IN THE HEIGHTS MOSTLY DOES ITS SOURCE MATERIAL JUSTICE

 note: this review was originally written June 14

Mostly faithful to the stage version (Some songs are switched around in terms of where they come in, some minor moments are changed, and a very minor sub-plot involving Dreamers plays a part as well), this long-awaited film adaptation is joyful, bright, energetic, and full of meaning.

Melissa Barrera (starring in the upcoming Scream reboot) plays aspiring fashion designer Vanessa and is fairly memorable, Leslie Grace portrays struggling college student Nina and is fine. Corey Hawkins is Benny, an underappreciated radio dispatch operator, and he fits very comfortably into the character. He definitely impresses with his energy and enthusiasm. Lin Manuel-Miranda plays a supporting role as the Piragua guy and is fun as always. Christopher Jackson (Benny in the Broadway production, George Washington in Hamilton) makes two brief appearances as The Mr. Softee guy, competitor to the Piragua guy.

The real star here is Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, a bodega owner and our narrator/central character. Usnavi is increasingly bothered by the gentrification of his neighborhood and dreams of escaping back to his home in Puerto Rico. Ramos first started out on Broadway in In The Heights as Sonny (My favorite character in the show. Sonny is portrayed here by Gregory Diaz IV , who is great and memorable. He nails the role). Ramos would go on to play the dual roles of Phillip Hamilton and John Jaurens in Hamilton. Now, he comes full circle as Usnavi (It's hard not to be proud of his journey). He is absolute perfection as Usnavi, bringing a charisma, likability, and youthful energy to the role. He totally nails it and is a burst of sunshine anytime he appears on screen.

The songs and dance numbers found within In The Heights are bright and energetic (with In The Heights and 96,000 stealing the show). The choreography (by Christopher Scott) is fun and infectious. Jon M. Chu previously directed Step Up 3D and he brings the same sensibility and visual style here (it works).

In The Heights is not a perfect film, it's also not going to be what those who loved Hamilton might expect. This is a smaller scale, intimate musical about a dying neighborhoods' hopes and dreams, and it's inhabitants every day lives. Expect to be moved, to feel joy, and to maybe even shed a few tears. It's a film about the importance of home, family, and friends. It likely won't win any Oscars, but In The Heights provides a good time and then some. After 2020, we could all use a good pick-me-up. In The Heights fits that bill.

4 STARS

TIP: Make sure you stay after the credits for Piragua reprise.