'In the Heights' film review: Sun-kissed, joyous celebration of hopes & dreams

If America is the land of dreams, the musical 'In the Heights' (in theaters and streaming on HBO Max starting June 11) exudes hope for a better tomorrow and the familial warmth of a community full of history and aspirations.

In short: Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), the owner of a small Washington Heights bodega, saves every penny every day so he can achieve his "little dream." Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera and Jimmy Smits also star.

Before Lin-Manuel Miranda rocketed to fame with 'Hamilton,' he wrote and starred in 'In the Heights.' And both films share Miranda's signature rapid-fire lyricism. Beneath all the energetic lyrics and ensemble cast warmth, 'In the Heights' has a socioeconomic undercurrent, finding its eclectic cast of characters surviving day-to-day while harboring their own inner hopes and longings. The intro song laments the cycle of making just enough to get by - or at least keeping surviving until the next bill arrives.

Fantastical stories set in far away galaxies get credit for world-building, but 'In the Heights' creates a textured world that makes the 'barrio' feel lived in and familiar. Every extra in the rich background injects vitality and energy into this corner of Manhattan. In the suburbs, where it's common for neighbors to not even know their next door neighbor's name, this film radiates the warmth of genuine community that borders on extended family.

The songs are irresistible and the soundtrack is yet another must-own album, because of course it is. Even armed with Lin-Manuel Miranda's songbook, the entire film would have completely collapsed had 'Heights' failed to establish its tapestry of community or their communal hopes. What makes 'In the Heights' exception is its focus on a neighborhood in transition, as first- and second-generation American citizens etch out their place in American society. Some characters have their eye on their generational homelands, while others struggle with feeling "othered" or without peers outside of Washington Heights. Yes this is a sunkissed and joy-filled musical, but its lyrics celebrate the melting pot of America - people proud of where they come from, while also just trying to find their place in American society.

If there's any opportunity for improvement within 'In the Heights,' it's the romance between Usnavi and Vanessa (Barrera). 'Heights' is a truly an ensemble story, interweaving several character's trajectories set against a neighborhood evolving - even if the characters feel like the 'barrio' is disappearing. The romance between Benny (Hawkins) and Nina (Grace) works because the two characters have a past to work with - something that Usnavi and Vanessa just don't have, leaving their romance feeling rushed (even by musical standards). And despite being a prominent character, Benny basically has no character arch or goal - and he just disappears in the third act.

Final verdict: With its infectious energy and earnest, 'In the Heights' is a rousing and hopeful celebration of the immigrant's experience living in the land of opportunities, where there the promise of the American Dream shines even if the promise isn't guaranteed nor easy to realize.

Score: 4/5

'In the Heights' opens in theaters and streaming on HBO Max starting June 11. This musical drama is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive references and has a runtime of 143 minutes.