Movie Review – In the Heights

Ignoring the song and dance for a moment, I found the story to be about as predictable as a child’s fairy tale, and in a way that’s how the story is presented as the movie opens with the main character telling the story to a small group of children.

However, as predictable as it is, it still feels real. Sometimes too real.

What is especially impressive is how the writer — Lin-Manuel Miranda — managed to tell the story without dragging it through the slim of politics, especially considering that this movie should have been out last year. “Dreamer” is only mentioned a few times and there is only one very short scene at a rally. It takes real talent to tell a story so wrapped up in politics without actually talking about the politics.

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I am not a song and dance kinda guy. Wish I was, but it’s not in my blood. (I blame it on the 5% Neandertal.) I only say this because I don’t feel I’m a good judge of what counts as quality in this genre. All I can say is I enjoyed most of the song/dance scenes. Only a few of them felt like they dragged on too long. Most impressive was the singing. The actors they chose have amazing voices.

Grade: B+

About The Peetimes: I have three good Peetimes that are nicely spaced. I recommend the 2nd Peetime since it’s mostly a dinner party and the only singing is to a record playing.

There are extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of In the Heights. (What we mean by Anything Extra.)