Latinos front and center

In The Heights

by Kathia Woods

Lin Manuel Miranda's Broadway musical In the Heights is his brainchild. It's about the people of Washington Heights. For those unfamiliar, Washington Heights is a neighborhood in New York City, specifically upper Manhattan, with a large Dominican population.

As a result, when it was revealed that it would be released on the big screen, the Latinx community erupted in joy. It's no secret that Latinx representation in Hollywood has been lacking.

The film In the Heights is pure joy. Surprisingly, under the direction of Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), this film is a celebration of the Latino spirit. It highlights the hopes and aspirations of an older generation for their children and grandchildren. There will be a mention of a "suenito," or dream. This dream entails relocating to America in search of a better life. The dream could include owning a business that provides little touches from home to fellow immigrants, such as café con letche and, of course, the vice of playing the numbers. It's also the immigrants hope to help the first generation of Americans improve their lives. The film also explores how achieving one's dream has a cost.

The music and authentic touches that can only be found in Latin cultures are the best parts of In the Heights. Although snow cones over ice cream, rice and beans, ropa vieja, mangú at family gatherings, gossip at the hairdresser, and other activities are not exclusive to Washington Heights, they are an important part of the community's hustle and bustle. Then there's the rhythm of the streets, which is wonderfully captured in a Latino based music score.

The opening number of "In The Heights" sets the tone for the rest of the film. It immediately demonstrates how the bodega serves as the community's nucleus. It's where you get your coffee, no latte, your numbers, newspapers, and so on, and Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) is the guy who knows what you want and need . The opening scene is so true to immigrant communities that it makes you smile right away. The coffee in the white Styrofoam cup isn't anything special, but it tastes better than anything you would get at any of the local coffee shops, and it's only $2.

The level of familiarity among all members of the group is equally impressive. When attempting to get to work, Benny (Corey Hawkins), the dispatcher, Kevin (Jimmy Smiths), the owner of the cab company, and even the girl one is crushing on, Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), all exchange greetings. The whole morning routine is like a stunning, orchestrated ballet.

Anthony Ramos is the driving force behind the team. Lin made the right decision in passing the baton to Ramos, who was poised and ready to take center stage. He kills it, and as a native New Yorker and Nuyorican, he must be overjoyed to be playing a character so close to his heart.

Manuel-Miranda further reached back to Latin acting royalty by enlisting veterans Daphne Rubin-Vega (Daniela) and Jimmy Smiths (Kevin Rosario) to anchor this cast. Equally impressive was theater veteran Corey Hawkins as (Benny); while he may be more famous for Straight Out of Compton, his roots are stemmed from the theater.

Leslie Grace switched gears from the pop stage to the movie stage in making her film debut as Nina Rosario. Her singing was steady, but she seemed a bit apprehensive at times with the dialogue. Her character represents a critical view in this film. She is a first-generation American who is responsible for seeing that her father's sacrifices are realized.

The one performance that stands out above all is by Olga Merediz as "Abuela" Claudia. She originated the role on Broadway, and Miranda was wise to bring her back for the film. She is the heart of the film, the neighborhood surrogate grandmother. The performance is a perfect balance of softness and strength. Look for her to be around come awards season. The choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler is equally essential and added to the festive mood of the film. Everything in, In The Heights, was done to enable a smooth transition from stage to film.  Fans who were unable to see the show on Broadway will be treated to an equally enjoyable experience.

The film's one flaw is the lack of variety in its representation of the Latin diaspora. In the Heights addresses important topics like gentrification, Daca, and one's responsibilities to one's community; however, the primary casting lacks diversity. When it comes to playing Latinx characters, it's critical to cast Latinos; but it's also critical to prove that we're more than just light-skinned or olive-skinned. Afro-Latinos have a strong desire to see people who look like them on the big screen. This was an excellent opportunity to do so, particularly because this is a story about Dominicans. Ninety percent of the Dominican population has some African DNA. Leslie Grace and Dasha Polanco are both Afro-Latina, but on the lighter end of the spectrum. It's critical that, while we rightly demand more representation as a group, we still practice representation when casting films like this.

To summarize, In the Heights is a step in the right direction, and it makes us Latinos sit up a little higher. It makes a difference when members of the community are given the opportunity to create and portray the community. As previously stated, this is what makes this film such a joyfully authentic experience. It will make you nostalgic for your Abuela, snow cones in the summer, pool time with your friends, and, of course, the food. So go ahead and fly your flag high while singing along to the catchy tunes.

In The Heights comes to theaters June 11 ( you can purchase tickets via Fandango )and HBO Max