The First Trailer for "In the Heights" Sets Off An Exciting Block Party

Scene from In the Heights

For all intents and purposes, the phenomenon of Lin-Manuel Miranda started over a decade ago with In the Heights. Yes, his later work on stage and in film may be more revered, but there's no denying the seismic shake that came with his story of a man named Usnavi living his life in Washington Heights. It wasn't just in the story. It was the way that the music fused classic Broadway motifs with contemporary sounds of salsa and hip-hop that reflected a new era of musicals. Suddenly America was culturally diverse and free to embrace their passions. In the Heights was a celebration that won Tony Awards and set Miranda up on his path to bigger things, most notably Hamilton. While audiences haven't likely memorized the soundtrack as well as any about the ten-dollar founding father without a father, be prepared to learn why In the Heights was a smash. The first trailer has finally arrived, and it's looking to be one of the best block parties of 2020. 

The history of In the Heights' journey to the screen is one struck with a familiar tragedy. There was a time only a few years ago that it looked like it would never see the light of day. It was one of many projects over at The Weinstein Company that was left in the air following Harvey Weinstein's public flogging. Would it ever find footing somewhere else? Given that Miranda's profile is a lot bigger than it was in 2008, there was plenty to be optimistic about. After all, he had helped popularize the movie musical with recent Disney hits Moana and Mary Poppins Returns. Thankfully things worked out and audiences will finally get to see In the Heights, featuring an incredible cast bringing to life the film that won Miranda his first Tony Award and set the stage for one of the 21st century's most acclaimed voices.

If you're like me, getting into Hamilton remains a chore almost six years after opening Off-Broadway. However, the success of one show has allowed In the Heights to have a second life. Because people are interested in all things Miranda, the show has regularly toured and been put on by local productions. I have personally seen it twice now (and maybe a third soon) and the show is electrifying. There's so much energy in a story that has continued to resonate almost 15 years after opening. It has allowed a culturally diverse cast to embrace theater in a way that fits their language. It also doesn't hurt that for a story this enjoyable that it makes sense as a film in ways that most contemporary musicals aren't. If anything, this feels like something that should've happened a while ago.

Given that Jon M. Chu also is a renowned filmmaker known for his visual style, this feels like it could manage to escape the summer blockbuster crowd and make it into the Oscar conversation. Yes, it's too early to be talking about awards season that's over a year away. However, I do want to believe that this will be the breakthrough that many are hoping for, helping to revive the movie musical with help from a director who made Step Up 3D into one of the most visually splendid films of the decade. He is a master of movement, and that's what In the Heights needs. Also, wouldn't it be exciting to see Miranda go full circle and finally get an Oscar for the project that started him on his journey to an EGOT? I don't know how, but it still feels weird that he's down an Oscar win.

Check out the trailer below:

Looks very good. Here's the plot description according to IMDb:

A feature version of the Broadway musical, in which a bodega owner has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic after inheriting his grandmother's fortune.

It's the next best thing to having Miranda in the lead (he's kind of old for the part). While this only alludes to the various songs in the film, all of the energy looks like it's in place for a complete joyride of a film. One can hope that its summer release doesn't get overshadowed by the West Side Story remake, also out in 2020. If it's anything like the stage version, it's going to be a celebration of life in a small community, where everyone contributes to the colorful tapestry. Also, and this is the driving force, it's just a fun show and I have been looking forward to this movie for years now. I hope it delivers on everything and Chu's involvement as director (especially following his success on Crazy Rich Asians) only helps to bring things to life in a way that this story clearly needs.

In the Heights will unfortunately always be Miranda's other Best Musical Tony winner. That just happens when you have a hit on par with Hamilton. With that said, I hope that this movie helps to bring a new audience to what makes his first big hit a masterpiece and one of the most exciting Broadway shows of the past 20 years. The soundtrack is catchy, and it's hard to not imagine anyone getting overwhelmed with joy by the end of the opening song. I recommend giving it a listen. Try not to vibe along and wanting to learn the whole soundtrack. It's difficult. If you can, support your local theater and see the show. It's worth your time and proves that even if we're just talking Broadway, Miranda is more than a one hit wonder and has a lot more to offer to this world.