No. 46 (2021) IN THE HEIGHTS. June 10th.

Film No. 46 (2021)  June 10th.  7:30 PM  EVENT CINEMAS  VMax  No. 16,  Innaloo.

"On these blocks you can't walk two steps without bumping into someone with big plans". (The voice over of Kevin Rosario as he sets the scene for the "types" who exist on the streets of Washington Heights).

It is rare these days that a film will appeal to 6 year olds through to 90 year olds. IN THE HEIGHTS is most definitely such a film. This popular musical, which resembles only faintly the structure of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, is most definitely similar in its appeal across generations.

Adapted from the stage show which had its origins in the book by Quiara Alegria Hudes, IN THE HEIGHTS brings an original screen quality. Jon M Chu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS) was definitely the right choice to bring this extravaganza to the screen. He is a film person, so a stage re-enactment on screen is not what we get. Chu has tricks that enhance this previously made for stage fun-show. Tricks that can't be created on stage. He maximizes all the resources film has to offer here. 

As in all musicals, the storyline is simple. IN THE HEIGHTS is quite possibly simpler than most. Washington Heights is full of locals with family ties, friends, love interests, businesses and most of all, dreams. With this comes change, but will the change be for the better? Anthony Ramos is Usnavi, the central dynamo who has inherited his family run corner store, the hub for most of the musical action. Nephew Sonny (Greg Diaz IV) is his amusing sidekick who steals a scene or two. They are the glue that holds a cartoon-like storyline together but the script plays second fiddle to the choreographed action. Chu does however give a clever take on the before, after and what-if idea with a heart warming cute twist.  

Each set musical piece, (which form 85% of IN THE HEIGHTS), is directed with a slickness that infects the involuntary movement trigger in the brain. Young leads, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace and Stephanie Beatriz all give the screen a lift with their extraordinary vocal and dance skills. The ensemble pieces are wonderful and a return to FAME days. Drop everything and try to see this in a multi-plex with a full-house. 11GUMS.