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In The Heights - A Movie Review

'In The Heights' is a dance-hopping, entertaining, and resonating film about taking your life where your dreams lead you.

By Marielle SabbagPublished 3 years ago 3 min read
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Finding your dream is difficult, but it is worth it.

In The Heights is a 2021 film adaptation based on the musical of the same name. Taking place in a course of three days during a heatwave in New York City, residents dream about a new and better life. During this time, they learn an impactful lesson about the meaning of home.

It feels so great to be back at the movie theaters. In The Heights is a dance-hopping, entertaining film. Before watching this film, I have never seen a Broadway production of In The Heights. I wanted to get up and dance so many times. The story is a resonating feature about taking your life where your dreams lead you.

The cast of In The Height’s electric energy lit up the screen. For a film like this, everyone spent countless hours learning fast-paced choreography. When everyone is having a good time, so is the audience.

Anthony Ramos was a standout. As a charismatic young man, Usnavi is trying to figure out life just like most young people. Ramos is an excellent beat-box rapper.

Showcasing her tremendous singing voice, Leslie Grace was a highlight. Figuring life out is tough. Eventually, we will find our calling. That’s the best message.

Everyone stood out. No small part is ever too small. Reprising her role from Broadway, Olga Merediz was my favorite! She lit up the screen with her warm personality and an amazing voice. Described as a grandmother to everyone in the neighborhood, I felt like I knew her.

Credits include the talents of Melissa Berrara, Corey Hawkins, Jimmy Smitz, Gregory Diaz IV, and an ensemble of creative individuals. Whether they were here to dance, sing, deliver a comedic line, the ensemble did a tremendous job establishing relationships in this neighborhood. I liked seeing that.

The dancing is out of this world. Exuberant energy is the best part of this film. Each cast member had a range of talents to which they could showcase. Performing intense choreography, ensemble members showed off that you can dance in a swimming pool. And at a vertical angle.

The film got a little too dance-heavy, drawing out the film. Some numbers could have been cut for time. I also feel that it overshadows the moral of the film. There could have been more of a story, and fewer musical numbers. Because the film was over two hours long, I felt the duration and started to get uninterested by the end.

Jon M. Chu excelled in cinematography. He worked closely with the cast to display emotions and their relationships. The aerial shots were my favorite. I know it took time to master certain shots of the film, but he did an amazing job capturing audiences into this film. Right from the start, I had this big smile on my face.

Lin-Manuel Miranda excelled in upbeat songs. Song titles include ‘Breathe’, ‘When You’re Home’, ‘In the Heights’, and several more. The songs are a highlight of the film. After watching this film, I want to be in a production of In The Heights someday.

Finding your dream is a difficult process. The challenge is worth it to seek new opportunities. You’re allowed to make your own pathway. Don’t let others control you. Spread your wings and fly. Don’t stay in one place your whole life.

You have to experience In The Heights in theaters. Seeing it in a theater setting made my experience worthwhile. Based on the atmosphere, I could tell that everyone in the theater wanted to stand up and dance. You will have an amazing time.

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About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

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