Summary
In the months leading up to the movie adaptation of theWickedmusical,In The Heightsis the must-see movie musical to watch.In The Heightsis a Broadway musicalof the same name that was adapted into a film in 2021. Most importantly, it is directed byWickeddirector Jon M. Chu, meaning the movie may provide an insight into what should be expected fromWicked.
TheIn The Heightsstage show was written by none other thanHamiltoncreator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film version ofIn The Heightsused real-life Washington Heights locationsthat mirror the locations of the story, which follows bodega-owner Usnavi and his friends as they go through a hot summer that is overshadowed by the gentrification of the neighborhood.The high quality of this stage-to-screen adaptation is a great reason to watch it beforeWickedis released.
In the Heights Director Celebrates Cast’s Incredible New Roles
In the Heights director Jon M. Chu is disappointed more people didn’t see the film, but he’s proud of the cast for their big upcoming roles.
In The Heights Is The Perfect Movie Musical To Watch Before Wicked
Wickedis still a little while away, andIn The Heightsis the perfect summer movie musical to enjoy. The film is packed with dance numbers, stunning visuals, and a great ensemble cast. TheIn The Heightscastincludes movie stars such as Anthony Ramos fromTwistersandhorror actor Melissa Barrera, who both deliver memorable performances.
Among otherHamiltonEaster Eggs featured in theIn The Heightsmovie, Lin-Manuel Miranda is also seen in a cameo role in the film. Both the stage show and movie center around immigrant families who each have their own backstory on what they want to achieve. This is sometimes a heavy subject, but it is perfectly blended with powerful music and choreography. This is not dissimilar toWicked,which tells a deeper story of acceptance and friendship.
In The Heights’ Success Bodes Well For The Wicked Movie
In The Heights Shows How Good Wicked May Be
TheIn The Heightsmovie had a highly positive reception with an identical 94%Rotten Tomatoesscore from critics and audiences.The film deserved this critical success;is fun to watch with its upbeat songs and summer setting, but also has a lot to say. The film highlights the effects of gentrification, discusses themes of immigration, and celebrates heritage.
Another thing thatIn The Heightsdoes well is how it feels like a standalone film, but fans of the stage show will see enough similarities between the stage and screen versions to enjoy. Jon M. Chu’s movie excelled in keeping the most important beats and songs of the show, and he chose to film largely on location to create a sense of realism to the film’s setting. It is already clear thatWickedwill rely heavily on practical setsas well.In The Heightsshows that Jon M. Chu is on top of his game and the film is a meaningful, yet exciting movie musical to watch.
In the Heights
Cast
Adapted for the screen from Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical of the same name, In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega, a bodega owner in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Usnavi’s daily life and the lives of the other neighborhood residents are detailed through song, set against the backdrop of a sweltering New York City summer.
