From the makers of Hamilton and Crazy Rich Asiens now comes a musical movie that wants to be the sound of summer. In the Heights: Rhythm of New York is about the South American community in a New York block called Washington Heights and the dreams of the various protagonists. With a mixture of hip hop and Latin American sounds, it is staged by a group of talented actors In the Heights definitely a spectacle – but not a perfect one.
In the Heights: Rhythm of New York can be seen in Austria’s cinemas from July 22, 2021.
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El Suenito – Small, big dreams
It’s difficult to pinpoint a protagonist in a movie that revolves so much about the strength of community. In addition, it is mainly about the dreams and goals of the various characters.
© 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
There is the sympathetic bodega manager Usnavy (creatively named after the US Navy by his father when he entered the country), who is pursuing his dream of returning to the Dominican Republic. His sweetheart Vanessa, who wants to become a fashion designer and move into a decent apartment. Nina, who struggles with the expectations of the community and wants to find her own way. Benny, who wants to build his own business and life – preferably with Nina. And Usnavy’s cousin Sonny, who needs a green card to go to college.
© 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
We could go on and on, but believe us: you want to see the strip for yourself and find out more. The community that gathers around matriarch “Abuela” Claudia has love stories, lottery wins, activism, clubbing, blackouts and more. What In the Heights but most of all are great songs with phenomenal performances. Every single actress shines in their respective roles. If we had to highlight two, it would be Corey Hawkins’ Benny and Melissa Barerra’s Vanessa, whose voices and dance literally lift us out of our seats!
© 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
3, 2, 1, power failure
In one spectacular dance and / or singing performance after the other, we follow how Usnavy tries to prepare for his return journey home and our other protagonists follow their goals. That counts In the Heights Day after day a long-term power outage in Washington Heights in the middle of a particularly hot summer.
© 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.
On the night of the blackout, several storylines finally culminate and the classic low point comes at the end of Act 2 of a film. In a series of dramatic, extravagantly happy, and ultimately deeply tragic songs, the Heights grind to a halt and nothing is like it used to be. Unfortunately, this is also where the problems we deal with begin In the Heights to have. The last act – the act of meeting up, getting together and personal growth – is unfortunately a bit too clichéd idealistic. In addition, this phase also makes the film a good 15 minutes longer than it should be and disrupts the arc of suspense a little.
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Rating: 9 Pixel
For In the Heights: Rhythm of New York Kinokritik – Ode an die Community of Matthias Tüchler