La La Land - Review

When you make a film as good as Whiplash, Hollywood normally lets you have lots of free reign over your next project. It just so happens that Damien Chazelle's next passion project is a love letter to 1940's Hollywood. I can't think of a single film that has captured the glory of 1940's Hollywood... since the glory days of 1940's Hollywood. From the extravagant production design with its luscious colours and wonderful locations to its great use of Jazz in its soundtrack, this film makes Los Angeles look like heaven. I was just there and I can safely say that the real Los Angeles is not as beautiful as it is shown in La La Land. As for the musical numbers, I need to discuss. First off, I generally like musicals. Grease, Hairspray, a countless number of Disney of films, I'm a little bit of a fan. However, if it is full of cheesiness, it can turn me off right away (Moulin Rouge! has this effect on people). The film opens with a giant musical number without any of the main cast during a traffic jam on an LA Interstate. I have to admit, I was like, "If this is the whole movie, I'm in for a long ride." Another mediocre musical number followed right afterward and I wasn't really feeling that either. However, when the movie introduced Ryan Gosling and his storyline, I was onboard. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have unbelievable chemistry and are so likable. I think I just might be in love with Emma Stone. Straight up. She's perfect. The next musical number was the one you see them perform on the poster of the film. That's when I was really along for the musical ride. From that point on, the music was all very good. Whether it made you wanna dance, or cry, the music was all top notch. You can really tell this film was directed by Damien Chazelle because he brings lots of his trademark editing styles and writing techniques to this film and they are all solid. So if you are a fan of classic Hollywood, musicals, jazz, have a crush on either Emma Stone or Ryan Gosling, this is a movie for you. I have a feeling that this film will sweep up lots of Oscars and I believe this will become an instant classic!