First, the Recap:
It’s the land where dreams fail and come true for aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) as she tries to make herself known out of a sea of wannabe talent in modern day Los Angeles. While facing the many pitfalls, frustrations, sense of humiliation, and one dead-end day job that comes with seeking fame, an unexpected encounter with local jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) brings with it a new romance, freshly inspired drive, and a willingness to reach further to see both of their dreams come to pass. But with success can come heartbreak plus a tenuous hold on what is truly most important in life and the pursuit of one’s ambitions, becoming the biggest test of winning and losing for both in the City of Angels.
Worth Seeing: YES
A standing ovation and hearty shout of “Bravo!!” should be granted Academy Award-nominee Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”) as he more than successfully ushers in what this reviewer truly hopes becomes a new golden age of movie musicals with his affecting drama, filled with the splashy fun of the film’s lead-in number “Another Day In The Sun” to the deeply moving solo piece “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” and everything in-between. Fluidly mixing the classic feel of the Astaire-Rogers era with its contemporary-set narrative, the beautifully shot cinematography whisks the viewer through this candid tale of love, unfulfilled goals, and new chances at hope and success.
Gosling and Stone shine as brightly as the Hollywood spotlight in their respective performances, demonstrating amazing commitment to all the dance routines and singing needed to make this the wonderful experience it is plus exuding a realistic, tangible chemistry worthy of the magical atmosphere being created. Supporting cast including Academy Award winner J.K. Simmons, music marvel John Legend, Finn Wittrock, Tom Everett Scott, and a host of others also assist in making this effort the character-driven showstopper it is. So, put on your proverbial dancing shoes, sit back, relax, and let this whimsical, touching, gleeful, melancholy, all-around superb musical adventure take you where you can crash and burn or soar amongst the stars.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
