In the Heights movie review.

Before making himself a household name with Hamilton, actor/singer/songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda became a musical theater staple with In the Heights, an ode to his humble roots in New York's Washington Heights, and all the debts, fireworks, and fiestas that came with the barrio. Playing in various stages before debuting on Broadway in 2008, the musical has become a beloved work of art in the years since, winning four Tony's including Best Musical.

A film adaptation had been kicking around since at least November of that year, under various stars, directors, and studios (one of which, unfortunately, being Harvey Weinstein). After all the development limbo, and the COVID-19 pandemic delaying the film's release a full year, we have that film adaptation at last, now under the leadership of Step Up and Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu. I was fortunate enough to see this movie a month early, and I'm happy to say the wait was well worth it. In The Heights is terrific in every sense of the word, engaging not only as an emotionally fulfilling thematic drama, but as a rousing and joyous spectacle.