The box office failure of In the Heights is indeed disappointing, but I am beginning to wonder if everyone has over-estimated nationwide familiarity with Lin-Manuel Miranda. WB marketed this film largely on his name. I can figure out no other reasonable explanation why such an acclaimed film has done so poorly with paying audiences, even in current pandemic circumstances ("A Quiet Place II", a horror sequel, rebounding to #1 after three weeks is quite unusual). From what I've read, the HBO Max thing had no real impact on the box office (as it seems the movie didn't fare much better there).
Obviously, this film will have a very long shelf life. Its fans are passionate and at the very least you can call it a cult film.
This reminds me of 1977, when "New York, New York" opened to....zero interest (except me). Now that movie is consistently getting repertory bookings and garnering the respect it always deserved. It's playing at Quentin Tarantino's New Beverly Cinema on Pride Weekend. In a new 35mm print. And all three performances are sold out.
I suspect a similar fate awaits "In the Heights." |
