La La Land
JC (Jeff) Stewart

Review by JC (Jeff) Stewart Pro

La La Land 2016

★★★★½

Watched 14 Dec 2016

Blending together fantasy and reality, classic and cutting-edge, feel-good and harshness all in one awe-inspiring cinematic package Damien Chazelle takes the movie musical to glorious new fresh heights. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are star-crossed lovers Sebastian and Mia in Hollywood who bond over similar lofty dreams to make their marks on Tinseltown. Like with his riveting and surprising Whiplash a few years ago, the director takes a well-worn genre and revitalizes it with rarified energy and skill. With music again playing a large role in the story and execution, this time in grand, show-stopping, and catchy music and dance numbers.

While at the same time the script allows the characters to remain grounded with all the wants and needs of real people (L.A people yes, but real people from there nonetheless). Here the characters take precedence over the musical sequences, not the other way around. Making the emotions behind the songs and choreography more palatable, gratifying, and meaningful. Additionally, the relationship that builds between the two has the all the sweetness and bitterness as any other, so you're never quite sure where this will go.

No matter how much of a fan or detractor you are of the genre, if you are a lover of cinema or storytelling there will be something to cherish here. Even if you took out the dancing and singing it's still a great heartfelt romance-drama-comedy. A rousing and unforgettable way to end 2016 on, yes, a high note.

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