Best of 2021: Why Lin-Manuel Miranda is the star of the year

In 2021, film made its reappearance in a massive way. After a year stuck inside with little opportunity to not only watch new cinema but make new cinema, everyone was eagerly waiting to see what this new year could bring to theaters around the globe. In this year, we were blessed with copious amounts of musicals and musical-led films. This year of musicals was led by a legend of Broadway. No, not James Corden, but the great Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Lin-Manuel Miranda was a part of four major feature musicals this year: In the Heights (creator, music, and star), Vivo (star and music), Encanto (story and music), and tick, tick… BOOM! (director). It is difficult for any creator to be involved with one good film in a year, but Miranda was a part of four incredible and diverse films.

Is In the Heights a good movie?

In the Heights is the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first major Broadway production. Miranda first premiered In the Heights in 2005, and the film adaptation allowed for Miranda’s vision to be brought to the big screen.

This film was a ton of fun. Hamilton alum Anthony Ramos takes over Miranda’s role as Usnavi, a bodega owner in Washington Heights, N.Y. who dreams of traveling back to Puerto Rico. The songs and dance numbers were magnetic throughout the film and the story was a beautiful look at a Puerto Rican’s who had pride and love for their home. Lin-Manuel Miranda still found himself a role in this film, and even a full song.

On HBO Max now.

What is Vivo about?

Vivo is an animated Netflix film that Miranda starred in as well as providing the music. Vivo follows a kinkajou named Vivo, voiced by Miranda, as he tries to deliver a song to his owner’s long love. This film is highly emotional and features some really strong songs from Miranda. This was one of the better-animated films of the year, and I highly recommend checking it out.

On Netflix now.

Is Encanto worth watching?

Encanto might be the current frontrunner for Best Animated Feature at the 2022 Oscars. A spellbinding film of colors and music that follows Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), the only non-magical person in a magical family. The film, story and songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is a touching and emotional look into family and feeling as though you don’t fit in. The songs were incredibly fun and catchy and the story is something that many people can really gravitate to.

Was tick, tick… BOOM! the best movie of 2021?

I end with tick, tick… BOOM! because, well, it was his best. It’s not necessarily a contest either because when it comes to movie musicals it’s one of THE best. Lin-Manuel Miranda, a man who has become a staple among the movie musical community, took on the tough task of directing his own, and he did it in a way that only a Broadway legend could have done.

tick, tick… BOOM! follows Jonathan Larson, creator of Rent, on the verge of turning 30, and feeling as though his time is fleeting. This film isn’t just a love letter to Broadway, but to Larson himself – a man who never was able to witness his hard work pay off. Miranda crafted a beautiful and touching tribute to a Broadway legend.

Also, he finds a way to fit himself in the film. On Netflix now.