Trouble in the Heights

I'M NOT DIRTY HARRY
Diego (Rayniel Rufino) is an honest struggling Latino, working as a cook at an upscale restaurant. He wakes up one day and finds his whole world coming to an end. His girlfriend Ana (Alexandra Metz) is pregnant. His 8 year old brother Javy (Antonio Ortiz) is wanted by the mob in a bad sort of way. It seems Javy and his friend Robbie (Cruz Santiago) decided to score some fireworks, but ended up stealing cash, and a lot of it. They also caused other problems that can not be fixed. Diego must now try to figure out what to do, because they never call the cops in these stories.

This is a story that holds your interest in spite of what seems to a be a slow pace. You want to see Diego succeed. The acting was done so well in this indie, you keep watching. Worth a view if you like the urban crime dramas that is bigger on drama than action.

Parental Guide: F-bomb, N-word. No sex or nudity.

Nice!
Watching Trouble in the Heights felt like seeing Washington Heights from a hole other perspective with out loosing the very essence of this neighborhood. It was good to see the streets I grew up in a way, that I have yet to see. I like that the cast and crew are Latinos in the Arts. Overall, I enjoyed watching.

Refreshing and honest little film
This is an old-fashioned film set entirely on location in NYC's Washington Heights, which has been home to a Dominican population since the 1980s. Pitting ordinary working-class folk against nefarious drug lords and gangs, Trouble in the Heights's charm is rooted in character rather than in its fairly outlandish story line. Talented unknown actors bring this urban tale of good vs evil to life -- the acting is terrific -- and I really did care about our very likeable neighborhood heroes. Unlike most current movies, Trouble is refreshingly slow-paced: shots last more than 10 seconds; conversations are real-time, not shorthand. So the plot's suspense feels plot-driven rather than manipulated by lightning-fast cuts. Try this little indie -- you won't be sorry.

Click to Editorial Reviews