G.W.B.

For those who have never been to Washington Heights in New York, "Trouble in the Heights" offers a visual portrayal of a land inhabited by full blooded migrant, first and second generation Dominican Americans, who continue to maintain their deep rooted heritage while assimilating into the American culture. However, violence is to Washington Heights, what Wall Street is to downtown Manhattan, except the investments are different.

As portrayed by the drug dealing characters in the film, Illegal drugs have dominated the Heights since the 70s, which till this day continues to provoke the kind of violence depicted by "Trujillo" and his crew who show no mercy if you wrongfully cross their path. Unfortunately, for the protagonist "Diego," played by Rayniel Rufino, a struggling chef portraying those living in the Heights who try to do the right thing -- that path was crossed.

With a well selected cast of up and coming actors, Trouble in the Heights is a realistic venture traveling you through crime, drama, family values and of course -- the neighborhood. I don't give it 2 thumbs up, I give it a high five. -dc