By Micah Berger Sollod, Eighth Grade, Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation
“In The Heights” was a highly anticipated 2021 summer film, largely due to being one of the first releases in theaters in the aftermath of COVID-19 closures, as well as due to stars like Lin-Manuel Miranda, best known for “Hamilton.” Directed by Jon M. Chu, starring Anthony Ramos and and based on the stage musical of the same name by Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes, “In The Heights” was on a direct track to box office success.
But how good was it really? Well, earning a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84% on Metacritic, the movie seemed to win the hearts of the public. However, from its music to its acting to even its cinematography, “In The Heights” is a mixed bag.
“In The Heights” is the story of Usnavi de la Vega, a bodega owner who has mixed feelings about his store, retirement and whether to stay in the Upper Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights or move to the Dominican Republic. Washington Heights is a melting pot of Caribbean and Latin American cultures.
The plot focuses on the romantic entanglements of life in “the Heights,” the financial realities of New York life and the struggle between the modern realities of the neighborhood and the old traditions.
“In The Heights” is certainly not an original premise. It comes from an incredibly successful musical and similar musical numbers also by Miranda. I believe no movie should be forced to be a tribute to another piece of media nor should a film be able to lean on another piece of media for support. We need to judge this film on its own merits.
Director Chu is not new to popular releases. He directed the likes of “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Now You See Me 2.” His choices with cinematic shots for “In The Heights” is impressive. His shots flow with the movements of the dance numbers, enabling audience members to feel as though they are moving right alongside the actors. In other shots, such as the one focused on the mural painted for Usnavi before he leaves for the Dominican Republic, Chu captures the moment quite well, strategically placing the cameras and actors to convey a certain set of emotions.
But Chu’s direction is far from perfect. In some place, his shots lack flair and feel too still. Other than the dance sequences, his shots lack any real style and offer a uniform way of conveying the film. The dancing guides his shots, which in some places allows for really beautiful sequences; however, in scenes without dancing, the shots feel dry and meaningless.
In general, Chu creates a beautiful film that reminds us of other musicals and really lets the fantastic music of Miranda shine.
Weak acting in a good movie is tragic, and, unfortunately that tragic combination struck again here. It felt as though the actors in “In The Heights” were not emotional enough. They were not weaving together their own experiences to help come into their own as characters.
As the film progressed, it was obvious the actors were falling into classic cliches that became clear as day by the time the credits rolled around. The hard-working immigrant, the knowledgeable grandmother, the pretty girl, the smart person everyone expects a lot of, and a circle of gossiping salon ladies were just some of the ploys that the movie fell into. The actors’ portrayals of the characters fundamentally changed what the story and writing meant to the viewer, for the worse.
All in all, the acting was an extreme disappointment and easily one of the pitfalls of the movie. I was excited to see these actors given the full potential of Miranda’s talents and Chu’s directing, but was disappointed beyond any measure.
“In The Heights” lacked originality and passion, making many of the movie’s characters a pile of cliches. In the end, I found solace in the impressive work of Miranda and how he brings to life the streets of Hispanic Manhattan with music and love. But this movie is like a box of chocolates — you never know what you’re gonna get, especially when it comes to the quality, but in the end you’ll leave somewhat satisfied.
Chu’s “In The Heights” is a wonderful tale of Hispanic Manhattan, filled with dancing and joy. The streets of New York come alive with this film. But its is by no means a masterpiece.
Micah Berger Sollod is an eighth grade student at the Krieger Schechter Day School of Chizuk Amuno Congregation.
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