Movie Reviews: 'In The Heights' And 'Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway'

This weekend, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Tony-winning 2008 stage musical comes to life in "In The Heights." The musical film, which is set to the sprightly beats of salsa, meringue and hip-hop, stars Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace and Jimmy Smits as residents of New York's Washington Heights.

And if you're looking for a family-friendly movie, look no further than the live-action, animated “Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway,” starring James Corden in the title role alongside Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne as his human friends.

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Here's what to see/stream and what to skip this weekend:

“In The Heights” — Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace; directed by Jon M. Chu

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Tony-winning 2008 stage musical makes its screen debut in Jon M. Chu’s musical drama about big dreams, hopes and sense of pride.

A celebration of culture, community, song and dance, the film follows similarly the plot of the Broadway hit, replete with characters involved at disparate points of struggles and aspirations in New York’s predominantly Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights.

Set to the sprightly beats of salsa, meringue and hip-hop, “In The Heights” features bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who dreams of returning to his motherland of Dominican Republic to restore his father’s old bar. Meanwhile, he laments over the rising cost of living in the barrio.

Then, there’s Usnavi’s longtime love, Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), whose American dream is to become a successful fashion designer. She knows it too well that her pursuits of excellence will surely take her to the unabashed and exciting world of downtown Manhattan.

Other main characters include salon owner Daniela, who is forced to relocate her small business to the Bronx, and Stanford University student Nina (Leslie Grace), the first in her family to go to college. However, Nina’s next decision could break her dad’s (Jimmy Smits) heart, as she is contemplating dropping out.

In the end, will each and everyone find a better life?

See/Screen it. A delightful, vibrant and joyous concoction of song and dance, “In The Heights” dazzles with Chu’s colorful direction, Miranda’s wondrous beats and Hudes’s heartfelt script.

Watch the trailer:

“Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway” — James Corden, Elizabeth Debicki; directed by Will Gluck

The sequel to Will Gluck’s 2018’s live-action, animated film about a bullheaded bunny comes to life with James Corden reprising his role as the voice of Peter, joined by Domhnall Gleeson as farmer Thomas McGregor and Rose Byrne as Bea, Thomas’s love of life.

Inspired by Beatrix Potter’s beloved children’s book series, the movie opens with Thomas and Bea’s wedding where they are gathered with family, friends — and the farm animals. Bea is now a highly-sought-after children’s book author basking in the thrills of excitement over a planned 23-part book series, an illustrated book about Peter and his friends. Apparently, her publisher (David Oyelowo) envisions a Peter Rabbit that could be nefarious — but can Bea bring herself to write about it?

Perhaps, Peter’s next audacious adventure can shed light to her burning question, when the chief rabbit and his pals suddenly team up with a villainous street thief (Lennie James) to rob a farmers market. In the meanwhile, we also learn more about other rabbits, including Flopsy (voiced by Margot Robbie), Mopsy (voiced by Elizabeth Debicki) and Cottontail (Aimee Horne).

See it. Simply put, the sequel is charming, funny and entertaining, a movie the whole family can enjoy.

Watch the trailer: