Summary

• Get a sneak peek into what to expect from Wicked with the must-see movie musical In The Heights.
• In The Heights stars movie stars like Anthony Ramos and Melissa Barrera in a powerful story about gentrification.
• In The Heights' success hints at how the Wicked movie may be, with its mix of themes and stunning visuals.

In the months leading up to the movie adaptation of the In The Heights is a Broadway musical of the same name that was adapted into a film in 2021. Most importantly, it is directed by Wicked director Jon M. Chu, meaning the movie may provide an insight into what should be expected from Wicked.

The In The Heights stage show was written by none other than Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film version of In The Heights used real-life Washington Heights locations that mirror the locations of the story, which follows bodega-owner Usnavi and his friends as they go through a hot summer that is overshadowed by the gentrification of the neighborhood. The high quality of this stage-to-screen adaptation is a great reason to watch it before Wicked is released.

In The Heights Is The Perfect Movie Musical To Watch Before Wicked

In The Heights Is An Important Movie Musical To Watch Ahead Of Wicked

Wicked is still a little while away, and In The Heights is the perfect summer movie musical to enjoy. The film is packed with dance numbers, stunning visuals, and a great ensemble cast. The horror actor Melissa Barrera, who both deliver memorable performances.

Among other Hamilton Easter Eggs featured in the In The Heights movie, Lin-Manuel Miranda is also seen in a cameo role in the film. Both the stage show and movie center around immigrant families who each have their own backstory on what they want to achieve. This is sometimes a heavy subject, but it is perfectly blended with powerful music and choreography. This is not dissimilar to Wicked, which tells a deeper story of acceptance and friendship.

In The Heights’ Success Bodes Well For The Wicked Movie

In The Heights Shows How Good Wicked May Be

The In The Heights movie had a highly positive reception with an identical 94% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics and audiences. The film deserved this critical success; is fun to watch with its upbeat songs and summer setting, but also has a lot to say. The film highlights the effects of gentrification, discusses themes of immigration, and celebrates heritage.

Another thing that In The Heights does well is how it feels like a standalone film, but fans of the stage show will see enough similarities between the stage and screen versions to enjoy. Jon M. Chu's movie excelled in keeping the most important beats and songs of the show, and he chose to film largely on location to create a sense of realism to the film's setting. It is already clear that Wicked will rely heavily on practical sets as well. In The Heights shows that Jon M. Chu is on top of his game and the film is a meaningful, yet exciting movie musical to watch.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes,