"In the Heights" Review
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony-winning musical translates beautifully to the screen.

Hassan Karkhaneh, a veteran detective on the verge of promotion, is faced with the case of a woman who vanished following a suspicious accident. Despite psychological pressure and systemic opposition, he grows suspicious of the mysterious Maahak and launches a private investigation. Caught between the law, his conscience, and a mental breakdown, Hassan must decide how far he is willing to go to save Leila.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony-winning musical translates beautifully to the screen.
In Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It (1986), we follow the love life of powerful female protagonist Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) and explore the relationship dynamics she has with her partners. She sees three men simultaneously: Greer Childs, (John Canada Terrell) Mars Blackmon (Spike Lee), and Jamie Overstreet (Tommy Redmond Hicks). Though an 80’s film, She’s Gotta Have It is surprisingly progressive with its themes of female sexuality, although at some points in the film it is handled clumsily. Overall Nola is an incredibly compelling character especially for modern women, as we as a society acknowledge female sensuality more and more without the negative stigma.
If Miguel Alexandre were trying to make a revenge story seem dull without using all the effective formulas that work great in this catchy genre, he could not have accomplished his purpose much better than he unintentionally has in Black Island.
The second season arrives over three years after its first. While late on arrival, most audience members will be happy.
This list was made with the intention of celebrating the craft. I love seeing more women of colour on this list than before and more newcomers on the scene as well!
Netflix takes some liberties in its portrayal of Madame CJ Walker, a trailblazing Black entrepreneur.