The heights in the title are Washington Heights a largely Dominican neighborhood in New York City and the main protagonist is Usnavi de la Vega (Anthony Ramos) the owner of a local bodega. He is a pillar of the community and dreams of a better life while saving money to move back to the Dominican Republic to revive his late father’s seaside establishment.

The neighbourhood is filled with colourful characters and in a departure from reality, never a harsh word is spoken, even the men in blue are friendly. It’s a large ensemble cast and many storylines intertwine throughout the film’s generous 143 minute running time. Some are more interesting than others but the ebullient momentum of the song and dance keeps things entertaining.

File this one under the title of “They don’t make them like that anymore” and its verve and energy is relentless and impressive. From big dance numbers that provide a nod towards the extravaganzas of Busby Berkeley to the more intimate one on one moments, the energy never lapses. You have to love a movie that has a credit list of dancers almost as long as the list of animators on a Marvel film.

Rob Hudson
www.facebook.com/WarnerBrosAU

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 daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

“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).

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

In The Heights will be released in Australian cinemas June 24!
www.facebook.com/WarnerBrosAU

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 daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

“In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director John 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, Corey Hawkins, singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barerra, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Dascha Polanco and Jimmy Smits.

IN THE HEIGHTS releases in Australia in theatres on June 25, 2020.
www.facebook.com/roadshow