should have stayed there.

What's all the fuss about?

[Eclectic-Boogaloo · 6/10 · 13 June 2021]

All the things that are wrong with this movie could be summed up by the big midpoint dramatic sequence.

Character drama with celebratory singing and dancing. A dramatic scene where everyone's happy. It's so dark. But LOOK AT THE FIREWORKS!!!

This movie is too long and can't seem to let any drama build for more than 30 seconds before assaulting the screen with smiling faces and singing. I'm Latino so I really wanted to like this. Some of the songs are. Ice. Some of the themes resonated with me. But the music and dance is not strong enough to carry a 2.5 hour movie with no drama and focus.

Favorite scene: the abuela musical number with the flashback (paciencia y fe). Fantastic!

Overhyped...

[tom10_ · 2/10 · 9 July 2021]

The first couple of songs - I quite enjoyed, and thought the songs intertwined good with the plot.

However as the film went on, it quickly became messy and dragged out. There was countless unnecessary scenes and songs, all the while confusing the viewer more by jumping from one character to another, to which you never quite knew the plot or who the main character actually was.

Towards the end, the film massively dragged out for no significant reason, and found itself just dancing around a situation (no pun intended) and not getting to the point.

I also felt they were overdoing the Latino lingo, to the point where it became cringe and hard to follow simple conversations.

With all the ads and hype, this was a big disappointment.

High energy Latino musical in the streets of Washington Heights.

[TxMike · 17 December 2021]

Washington Heights is a mostly Latino area of upper Manhattan, near the George Washington Bridge. This movie is an adaptation (and expansion) of the stage musical of the same name. It focuses on several Latino characters living in the area. One is a young woman just home from a year at Stanford and not knowing if she will go back. One is a young man who has inherited his father's dilapidated place in the Dominican Republic and he has to decide if he will go back to his ancestral home. Plus a few others.

All this happens in the summer on the backdrop of a heat wave then a widespread electrical power outage. It is a musical, much of the dialog is replaced with singing or rapping. In addition there are a number of very energetic production numbers. Many of the cast are experienced Broadway stage actors so the singing and dancing are mostly excellent all the way through.

My wife and I watched it at home on BluRay from our public library. The picture and sound are excellent. One way I gauge a movie is if I plan to watch it again and for this one, yes, I will watch it again.

(And I did, two weeks later. I enjoyed it even more by knowing what the story would be and watching it develop.)

Of special note - Olga Merediz, in her 60s, does a very moving 4 1/2 minute musical number starting at 1 hour 23 minutes into the BluRay version, moving through her familiar places and recalling her entire life and wondering if she should return to her homeland. She is a wonderful singer and her acting during the musical number is superb. For me she was the highlight of the cast.

The BluRay has a number of interesting extras on the "making of" this movie. A lot of effort went in to make it authentic.

Not For Me, But 96,000 is a Hit

[ThomasDrufke · 6/10 · 6 July 2021]

Knowing that Hamilton wasn't necessarily my jam last summer, I was hopeful but hesitant about In the Heights. While I think the big screen, to showcase set pieces and big musical numbers, is a much better way to show off Lin-Manuel Miranda's talents, I still found myself complaining about the runtime, uninterested in a few plot points, and wanting more with a few of the numbers. But most people will have a great time with this one.

6.6/10.

A future classic in the making

[Rainbowbeany · 10/10 · 10 June 2021]

I loved this movie! The direction, casting, acting, cinematography, music, dancing are all top tier. I went through my entire range of emotions. It definitely deserves awards! The music is going to be the soundtrack of my summer! I highly recommend.

A faithful adaptation

[jackferreirathegamer · 7/10 · 13 June 2021]

Loved the direction, casting, and I'm a fan of the property. The screenplay was great since it was written by the musicals book writer. But it's a much better experience with friends IN A THEATRE.

Seen it twice..

[ajcast86 · 9/10 · 15 June 2021]

Both times in theaters and was still amazes the 2nd time. Will be going back for a 3rd viewing.

Hmmm

[ogarcia-24929 · 6/10 · 14 June 2021]

I am of Dominican descent, born and raised in new york. In the heights is good, based in the area i was raised in. Washington Heights is about the Dominican culture among the other cultures. To truly embrace the culture, it comes with the music, merengue, bachata which there was none in this movie. A few people playing dominoes in the street but with said game goes with Dominican music. This was more puerto rican than Dominican.

Plus only 2 actors where Dominican, the rest were puerto ricans. Good movie, but didn't embrace the Dominican culture like they should've.

Beautiful

[jlistach · 10/10 · 15 June 2021]

This movie is beautiful. Everything from the dancing, to the singing, to the acting was wonderful. I have nothing bad to say about this movie.

way too long

[caeevans · 6/10 · 12 June 2021]

I haven't seen the stage show so I can't comment on how well or not it adapted to the screen, but as a movie, it was merely mediocre. And I say this as someone who grew up on musicals and loves them. I have no doubt that because this is Lin-Manuel Miranda people will rave about it, but I started checking the time before the first hour wasn't even up. It had some nice moments and a talented cast, but all I kept thinking was 'how much longer' & where was the editor...

Instant classic

[luicruz · 10/10 · 11 June 2021]

Lin-Manuel Miranda scores again there's so much culture and love spilling from this modern classic; beautiful... just brilliant.

In The Heights could have reached higher!

[fmatt-88980 · 6/10 · 21 June 2021]

This Lin -Manuel Miranda produced, John Chu directed musical highlight of the Latin American experience in the big apple contains not one memorable song. Stars Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace and Jimmy Smits with Marc Anthony could not save this dance extravaganza from an over-long storyline that is just not memorable!

It's exhausting. Not everything has to be ramped up to 100.

[Otkon · 4/10 · 11 July 2021]

This movie is far too energetic, vivacious and optimistic. It needed to give the constant music and dancing a rest. And because of this, anything that could have been considered dramatic conflict just didn't come across as serious enough, making it very hard to connect with.

The biggest woes: spoiled girl doesn't want to stay in college, lead character frets about getting the funds to start his overseas business (which is told in flashback after he already has it), an exceptionally old woman dies of natural causes and the city has a blackout that they sing and dance their way through. Not everything can be fixed with a musical number. And after two hours, the songs all bled into one.

Oh and after the whole setup of the film, he just goes back to the Heights?! Well at least the salon moved because that was the only plot arc in the entire movie that literally went somewhere. I can see why this would work as a non-stop Broadway musical; on the stage it doesn't need to make sense and the characters/plot can stagnate as long as the performances of the score and choreography are captivating. But as a motion picture, this was tiring and wanting.