My movie review of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s movie version of In The Heights is live on the Independent Institute blog The Beacon. In sum:
Miranda’s newest cinematic addition to pop American pop culture draws on his own experiences growing up in the Washington Heights neighborhood of upper Manhattan. Directed by John Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), perhaps no other recent movie may do more to capture the complexities, spirit, challenges, and aspirations of first-generation Latino Americans. In The Heights puts an often deceptively joyous musical gloss on heartfelt stories of transitions, identity, acceptance, and intolerance.
The lens focuses on young Hispanics growing up and aging out of the heavily Dominican and Latino neighborhoods. Miranda (and co-writer Quiara Alegria Hudes) do not shy away from obstacles, doubts, or disappointments. Nevertheless, the movie’s themes hold fast to the hopes of what American is and can aspire to be.
