La La Land is Simply Amazing

Rating: 10/10 (21 December 2016)

Dreams. LaLa Land is about dreams. The tag line is
"Here's to the fool who dreams"
and its truly fitting. Emma Stone was lovely, charming and bright per usual (fan of hers since Easy A), but I was most impressed with Ryan Gosling. I had no idea he was so talented! I was astonished by his grace and pure perfection as Sebastian; I mean, Ryan Gosling as a jazz musician was everything I never knew I needed. He sang, he danced, he was absolutely sublime. Like many others would say, Emma and Ryan have a chemistry that is undeniable and it's hard not to watch them together on screen. They are captivating to watch, the energy flows through them and into the audience and its really something special. John Legend was pretty excellent in a supporting role, initially it took me a second seeing him in a different capacity but he was great! Acting isn't his trade, but I liked seeing him even though I thought it was a bit brief. Having him sing in the film was a real treat for those who may not be familiar with his music. His voice is like a fine wine; like honey in your mouth – thick, rich and sweet. His addition to the cast was smart and really upped the ante musically, because John is just so supremely talented.
As far as direction, Damien Chazelle was able do what so few directors can, and that is create magic on film. It's really astonishing considering the undertaking this film must've been for someone who's only directed one other feature film. LaLa Land was directed as if by a seasoned veteran, scenes were seamless and so precise, in some parts it felt like I was watching a live play. The film is the best kind of fantasy, filled with love, joy, and life. You can't help but walk away thinking about your own dreams, feeling inspired to make those dreams a reality. This film is a homage, a love song to a film genre that's been long gone and sorely missed. It reminded me of old Hollywood glamour – the sophistication and raw talent seemed to have the audience gripped from start to finish. It was refreshing and yet envelops you like a warm blanket on a chill winter's morning. It was effortless, clean and pure perfection.
I did like that the film also had some clear undertones and commentary on Hollywood as well as personal growth. Without saying too much, I think that these points really rounded out the film making it very robust and multidimensional. The film was able to position itself as somewhat nostalgic while not being cliché or predictable. One of my favorite lyrics in the film is, "madness is key to give us new colors to see," and this is so true and poignant when it comes to the dreamer. The dreamer is mad, considered not to be practical – similarly Steve Jobs once said, "the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." Sometimes madness and genius go hand in hand, so don't fear it, embrace it; embrace the mad chaotic beauty of having big dreams, hold tightly to them and remember that its always worth the fight to make it a reality.
Bottom line: LaLa Land is a must see. You must experience the songs, the dancing, the joy and happiness this film brings you. It infuses you with hope and sends you back out into the world as a dreamer. I highly suggest this film be experienced by all, it is an incredible achievement – the amout of applause at the end of the screening I saw as deafening. This is a definite Oscar contender, no question about it. Go see it! A++