Following the enormous success of “Hamilton” what better time for Warner Brothers to release “In the Heights”. This musical drama is an adaptation of a Tony-winning stage play by Quiara Alegría Hudes and “Hamilton” mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda. Jon M. Chu of “Crazy Rich Asians” fame directs the film from a screenplay written by Hudes with music and lyrics by Miranda. I’ve never seen the Broadway musical, but both it and this film have already generated a ton of buzz.

The movie features Anthony Ramos playing a bodega owner reflecting on life in the energetic tight-knit New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights. The first trailer is filled with enthusiasm, big dance numbers, and plenty of songs. The story is about overcoming and making dreams come true, but like “Hamilton” I can see the music being what people talk about most and hold onto the longest. For picky musical viewers like me this is a ‘wait and see’. But for many others this will be one of the summer’s most anticipated films.

“In the Heights” premieres June 18th in theaters and on HBO Max. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.