In the Heights Family Review

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.In the Heights centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, on the northern tip of Manhattan. At the center of the show is Usnavi, a bodega owner who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door, pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighboring beauty salon and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina, a childhood friend of Usnavi's, has returned to the neighborhood from her first year at college with surprising news for her parents, who have spent their life savings on building a better life for their daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home.—Broadway.comLights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.Dreaming of saving up enough money to return to his island and restore his late father's business in the Dominican Republic, bright-eyed Usnavi runs a bodega in the lively neighbourhood of Washington Heights, Manhattan, selling the best coffee in town. Until then, Usnavi vies for beautiful beautician Vanessa's attention, as his childhood friends, Benny and Nina, nurture dreams of their own, intent on helping the immigrant community of Washington Heights. But, these streets are made of music, and as the temperature rises, nothing can stand in the way of youthful, sun-kissed optimism. After all, there is no place like home.—Nick Riganas