Reviews by:
@the_owlseyes
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We all desire something more, something better. We want to have or own home, a good job, a family and a good life. Most of the time we tend to undervalue what we have already and we try so hard to get something better, forgetting about the people who are around us. The fact is that there's already beauty and happiness in our family, or community and our job. It's good to take risks and find something better which could grant us more wealth, because today a lot is about it. What's important is to not lose yourself in the process. This way you'll find a new home and you'll retain what you've started with.
Sometimes we wish for life to be like the one portrayed in the movies, when movies show us a life which is more like a dream than an reachable reality.
PLOT
"A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life" or "South American empowering movie".
SCRIPT
Here I'm a bit conflicted. It isn't bad but the plot device used to move everything and everyone is a bit cheap and it seems outdated. I like the fact that the movie take times to let us understand the characters, their motivations and their goals. There isn't a villain but I think that it's the U.S. Government. In fact this movie, not only celebrate the Hispanic culture but also it criticizes how the Americans treat Hispanic people at work and during the everyday life. It isn't subtle and sometimes it feels too cheesy. I like the fact that the movie tries to be as realistic as possible, even though the story is framed as a fairy tale. There're some cliches regarding the love stories and how the movie solve its conflict but these aren't inherently bad. Another flaw is the fact that there're too many characters and most of them aren't used well and aren't explored enough. Sometimes the movies showcases stereotypes and it could be bad if you're of South American origins. Overall I think that it's appreciable but it isn't good enough to say that it's above mediocre.
Script: 6/10
ACTING
All the actors do a good job and their singing skills are pretty remarkable. I like Anthony Ramos because he's able to convey a wide spectrum of emotions and create a compelling character. There's also Jimmy Smits who helps to elevate the dramatic scenes and create compelling situations. The other actors play their part well but I don't think that they do something exceptional. Overall is a movie well acted and well singed. I an't deny the fact that there're a lot of talented singers here. This is why the movie works as an adaptation of a broadway musical.
Acting: 7/10
PHOTOGRAPHY
Even though the light is mostly flat and shadows aren't used this much, the colours are bright and the movie shines with them. The chromatic cornucopia on display here is wonderful and extremely eye pleasing. Yes, colours don't have a symbolic meaning but they're the expression of the South American culture which is front and center here. There're also incredible shots of the Washington Heights, which make them seem like a fantastic place where a fantasy story unfolds.
Photography: 7/10
EDITING
The transitions are amazing and thanks to that the songs are memorable. The dynamism of the soundtrack is reflected here, with a camera which jumps from a character to another and likes to shot great gatherings of people. I could say that most of the shots are cool and just a few are basic.
Editing: 8/10
SPECIAL EFFECTS
The green screen isn't noticeable but there's one scene where the vfx are a bit bad. Another one feature a spider-man-ish scene which is good to look at and makes the song more interesting. Mediocre effects, nothing more to say about it.
Special Effects: 6/10
SOUNDTRACK
This is the main strength of the movie. After Hamilton and Moana, Lin-Manuel Miranda has been able to deliver another slur of great songs which integrate perfectly in the motion picture and honour the Broadway play which started Miranda's career. The songs function in different ways but are never used without a reason. These defines characters goals, desires and propells the plot. It isn't just about the songs but the movie makes the singed parts dynamic by letting different actors sing them. There's only a little problem. The soundtrack is highly reminescent of Hamilton, but the movie acknowledge it and there's an easter egg which is easily noticeable.
Soundtrack: 9/10
COSTUMES
Nothing interesting here. Usual clothes you can find on young adults. Even though one character is a fashion designer, she doesn't have much to do with it. It works but it's just mediocre.
Costumes: 6/10
CONCLUSION
Script: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Photography: 7/10
Editing: 8/10
Special Effects: 6/10
Soundtrack: 9/10
Costumes: 6/10
AVERAGE: 7
An enjoyable movie with great songs ad eye pleasing shots. It could've been better but the script is its weakness and it shows. If you've liked Hamilton and you like musicals, you have to watch. Otherwise give it a try, because it could you get interested in the genre.
Director: Jon M. Chu
Screenplay: Quiara Alegría Hudes
Cast: Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Jimmy Smits
Soundtrack: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Cinematography: Alice Brooks
Running Time: 143 minutes
Budget: $55 million
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