In the Heights 2021
I really liked Hamilton when I saw it last year despite all the hype. If you are a fan of that piece, then you know that Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote In the Heights before that. I had heard In the Heights wasn’t as good as Hamilton so I feel like my expectations were not overly high and I didn’t know what this movie would be about other than life in the largely Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. There is a lot of singing and it has a similar rap-inspired feel as Hamilton appropriately with a Latin flavor. Unfortunately the songs kind of run together without too many standouts. The plot centers on a handful of young people with dreams of something bigger, which is maybe every young person, so they aren’t that complex or nuanced. Still, they are likeable enough and there is a lot of energy and Latin culture thrown in. It is unfortunate that this musical will always be compared to Hamilton because otherwise this would probably be pretty good instead of a little disappointing. The main cast is mostly unknown, but talented, having to act, sing, and dance. There is some social commentary at work, but not too much. Mostly it is just about these young people finding their way while the world is quickly changing around them as Washington Heights gentrifies. It will still make you feel good.
Written: 11 Jun 2021
Owned on: Digital