Monday Movie Review: La La Land

Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the musical drama La La Land was released in December 2016. This year, the film returned to theaters for a special theatrical re-release, including screenings in Dolby Cinemas with enhanced visuals and audio.

La La Land (2016) 

In La La Land, jazz musician Sebastian (played by Ryan Gosling) and aspiring actress Mia (played by Emma Stone) try to pursue their dreams in Los Angeles while building a relationship along the way. What makes La La Land stand out is how real its narrative feels. Rather than presenting a perfect love story, the film follows two people who support each other as they work toward their individual dreams.  

A Ten-Year Anniversary

Having first seen the movie when it was released 10 years ago, the emotional impact of the ending remains the same. Visually, La La Land is just as memorable. The film’s bold colors, large-scale musical numbers, and cinematic anamorphic look create a distinctly theatrical experience. The opening freeway sequence, filmed as an extended one-shot on a Los Angeles highway, immediately establishes the film’s visual ambition.

The Hoot Review Scale

• 5 Hoots - Outstanding filmmaking with emotional or cultural impact
• 4 hoots - Great movie with some minor flaws. Would recommend to a friend.
• 3 Hoots. Enjoyable, but not groundbreaking. 
• 2 Hoots - It was okay, but it falls short of expectations or potential. 
• 1 Hoot - Weak story and/or poor execution. 

Personally, I love this film. I am giving it a 5 Hoot review. La La Land remains an emotional and visually stunning musical that proves a story can be inspiring without needing a perfect ending.