With directorJon M. Chu’sfantastic adaption ofIn the Heightsnow playing in theaters and streaming on HBO Max, I recently landed an interview withLin-Manuel Miranda. During the wide-ranging conversation, he talked about his reaction watching the finished film for the first time, his long history trying to getIn the Heightsmade as a movie, what directorKenny Ortega’sversion would have been like if they’d made it a decade ago and why that version never happened, how Chu changed the game with the way he castCrazy Rich Asians, getting to film on location and the way the neighborhood embraced the film, and much more. In addition, he talked about the challenges of trying to make aHamiltonmovie, why he loves the version that’s available on Disney+, and the way lyricistHoward Ashmanimpacted his life both as a child and in his work on animated films likeMoana,VivoandEncanto.
In the Heightsis based on Miranda’s 2008 Tony-winning Broadway musical. Set in New York’s Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights, it follows the life of Usnavi de la Vega (Anthony Ramos), who spends his days dreaming about a better life while he takes care of his small bodega and saves every penny for a brighter future.In the Heightsalso starsCorey Hawkins,Melissa Barrera,Leslie Grace,Olga Merediz,Daphne Rubin-Vega,Gregory Diaz IV,Stephanie Beatriz,Dascha PolancoandJimmy Smits. The film is produced by Miranda,Quiara Alegría Hudes,Scott Sanders,Anthony BregmanandMara Jacobs, with screenplay by Hudes.
Finally, while you may watchIn the Heightsfor free on HBO Max, if you’ve been vaccinated and feel safe going back to a movie theater, I strongly recommend seeing this movie on the biggest screen in your area.In the Heightsis one of my favorite films of 2021 and a perfect movie to see in a movie theater.
Check out what Lin-Manuel Miranda had to say in the player above. Below you’re able to find a list of exactly what we talked about, followed by the official synopsis.
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Lin-Manuel Miranda:
Here is the official synopsis for In the Heights:
Lights up on Washington Heights, a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big… The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi, who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.
