Washington Heights (2003)
Runtime: 85 mins
Theatrical Release: May 9, 2003 Limited
Synopsis: Alfredo de Villa's energetic debut pays tribute to one of Manhattan's more notorious neighborhoods, the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights. Carlos Ramirez (Manny Perez), an aspiring comic book artist, has dreams of moving downtown and establishing a new life for himself, but... Alfredo de Villa's energetic debut pays tribute to one of Manhattan's more notorious neighborhoods, the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights. Carlos Ramirez (Manny Perez), an aspiring comic book artist, has dreams of moving downtown and establishing a new life for himself, but his girlfriend, Maggie (Andrea Navedo), is growing tired of his lack of consideration for her own work. When Carlos's father, Eddie (Tomas Milian), is shot at his deli, Carlos is forced to put his dreams aside to keep the business afloat. Meanwhile, Carlos's best friend, Mickey (Danny Hoch), has dreams of his own. Desperate to find enough cash to get to a bowling tournament in Las Vegas, Mickey ends up stealing from Maggie's dangerous brother, Angel (Bobby Cannavale). Just when Carlos sells some work and sees some light at the end of the tunnel, Angel brings yet another sobering dose of reality to the situation. Based on an idea by Perez, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS was scripted by de Villa and Nat Moss, with dialogue help from acclaimed writer Junot Diaz. The result is a picture that bristles with honesty and vitality. Shot on digital video with a minimal budget, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS is packed with utterly convincing, powerful performances. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Tomas Milian, Manny Perez, Danny Hoch, Jude Ciccolella, Andrea Navedo
Screenwriter: Alfredo de Villa, Nat Moss
Story: Manny Perez
Producer: Luis Dantas, Manny Perez, Tom Donahue, Alfredo de Villa
DVD Info
Release:
Nov 4, 2003
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Widescreen
Audio:
- Dolby Digital Stereo - English
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
De Villa has a light touch that instills the film with a certain charm that saves the day
The performances are uniformly fine, with Perez showing a heavy amount of presence and complexity.
The film has an urgency and assured street-level realism that is rare for any film, let alone one by a first-time director.
may just inspire more people traveling Manhattan's red line to get off at 191st St. and check out the bodegas
An affecting reworking of a traditional story, told with passion, sensitivity, and a little clumsiness.
The genuine affection Washington Heights displays for the Manhattan neighborhood of the same name can't make up for its lack of originality.
The performances are good... but they're just 2-dimensional people living in a 3-dimensional world.
A promising debut that makes us anticipate this Columbia University film grad's sophomore work.
Buoyed by strong performances from Perez and Miami-resident Milian, Washington Heights overcomes the familiarity of its premise through its passion and conviction.
Washington Heights is sloppy and often undernourished, but it convincingly creates a neighborhood throbbing with activity and caring.
Deserves a wide audience hungry for sympathetic, three-dimensional people caught up in something bigger than themselves.
Washington Heights may not always be great, but director Alfredo de Villa lights an undeniable fire in the movie's belly.
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