A naive homage to the musicals of yesteryear

Rating: 7/10 (10 January 2017)

If you've seen classics that clearly inspired multiple facets of this film, like "An American in Paris," "Singin' in the Rain," "A Star is Born," and lesser films like "Xanadu,"and "Fame," you may find "La La Land" less than inspiring, despite its decent songs. Emma Stone was very good, but Gosling nearly ruined the film with his saturnine presence; there are many actors who could have done a better job. Overall, it presents a heavily romanticized version of L.A., giving the impression that the city is largely defined by Pasadena, Griffith Park, the Santa Monica Pier and the Hollywood Hills. These and other script elements certainly betray director/writer Chazelle's youth and lack of real-life experience. Most actors in L.A. never get (paid) work in films or TV, and the small percentage who do mostly get work in commercials and as (non-union) extras. Most would gladly eat out of dumpsters for months for the chance to get a SAG card. Given that jazz clubs are few in L.A., and regularly feature established artists of the genre with a lot more experience than Gosling's character has, some of his character's actions and attitudes are largely preposterous. In short, a derivative diversion with some good songs and a luminous performance from Emma Stone. It lacks the zest and joie de vivre to make a strong impression on the big screen. It may play better on video.