La La Land

Fresh from earning praise for “Whiplash,” film director, Damien Chazelle (First Man, Babylon) worked on his next project he’s been working on since college. An ambitious project based on his fondness for musicals from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Set in modern times, “La La Land” is about a pair of starving artists named, Mia & Sebastian. There goal is to make it big in Hollywood. Mia wants to become an actress and Sebastian wants to become a jazz musician. As the story progresses, they form a romantic bond tied to their dreams.

Released in 2016, (same year Mac Miller’s fourth studio album The Divine Feminine came out) La La Land earned universal acclaim from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to huge praise, the film made enough revenue at the box office. Emma Stone won her first Oscar for “Best Actress.” 

At first, Warren Beatty & Faye Dunaway announced La La Land won “Best Picture.” Everybody was stoked they won. Unfortunately, the Warren & Faye made a big boo boo pulling a Steve Harvey, accidentally announcing the wrong winner for “Miss Universe.” “Moonlight” was the actual winner. The aftermath of the 2017 Academy Awards generated controversy My reaction to the mix up was pure denial. I addressed in on my editorial, “Top 12 Film Controversies of 2017.”

Anyway, I have three reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on La La Land. Mark your calendars.

• Emma Stone (one of my Top 5 favorite actresses) has two upcoming films, Kinds of Kindness” & “Eddington.” Release Date for the former, June 21, 2024. As of Spring 2024, a release has yet to be confirmed.
• Ryan Gosling will star in a film adaptation of an ‘80s TV show known as, “The Fall Guy.” Release Date, May 3, 2024.
• My number one anticipated film of 2024, “Joker: Foile à Deux” will be released on October 4, 2024. This year, I’m working on several articles related to musicals from past to present before I see Joaquin Phoenix (one of my Top 5 favorite actors) & Lady Gaga dancing and singing together. I know I’m not a big fan of musicals, but I’m gearing up to support James Gunn’s upcoming DC Universe and non-DC Universe films labeled as “Elseworlds” like Robert Pattinson’s “The Batman” sequel.

Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.

Float & Sink Qualities

Float: Emma Stone & Ryan Gosling both did an excellent job for their respective performances. The pair also did their own singing and dancing. I’m giving them Bonus Points for working their butts off. They sing better than Russell Crowe in “Les Misérables” & Pierce Brosnan in “Mamma Mia.” Don’t forget, Ryan learned to play the piano.

Other Cast Members such as John Legend, Finn Wittrock & J.K. Simmons all did a solid job for their respective performances.

Damien Chazelle did a superb job directing. He also wrote the script.

Fun Fact 1: Damien casted Emma after seeing her perform a Broadway production of “Cabaret.”

Fun Fact 2: Emma & Ryan previously played lovers in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” & “Gangster Squad”. Their third collaboration surpassed the aforementioned two.

Damien’s fellow collaborator, Justin Hurwitz orchestrated instrumental tracks.

Songwriting duo, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul wrote a few tunes. “City of Stars” earned them “Best Original Song.”

Cinematography captures beautiful imagery. You can tell Damien’s a fan of classic Hollywood musicals.

Chemistry between Mia & Sebastian serves as the main highlight.

The title of the film is a nickname for Los Angeles. Which is the main setting.

The film’s a throwback to musicals from the Golden Age of Hollywood including the works of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers & Gene Kelly.

Primary Themes are Passion, Ambition, Pursuit & Bonding. Each one’s handled carefully.

I refuse to tell you how it ends. You’ll have to see for yourself. I bring a couple tissues if I were you.

Sink: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the cast and crew an Extra Point for making a flawless musical film as possible.

The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!

La La Land’s a modern classic. I may not be a big musical film, but I consider it as one of my favorites along with “South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut,” “Chicago” and my all-time favorite, Tim Burton’s “Sweeney Todd.” Which musical film should I review next? Please leave a comment.