La La Land - Movie Review
- from Paige Hagy
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- Wellsboro Area High School
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- 1537 views
The Tony Award winning musical masterpiece, La La Land, is a passionate and timeless creation. Mia (Emma Stone) is an aspiring actress living in Los Angeles where she meets and falls for a jazz pianist, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). The movie follows the pair's dynamic relationship and the struggles they overcome to achieve their dreams.
When I saw La La Land in theaters, I could not decide what my favorite part was. Was it the lively music? The bright, vivid picture? Or was it the romantic, heart-breaking plot? I think all of these contribute to making La La Land a phenomenal movie.
Though there is controversy regarding La La Land's depiction of today's jazz, I think the movie soundtrack is spectacular overall. It is hard to choose a favorite song from the wide range of genres it covers. The soundtrack includes mellow jazz piano pieces, grand songs by a sixty-piece orchestra, upbeat jazz bands, Broadway-like musical numbers, and a new and creative pop-jazz song featuring John Legend. The music alone takes you on a journey through the movie. In one moment, you are tapping your foot to "Another Day of Sun," the opening full ensemble number. In the next, you are closing your eyes in the bliss of "Mia and Sebastian's Theme," a simple, yet elegant tune that is played throughout the entire movie.
The plot of the film is an emotionally moving one as well. Mia and Sebastian are both repeatedly trying and failing to achieve their goals. Mia aspires to be an actor in Hollywood, while Sebastian wishes to open and run his own jazz club. Once they fall in love and begin a relationship, they motivate and encourage one another to continue pursuing their dream. In the end, La La Land portrays how two people can find happiness through each other. One person can be the catalyst for happiness in another person's life.
If you have not yet seen this fantastic film, I highly recommend that you do. You are sure to fall in love with the genuine characters, lovely music, and timeless, romantic story.