When seeing a movie today it is a common occurrence that people may leave the theatre feeling a bit underwhelmed, as they often regret paying north of 10 dollars for their theatre ticket, rather then waiting a little longer for the film to arrive on On-Demand or Netflix. When I drudged to my local cinema with my mother to see the movie La La Land, I was afraid I would leave with these feelings of disappointment and regret. However as I left the theatre I did not regret spending the money on my ticket, as the movie succeeded in transforming me into the world of Hollywood cinema, it also succeeded in being extremely relatable to our real world, including my own.
The movie La La Land follows the tale of Mia, a young aspiring actress played by Emma Stone, and Sebastian, a struggling jazz pianist with big dreams of his own played by Ryan Gosling. The two have multiple chance encounters, and eventually begin a relationship as the attempt to push one another to not give up on their dreams in an often jaded and unkind world. Through their trials and tribulations, the characters of Mia and Sebastian and their often roller coaster ride of a relationship with their many flaws but unwavering dreams is extremely relatable to the audience, as they can be seen by audience members as real people rather than simply characters on a screen.
Being a former play kid, one of my favorite things about the film was the fact that unlike many popular films today, the movie is a musical. From the opening scene which is an ensemble number featuring not only singing, but an old Hollywood dance number with the characters dancing on top of their cars, I was immediately transformed into the world of Old Hollywood that inspires the character of Mia to chase her dreams throughout the film. I as an audience member was also extremely taken by the performance of Ms. Emma Stone, who although not usually noted for her singing chops, is being praised by both critics and movie goers alike by her performance as Mia. In her final musical performance of the movie, Emma's raw emotions and strong voice hit viewers in full force, giving the character of Mia the ending that she truly deserves.
The movie also succeeds in being relatable. A movie that is far from a fairytale, the film shows how a few decisions that a person makes can have a complete impact on not only their life, but the lives of others. It shows how although certain people may not become permanent fixtures in ones life, that doesn't mean they don't cause permanent changes, as they may put you on the path you are meant to be on.
Leaving the theatre on a chilly Wednesday night my wallet may have been slightly lighter, but my mind had been completely enthralled by the journey it was taken on. I have an opinion that the best movies are those that stay with you with thoughts swimming in your head that continue long after you have left the cinema. I highly recommend treating yourself to the magical world of La La Land, as the emotions it leaves you with will be anything but disappointment.
