Movie #1287 ........................."La La Land"

Movie #1287 "La La Land" is a very gutsy movie that is getting lots of good press at this point in time.  But it isn't for everyone ---- it is truly a musical, and  it sets the pace in the opening number.  That itself is gutsy --- it makes no bones about it --it's in your face from the first downbeat --- people are dancing on top and over cars, etc.  But this opening number isn't just a fluff number --- it sets the pace --- it sets the place, la la land -- it sets up the main subject --- dreams --- how many of us haven't dreamt in a big long line of traffic to be able to get out of the car and just walk, run or socialize among the rest of the cars?  It also introduces Gosling and Stone stuck in traffic and dealing with it.  Then, it follows each of the characters to give brief exposition on who each is until they meet in a restaurant where he is playing -----all I can say to Gosling's piano playing is WOW!  Very impressive.  As far as their singing and dancing, I'm sure there are a lot of dancers/singers out there in the audience saying they could do better, so once again this was a gutsy move to have Gosling/Stone dance and sing on their own ---- singing is a bit breathy and somewhat soft/weak, the dancing is passable, the acting is stellar, the script has problems, but bottom line, I really enjoyed this, as romantic comedies work, this one has chemistry and heart,  and the final moment makes it all worthwhile to me.  But I am the demographic who WOULD enjoy this because I  usually love musicals --- but  if you don't "get" them, don't bother with this, because it will annoy you.  But if you can buy what they are doing, and marvel at the guts it took to put this together, and you can appreciate the beautiful sets and shots, then this is a must-see, and this is a movie to be reckoned with at awards time --- it may just sweep by all the sad, depressing offerings in a time period when we need uplifting films like this that remind us that if we dream big, there may be huge sacrifices we need to make along the way. 4.3 out of 5 stars.

"LA LA LAND"     PG-13     2016     4.3 stars out of 5

While pursuing showbiz fame, jazz pianist Sebastian falls for aspiring actress Mia, and the two embark on an intense love affair. But as their separate paths of ambition force them to make tough choices, their relationship starts to fray.

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend,