Irresistible Fun

Rating: 9/10 (27 February 2017)

It's true. We've seen films like La La Land before. In the first five minutes it becomes all too clear that Damien Chazelle's Hollywood musical is trying to pay homage to all of the ones that came before it. (Singin' in the Rain, An American in Paris, etc.) However, it is exactly this that makes La La Land such a delight for audiences and film critics alike. And it heavily contributes to what could have so nearly been a bland and soulless film.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are perfectly charming in the lead roles. They share great chemistry and play well off of one another. I was not a big fan of either star before watching this film. Watching La La Land, I get the distinct feeling that these two were made to star in this film. I can't picture anyone else playing Mia or Sebastian more perfectly. However, despite the love story that takes the fore front of the plot, this film refuses to give us the happy ending we've grown so accustomed to receiving. What a shame that one of the films freshest elements is also it's saddest.
It's also worth noting that La La Land earned the Academy Award for Best Cinematography, an honour that was well deserved. The camera is just as much an esteemed guest in the film as the lead stars. It moves graciously with the actors and enhances the fluidity of the sequences. Beautiful lavender sunsets, a gorgeous planetarium full of starlight and colours that dance and sparkle in the street lights all come to life in this amazing, vibrant story.
I loved La La Land and I am not ashamed of it. It's not a new story by any means, but it is criminally fun and oh so very hard not to become swept up in it's astounding melodies. The criticism for it is understandable, but we should never be made to feel guilty for the films we enjoy. So if your feet start tapping to "Another day of sun" or "City of Stars", then by all means, enjoy it to your hearts content. Film is art. Art is subjective. Never stop falling in love with what makes your soul sing and your heart race.
As a musical, La La Land succeeds in a land slide. But do not forget that this is also a film about winning, losing, love, heartache and most importantly...a film about dreams and those who are brave and foolish enough chase them.