Lisa Johnson Mandell’s In the Heights review says the colorful and creative, New York-based romance will take its place among the best musicals of the decade.

Dazzling — if there’s one word to describe Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’s new big screen adaptation of his Broadway hit, In the Heights, that would be it.

The creator and star of Hamilton and the director of Crazy Rich Asians (John Chu) have teamed up for a joyous explosion of a film that will have you dancing in your seat and dancing in the street. You’ll also find yourself downloading the soundtrack on your way home, so you can sing along with every lyric again and again…just like you did with Hamilton.

In the Heights is the musical tale of a charismatic (although romantically challenged) storyteller (Anthony Ramos), who goes by the odd name of Usnavi, (how he got that moniker is a riot) who longs, hopes, dreams and saves for the life on a beach in his native Dominican Republic.

But as Usnavi recounts his colorful, musical, almost magical life in the Washington Heights area of Nueva York, and introduces its enigmatic residents, the question becomes “why would you ever want to leave?”

The narrative runs in the style of the classic movie musical, but the music and choreography are fresh and exuberant. The eye-popping pool scene is especially brilliant; water ballet meets water disco meets water salsa meets water aerobics—with no goofy bathing caps! It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and worth the price of admission alone!

Which is not to say that there aren’t other remarkable big production numbers, with nods to Rent, Westside Story and other familiar favorites. My only criticism is that there are a few too many of those big production numbers—that two hour and 23 minute run time is a bit tough on the constitution, even if the film never lags.

In the Heights focuses on relationships between family, neighbors, innocent young couples, even between employees and employers. You won’t find any sex, drugs or violence here — and not one ugly curse word (in English). Completely family friendly, it’s all about hope, family, loyalty, dedication and striving to make dreams come true. It’s the right time for the right message.

Rated PG-13

2 Hours 28 Minutes

If this In the Heights review makes you want to want to see it ASAP, find it on HBO Max or at a theater near you.

Lisa Johnson Mandell’s In the Heights review says the colorful and creative, New York-based romance will take its place among the best musicals of the decade.