A magical salute to the romantic Hollywood musical

Rating: Null/10 (31 December 2016)

La la Land may not be everyone's cup of tea but let's look at why there are so many reasons to see this inspired film. To name a few important ones: go see it if you believe in the power of music, dance, romance and dreams. This film beguiled me and I can see how it beguiles its viewers through its lighthearted approach to a serious topic: how do we chase and hold on to our dreams without losing them? Hats off to Damien Chazelle for reviving the musical genre in an engaging and thoroughly entertaining way. The acting, writing and direction are spot on. The movie takes some time to build momentum in the story line, but when it does, it really takes you on a journey. Emma Stone is perfectly cast as the vulnerable and quirky young actress, while Ryan Gosling's character is a complex layer of jazz tradition, dreams, stubbornness, clarity and magic all spun together. I loved that the director saluted the hey day and romance of the Hollywood musical and that perhaps it's not a genre that is dead but very much alive. If you're willing to let the film take you on a journey, and suspend your expectations, the magic of this film will find its way into your heart and mind. I also say hats off to the ending, which was both inspired and realistic and not a typical Hollywood ending but still retains a lingering touch of magic, like the final note of a piano piece that still resonates in the air after it ends. Two thumbs up.