‘In The Heights’ movie review: Glorious and irresistible

The movie based on Lin-Manuel Miranda eponymous musical is likeable and aspirational, offering a complete package, with song, dance, laughter, grief, love and longing

What a jolly film! Based on Quiara Alegría Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda eponymous musical, In the Heights with its foot-tapping songs, vibrant colours, and nimbly choreographed dances, is irresistible. Director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) has created a movie with something for everyone — whether it is respect for our parents’ sacrifices, following your dreams, the importance of being rooted, or singing on the street. The story is told by Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) to a bunch of children. Usnavi (there is a sweet story to his name) used to run a bodega in Washington Heights. He introduces the characters — his cousin Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV) who works with him, Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), who he has a crush on, smart Nina (Leslie Grace) and the matriarch, “Abuela” Claudia (Olga Merediz). Nina’s father, Kevin Rosario (Jimmy Smits), runs a taxi company where Benny (Corey Hawkins) works. Benny and Nina dated before Nina went away to Stanford. Vanessa works at Daniela’s (Daphne Rubin-Vega) beauty salon but dreams of moving to an apartment downtown and becoming a fashion designer.