As movie theaters began to open up, Character Media and Warner Bros. partnered together to host an advanced screening of the highly anticipated “In the Heights” ahead of the movie musical’s June 11 release.
The screening was hosted at the CGV Cinemas in Los Angeles’ Koreatown where vaccinated friends, celebrities and community leaders came out to support the film. After a quick speech from Character Media welcoming everyone back after a year in lockdown, the movie was introduced with a special video message from director Jon M. Chu.
After the screening, with the movie’s heartwarming story and music fresh in their minds, the guests shared their thoughts on the critically acclaimed movie and relayed a special message to Chu.
“[It’s] our first experience back in the theaters and it was so worthy,” “Warrior” actress Dianne Doan exclaimed about watching “In the Heights” on the big screen. “I’m just so happy to be a witness to this genius.” “The Good Place”’s Manny Jacinto nodded in agreement, “Yeah, we were blown away.”
“It was brilliant, it was bright, it was fun,” Rapper jason chu praised, “and what I love more than anything else, was how much it showed the life of a community.” Hate Is A Virus co-founder and activist Michelle Hanabusa also remarked that the film brought her to tears: “There were so many little parts of everyone’s story that touched me like no other.”
“Jon M. Chu, give you all your flowers and the cast, give you all your flowers … it feels life-giving and I’m so happy,” “Kung Fu” star Olivia Liang gushed. “Props to Jon for just—my goodness what a film to take on to direct,” “Fuller House”’s Ashley Liao joined in to say. “It is a really difficult film to direct and you did a beautiful job. It was a cinematic masterpiece.”
Nicole Kang, of The CW’s “Batwoman,” even rapped a verse from the musical’s soundtrack to show her excitement for the film.
“In the Heights” is a musical film based on the stage musical of the same name, created by “Hamilton”’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and helmed by “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu, and tells the story of a New York City bodega owner who saves his money in hopes of a better life.
Catch “In the Heights” in theaters and on HBO Max June 11.
