La La Land

Writer/director Damien Chazelle - who made Whiplash, my second favorite movie from two years ago, and which has become one of my all-time favorites, that I watch at least annually - has a new film out called La La Land. I knew there was singing and dancing in it, and thought going in that it would be a breezy sweet romantic chick flicky movie musical that would get couples in the mood, and possibly be responsible for lots of babies being born in September and October. It is a triumph in the music department; this is the strongest and catchiest group of songs I've heard in a new "show" in many years. There isn't a single one that is unnecessary, and all of them help punctuate and propel the story forward. If a song happens in a predictable moment, it will most certainly come about in a form that you might not have seen coming. Choreography by Mandy Moore is infectiously fun, and the jazz instrumental pieces are mesmerizing. For my money, I think we should go ahead and give Emma Stone the Oscar. She is sweet, charming, endearing, funny, affecting, and everything we need in a heroine. Other actresses could have played it well, but nobody like her. Before finishing my viewing of the movie, I was prepared to put in this review that her singing voice isn't the strongest, and is breathy and devoid of any belt voice. I would have spoken too soon.

La La Land is beautiful, sparkling, magical, memorable, and far from "just" a sugary movie musical. There aren't as many songs as I would have expected, and for those who aren't fans of the genre who are hesitant, it can be appreciated on several other levels. The plot takes some heartbreaking and thought-provoking turns, ones that I did not foresee, but they felt true and right. The final sequence, which borders on existential, reminded me of the ending of Chazelle's Whiplash, with the quiet and hypnotic ride we are taken on. Don't take La La Land lightly. It is not icing on the cake, or even a cake. It is a complete meal. There is so much to taste, and you will feel full. I am still processing everything, and frankly wondered what to write when I sat down at the computer. Then a funny thing happened when I realized I think I loved it, would recommend it to everybody, and it might be the best of the year.