"La La Land"- A wildly charming and entertaining throwback to old-school Hollywood romances and musicals. Though it's a bit too in love with itself at times.

Rating: 9/10 (1 February 2017)

One of the year's lead contenders for awards season, "La La Land" is a memorable and expertly crafted throwback to old-school Hollywood musicals and romance boasting top-notch direction, thoughtful handling of characters and exquisite performances from all involved. It truly is a remarkable film in many ways, and it's never anything less that completely charming and entertaining. It just might be one of my favorite films of the year! ...and yet, I really cannot in good conscience give it a top-notch score because for everything it does right, it does have one major flaw that just barely holds it back from perfection.
The film tells a classic tale of romance in the City of Angels. Struggling actress Mia (Emma Stone) is yearning for her big break in show business, and has a series of chance-encounters with the gruff but well-meaning Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)- a man who is also a dreamer with big goals in life and a obsession with jazz. As time passes, a very tender and heartfelt romance blossoms between the two, which may be threatened when they are both given opportunities to do great things... but also things that will make them question their aspirations and their relationship with one-another.
Written and directed by the phenomenal Damien Chazelle, "La La Land" is a powerhouse when it comes to style, production and performance. The film is a sort-of loving homage to the Hollywood of yesteryear, and is filled with bright pastel colors and absolutely stunning musical numbers that capture the imagination in a way few films can nowadays. From a mind-blowing and bombastic single-shot opening dance sequence on an Los Angeles highway through slow and contemplative sequences of dialog where characters muse about their goals and dreams, Chazelle is always at the top of his game. His sense of flow, pacing and tone is just magical, and viewing the film really takes you back to the feeling you used to get when you watched the old studio classics of the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. His sense of character establishment and development is also something to behold, and he crafts his story of romance with a keen feeling of grounded realism and sensitivity. Phenomenal work.
The film's stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are just magical on- screen together. And they're a key part of the puzzle that makes the film so enjoyable. Not only do they have an infectious and giddy chemistry together, but both are also just darned good in their own ways. Stone's wide-eyed and innocent optimism is instantly identifiable to anyone whose ever had a dream to do something great, and her emotional turmoil as she goes through the ups and downs of show business lets her stretch her chops wonderfully. And Gosling nicely compliments and contrasts this as a character who wants to do great things, but always seems to have to compromise. He's a perfect foil to Stone, and in a weird way, they can almost be seen as the same type of character, only having gone down different paths.
Unfortunately, I can't help but feel there is one critical flaw that haunts the film and holds it just shy of being a masterpiece. And that is the fact that the film is often in love with itself too much. To the point it becomes a detriment. I know that sounds silly, but that's the only way I can describe it. There's so much to love in "La La Land", but oftentimes the deeper concepts and themes that are brought up take a backseat to style and reference. There will be a wonderful scene where two characters share a deep and meaningful moment... only to be followed-up with Gosling dumping a slew of references to famous jazz musicians or Stone having a doe- eyed moment where she looks classic LA iconography. And as a result... well, it becomes uninteresting and pretentious at a few key moments. A film needs to be in love with itself, and everyone involved should love the material. But it goes a bit too far at times here.
That being said, I can't help but admit this is probably one of the year's best films, and this flaw doesn't detract the excellence of virtually every other aspect of the proceedings. This is a work of cinematic art and is filled with love and passion from all involved. And it's just a wonder to behold. It just isn't quite "perfect."
And so, I give "La La Land" an excellent 9 out of 10. Definitely check this one out on the big-screen. It deserves to be seen in theaters.