Alright, so at this point, we are finally five more reviews away from me reaching 450 movie reviews. I do at least have one, or two films in mind. So we’ll see which one of those I review when it gets to that point. For now, we are going to review a movie musical that, like many other recent films, was going to be released last year. Not to mention that it was one of my most anticipated films this year, along with Raya & The Last Dragon, as well as upcoming films, Space Jam 2: A New Legacy, and Encanto. However, we obviously know why today’s film couldn’t come out until this year. Well, again, better late than never! So, let’s talk about the one, and only movie musical, In The Heights.
Plot: Set in modern day New York, more specifically an area called Washington Heights, a Latino American named Usnavi de la Vega (Anthony Ramos) is the store owner of a bodega. However, he dreams of one day making, and saving enough money to go back to the Dominican Republic, where his father, and the rest of his ancestors. Will he be able to achieve his dream? Will his closest friends each also be able to achieve their individual dreams?
In The Heights, the latest movie musical, is most definitely a good film. However, I don’t think I would go so far as to say that it’s one of the best. Again, it’s a very good musical. Still, there are some areas where this film could have likely improved. First of all, despite being given a PG-13 rating, In The Heights seemed to be marketed as more of a family film. I mean think about it! Both in 2020, and some of early 2021, the trailers for this film were shown on more family-oriented movies like Call Of The Wild, Raya & The Last Dragon, or films like those. Well, Cruella was rated PG-13, and a trailer for In The Heights was shown in front of that film (at least where I saw that film at). Still, overall, I’m not sure marketing In The Heights as more of a family film as opposed to more of an adult film was the best idea. Okay, don’t get me wrong! Of course there have been more adult musicals like Chicago, Rent, or some of those films. Still, when a musical is supposed to be one kind of film, and is marketed as another, parents may likely take their kids to see this film without question. That would likely be a problem, as there are some scenes in this movie that may be a little too inappropriate, and sexual for young kids. Honestly, it’s more teens, and adults that should be watching this film. That’s fine, so long as this film were to be targeted to more mature audience crowds. Next, the film may seem to go a little over the top with the language even during the musical numbers. Thankfully, not by a whole lot, but still. In addition to all of these, the characters seem to act a little too selfish, and thinking about themselves, and their desires a little more than they should. Sure, some of them do go through good character growths. Still, that aspect could have maybe been handled a little better. Oh, and the ending could have probably lasted a little longer, and maybe even been expanded upon. I won’t say how the film ends. Still, let’s just say that you should know what I mean about the ending once you see this film. Oh, and some of the songs could have probably been a little more catchy, and unforgettable. Don’t get me wrong, some of them are good songs, make no mistake! Just don’t expect grand songs like The Greatest Showman, Sound Of Music, Mary Poppins Returns, or films like those.
But is this film bad? Most definitely not! There’s still plenty to like about In The Heights. First of all, as mentioned before, some of the songs are very good, like the title song, “96,000,” and songs like those. The rapping also works very well at times. That’s good, considering Lin-Manuel Miranda was attached to the music in this project. I would say that the songs may likely be a little more memorable for those who saw the original musical back in the early to mid-2000s. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the choreography in some of the numbers is very well-crafted? I’m surprised that some of the songs seem to get as creative as they do in that regard. In addition to all of these, the main characters, mainly four to five of them, seem to most definitely be the most fleshed out of the entire cast. Why am I not surprised? Oh, and the film really captures the culture of the Latino American community. That is from the way they act, to the kinds of foods they eat, what kinds of work they do, you name it. As for the relationship aspect of this film, the film does a really good job on that too. Basically, In The Heights is great at showing how, especially when it comes to romantic relationships, they can be very complicated, and very great at times, as opposed to black and white all the time. Yeah, I’m sure many of us can agree that we need movies that portray relationships in that regard, especially since that is life sometimes. Oh, and the structure of the story is set up really well too. Also, how could I forget to mention the good cinematography, specifically when it comes to shots of the water, New York City, and even shots of sunrises, or even sunsets? One other thing that I should mention is how this film does provide good lessons about learning to see things from the perspective of others, and other valuable lessons as well.
And that’s my review for In The Heights. Sure, this film may not quite be up there with old classics like Sound Of Music, Fiddler On The Roof, or even recent musicals like The Greatest Showman. Still, In The Heights, despite acting a little too inappropriate at points, seems to feel a little more uplifting, and does provide some good lessons. Who knows? In some ways, you may yet find yourself liking In The Heights a little more than say musicals like say 2016’s La La Land, or 2005’s Rent. If you plan to see this film, I would say that teens, and adults should be the ones to see In The Heights first. After that, parents with kids should wait until their kids are older, and have more critical thinking skills to show this film to their kids. Otherwise, In The Heights is a fun film with some good songs, good choreography, very good lessons at points, some well-written characters, and other good qualities as well! For those of you who can, go see if if you haven’t, and see what you think!
Final Grade: B
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 