Theatres have been closed for quite some time, so it’s no secret that they have been missed! Blockbuster successes likeA Quiet Place Part IIandCruellaare entertaining movie-goers now, but there is much more in store for you in the next few weeks. While there are many films that you are welcome to watch in the comfort of your own laptop or TV, this one will probably shake things up for those who miss the whole cinematic experience. If you are a dreamer and a Broadway enthusiast, watch out, becauseIn The Heightswill hit the big-screen and HBO MAX with bright colors, musical numbers, and a lot of Latinx “fuego”!
Based on the musical originally created byLin-Manuel MirandaandQuiara Alegría Hudes,In The Heightsis centered on a bodega owner named Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who dreams of opening a bar in the Dominican Republic, his home country. He also has feelings that may or may not be reciprocated by Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), a hairdresser who envisions herself as an up-and-coming fashion designer. These two aren’t the only ones taking center stage here! Both characters are situated in a Latin community hub that is oozing with passion like themselves. For instance, Benny (Corey Hawkins) seeks to reckon his relationship with former girlfriend Nina (Leslie Grace), who is uncertain if remaining in Stanford is the right place to be.
A blend between culture and vibrant sing-alongs, you might want to refuge yourself in similar films and tv shows after this. So here are a couple of picks that, in one way or another, will remind you of the film and its underlining message.
RELATED:‘In the Heights’ Review: A Big, Beautiful Celebration of Heritage and Community
West Side Story (1961)
This musical is probably the most cut-to-the-chase recommendation for you.West Side Storypays an homage to the Latin community in New York City in a Romeo and Juliet style. Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymar) struggle with a forbidden love affair since they were born in rival grounds. Maria is part of the Puerto Rican squad that is referred to as Sharks, while Tony is integrated in The Jets. Even though this romance already foreshadows tragedy, we can’t help but feel enamored by songs like “America” and “Somewhere”. A quick reminder that this Academy Award-winning production might be back on the game next year with theSteven Spielbergadaptation set to hit theatres in November.
The next obvious pick is another deeply cherished musical byLin-Manuel Miranda. WhileIn The Heightsis a more personal story,Hamiltonsparked the attention of people young and old to connect with the Broadway world. In this fresh and rap-driven version of American History, we come to understand more about Alexander Hamilton (played by Miranda himself), one of the Founding Fathers. The musical was an astounding success when it came out, snatching 11 Tony Awards in total. It was a breakout moment for many Broadway stars to try film too. Some examples that come to mind are recently Oscar-nominatedLeslie Odom Jr.andDaveed Diggs.
RELATED:Here’s How They Filmed ‘Hamilton’ for the Disney+ Movie
Packed with an A-lister ensemble that goes fromJohn TravoltatoHigh School MusicalsweetheartZac Efron,Hairsprayis a feel-good musical confronting heavy topics like racism and body image in the 1960s. Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonski) loves to “bust a move” and she decides to grasp onto the opportunity of dancing on the Corny Collins’ (James Marsden) show. However, Tracy encounters some obstacles along the way, primarily related to her weight. Despite not fitting into the traditional size-0 blondie stereotype, nothing is going to stop her from trying to show her talent on TV.
La La Land
“Here is to the fools who dream!” After watching a dream-filled production, it is never too late to dream some more.La La Landis easy in the eyes and restores your soul with its colorful shots and its leads. Mia (Emma Stone) is an aspiring actress working at the Warner Brothers café. She meets Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a traditional jazz piano player in the hopes of owning a jazz bar that will maintain the music’s classic essence. They fall in love, but their future together is uncertain when their dreams come in conflict with their relationship. Although the ideal recommendation would be to watch this movie on the big-screen, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to witnessDamien Chazelle’s beautiful directorial take on old Hollywood influences.
Here is another Broadway musical tackling social issues and softening hearts.Rentuses rock-n-roll tunes to unveil one year in the life of a group of bohemians situated in East Village New York. When Mark Cohen’s (Anthony Rapp) roommate Roger Davis (Adam Pascal) tests HIV-positive, he sets his filmmaking abilities to action in order to capture love, hardship, and modern-day struggles.Fun fact is that Idina Menzel, who played Maureen Johnson in the original Broadway production, was able to reprise the role in the feature film.
Many musical on-screen versions were mentioned until now, but here is a TV show recommendation that celebrates many of the previous picks and on top of that, it also showcases characters who dream big.Gleefocuses on a group of misfits from the William McKinley high school who decide to join Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) in the choir room, despite the backlash. In the middle of rehearsals and show choir competitions, we see Rachel (Lea Michele), Finn (Cory Monteith), Santana (Naya Rivera), and more in their journey to self-discovery in and out of the glee club.
RELATED:Here’s What’s New to HBO and HBO Max in June 2021
The Greatest Showman
You might not be a musical lover, but I bet you will feel a welcoming sense of escapism after watchingThe Greatest Showman. P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) opens up a circus filled with society’s so-called “freaks”. To his amazement, the circus becomes a hit and it even gains recognition from the queen. As he tries to attain all the money and triumph he was never able to have growing up, Barnum must balance his will to thrive and what truly holds value to him. It’s so great to see former Disney starsZendayaandZac Efronplay each other’s love interests and sing “Rewrite the Stars”. This song and all the others in the soundtrack will probably be on repeat after you have seen the film.
The Get Down
When music and the Bronx mash-up inBaz Luhrmann’s chaotic style, it becomes an inevitable masterpiece. After the prestigious work inMoulin Rouge, the director partnered with Netflix to work on an original series. The result wasThe Get Down!Set in the 1970s during a moment of increasing violence, poverty, and economical distress,The Get Downfollows Ezequiel (Justice Smith) in his pursuit of success in the hip-hop/disco era. He forms a band and becomes interested Mylene (Herizen F. Guardiola), a girl equally talented and eager to top the charts but her religious father proves to be an obstacle. With vibrant colors, a brilliant soundtrack, and a great storyline, this is a must-see to add to your watch list.
Step Up 2: The Streets
In The Heightsisn’t just about the music. It also features some over-the-top dance numbers! Surprisingly, this is not the first time that the movie director (Jon M. Chu) is responsible for a choreography-led production. His directorial feature debut was inStep Up 2, which is the sequel that came from theChanning TatumandJenna Dewanfilm in 2001. This time, the outcast is the talented Andie (Briana Evigan), who is able to join the prestigious Maryland School of Arts, but simply can’t forget her origins. When she finds out about the possibility to compete at The Streets, Andie partners with the school’s top dancer (played byRobert Hoffman) and helps her friends to tackle down the elaborate choreography.
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights
The secondDirty Dancingfilm isn’t as memorable as theJennifer GreyandPatrick Swayze-starring original, but it’s still worth the watch if you are looking for a guilty pleasure. Set in 1958, Katey Miller (Romola Garai) and her family move to Cuba amidst the Cuban revolution after her father receives a job offer. Unhappy with the fact she will change schools during her senior year, Katey has a sudden change of heart once she meets a waiter named Javier (Diego Luna), who shakes things up introducing her to the Cuban dance moves.
