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| Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone (r) star in La La Land |
Another Day of
Rotten Tomatoes Plot: Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Damien Chazelle, La La Land tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone) an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.
It's baffling what passes for a musical nowadays (i.e. Wikipedia lists Pitch Perfect & Straight Outta Compton as examples.) Chazelle's La La Land is a bonafide musical, equal parts charming and magical... but ultimately a bit too real (depressing/sad) to warrant its early Oscar buzz for Best Picture, yet alone a place amongst the all-time greats (An American in Paris, Cabaret, West Side Story.) Gosling & Stone are terrific; and if you're looking for a hipster's tour guide of LA, you won't be disappointed. Bottom line: Good for a few laughs (I Ran) and a must-see date night movie.
Grade: B
