Through moving music and excellent acting, this movie tells a compelling story of real life that is sure to appeal to all audiences.

Rating: 9/10 (1 March 2017)

When people think of movie musicals, they associate the genre with older people or musical theater lovers. To many kids and young teenagers, movie musicals are boring and do not compare with the modern high action thrillers or cliché romantic comedies. On the other hand, some hardcore musical fanatics may criticize movie musicals because they are no match to the original Broadway musicals performed live in the flesh. However, LaLa Land directed and written by Damien Chazelle is an original, not based off of any existing musical performed live on a stage. Therefore, the movie can not be compared to any other version. With high appraise from movie critics, nominations for several awards, and attention from many music lovers, there is no surprise that majority expect the film to be adapted from the big screen to the stage. However, some people believe that this credit is not all that deserving and the film is rather over exaggerated. Although seen by many as overrated, Damien Chazelle's LaLa Land relates the audience to the hardships of love, careers, dreams, and friendships through award winning music and brilliant acting, making the movie musical one of the most deserving films of appraise.
One of the aspects that makes this film great, is its ability to relate to a wide audience of all ages who have experienced the ups and downs that life has to offer. Chazelle creates a story and characters that are just like us, who have dreams and aspirations to achieve. Sebastian, a passionate jazz musician, and Mia, a struggling actress hoping to make a break in the Hollywood industry, both chase their own dreams while struggling to tie in a relationship. Normally, in a cliché typical Hollywood ending, the guy would get the girl, and each person will eventually fulfill their bucket list of dreams. However, this movie musical gives the hard truth of reality, that life does not always work out the Hollywood way. The story line is tragic yet phenomenal and both characters in the movie learn that even in Los Angeles, the heart and center of Hollywood, their happy ending would take sacrifices of love and dreams. Choices have to be made all the time in life, and like Sebastian and Mia, sometimes we just have to decide which roads to take. Where these roads take us is unknown but we have to be willing to take a chance on our dreams. This movie is all about taking chances and the great possibilities that come from risks and sacrifices.
People who love music, know how something as simple as a song or tune can transform the entire experience of watching a movie when the music is put together with a visual image. In LaLa Land the movie would be nothing without the music, considering it is in fact a musical. However, it is not that often people come across a movie musical soundtrack where each song is catchy, original, and meaningful with its lyrics. Justin Hurwitz, the music composer for the film, captures the mood of every scene with a song. Whether the scene was an upbeat dance, a slow waltz, an argument, a magical fantasy, or a walk in the park at night, there was a perfect song for it. Jazz also plays a major part in the music as well as in the plot. Sebastian has a true passion for real, pure jazz. Throughout the movie he thinks this style of music is dying and convinces Mia, as well as the audience, of the importance and beauty of the traditional genre. Even if you do not find the rhythm of jazz entertaining, hearing the soundtrack and Sebastian's take on the art form may just change your mind. Nevertheless, regardless of your preference on jazz, there is still something for everyone in the music soundtrack for LaLa Land.
With Ryan Gosling playing Sebastian as the lead male role, and Emma Stone as Mia for his scene partner, brilliant acting is inevitable. Both are very successful actors with already big names in the Hollywood industry. Many know Ryan Gosling for his lead role in "The Notebook" while Emma Stone has captured many lead roles in several popular movies such as "The Amazing Spider-Man," and "The Help." They also have evident on scene chemistry because they previously acted together in the movie "Crazy, Stupid, Love" in 2011. Furthermore, these actors are both nominated for the Golden Globes under the best actor and actress category. They had to sing, dance, and act, as well as learn how to play the piano, which is not all easy tasks to perform. Nevertheless, they pulled it off and created the characters of Mia and Sebastian that the audience will love and connect to on an emotional level.
Before turning away from LaLa Land because movie musicals are not your preferred genre, I encourage you to give this movie a chance and you will not be disappointed. Through moving music and excellent acting, this movie tells a compelling story of real life that is sure to appeal to all audiences. With numerous awards and nominations, as well as positive critiques, I doubt you will find LaLa Land to be "overrated," but rather worthy of all its praise.