In the Heights (2002 film)

In the Heights is a 2002 musical comedy film created by Steven Spielberg, Jeffery Katzenberg and David Geffen (sometimes known as the SKG trio) and based on a true story. It was released by DreamWorks SKG and Miramax on March 29, 2002. Overall, it won $5,630,212 at the box office and placed thirteenth by the end of the year.

Plot
The Geisels are a poor family living in Washington Heights. They have a sister, a brother, a mother and a grandfather. Although their father passed away two years ago, they still believe in Jesus Christ. One day, the mother, Kiki, finds a lottery ticket worth $90,000 and the other family members are excited to hear this. The family finds out that their town is filled with orphans from the USA, which means that their religion is beginning to fade away. Just then, they meet a New York-born man named Steven, who wishes to be their father. The brother and sister, Joe and Alison, agree to this, and Steven becomes their father. The grandfather, Abe, wonders if Steven will be his father forever. By the end of the film, the whole family (including Steven), along with many of the residents are performing a musical number.

Production
Talks on In the Heights began in late 1998, when Spielberg and Geffen originally planned that the film would be a Latino documentary. When Katzenberg joined film production in early 1999, the idea changed into a musical taking place in Mexico. When Geffen changed the setting from Mexico to Washington Heights, he thought that the film would provide "a thrilling experience to all viewers". During 1998, the film would originally be titled "A Spanish Documentary for You and Me", but in 1999, it was retitled to "The Washington Heights Musical". Another title was planned by Katzenberg in 2000: "In the Heights". Filming commenced in late 2000, while it ended just months before it hit theaters.